Laura M. Hartman

Wrestling with Wickedness: A Response

I question the formulation of complex problems as “wicked,” brainstorming other, more fruitful alternatives to this terminology. Such problems are typically contrasted with “tame” problems; the literature charges that one should not treat a problem as “tame” when it is “wicked.” Given this, I question both the individualistic consumer approach to climate change and a typical approach from the field of religion and ecology, which may only focus on worldview transformation. Both of these are too “tame” to solve climate change. I argue that the problem of climate change should be seen as “wild.” Scholars of religion do have helpful resources to address such mammoth imbroglios, but we must nevertheless honor the problem’s wildness.

Seeking Food Justice

Seeking justice, as Christians, means seriously reconsidering our food consumption in light of multiple instances of injustice: maltreatment of workers, animals, and the environment; and misdistribution of food both globally and domestically. A variety of solutions—including boycotts, labeling, local consumption, generous donations, and Food Sovereignty—would lead to a more just food system.