The Way Forward: Wisdom In the Midst of Uncertainty

When I talk to people about the state of the world, one clear theme comes through: uncertainty. We are in the midst of major shifts that are roiling the planet and shaping the future in profound but unclear ways. We face ecological uncertainty from planetary forces such as climate change and biodiversity loss. We face political uncertainty from global power shifts such as the rise of China and the decline of the United States We face religious uncertainty from changes like the rapid growth of Christianity in the Southern Hemisphere and the emergence of Christian nationalism in the North.

Periods of significant uncertainty can lead to positive change. However, although there is good news happening and exciting possibilities to explore, for many people the future feels overwhelmingly bleak. And this leads many to ask questions such as: How do we remain rooted and grounded as the very foundations of life around us seem to shift? How do we remain informed when we are surrounded by a media ecosystem full of disinformation and distraction? How do we remain hopeful when we see the things we care about being pulled apart?

I do not have all the answers to these questions, but I have found sources of wisdom that are helping me live in this time of uncertainty without losing my way. I share three key voices of wisdom below, and invite you to share yours. Perhaps we can help find the way forward together.

Voices That Keep Me Informed and Grounded

It is easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer amount of communication that is constantly competing for our attention. Here are three people whose work cuts through the noise, connects me to important information, and offers encouraging inspiration.

Bill McKibben: Over the last several decades, McKibben has emerged as one of the world's most informed and influential environmentalists. In his work as an author, activist, and educator, he has opened the eyes of countless people to the damage being done to the planet, and helped bring care for the earth into the cultural and political mainstream. McKibben is also a person of faith, which makes him especially encouraging for those of us following the way of ecological discipleship.

I've read some of his books, such as his 2011 bestseller, eaarth: making a life on a tough new planet, and look forward to reading his latest and slightly more optimistic, Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization.

I find his Substack newsletter, The Crucial Years, incredibly helpful. These weekly missives keep me informed about the ways in which renewable energy is changing the world, and how entrenched forces are trying to stop it. Subscription is free and delivers the work straight to your inbox; a modest $6 monthly subscription helps support McKibben in his writing and activist work. I encourage you to read his latest missive, "Hey Grok, What's a Waste of Energy?," which explores the role of energy in the current AI boom, and also offers helpful summaries of news stories and trends related to renewable energy and other environmental topics (with links if you want to explore more deeply).

Debra Rienstra: When I met Dr. Rienstra a few years ago, I discovered a beautiful writer, compelling speaker, and thoughtful professor who has responded to the uncertainty of this moment by focusing her gifts and abilities on helping Christians adapt their faith to a changing planet. Her most recent book, Refugia Faith, weaves nature writing, personal narrative, and theological reflection into a powerful invitation to become the type of healers that a damaged earth and a broken humanity so desperately need. At Circlewood, we liked it so much when it came out in 2022 that we made it our Book of the Year and sent copies to every one of our supporters.

Dr. Rienstra also has a Substack newsletter that I find incredibly helpful. Published every other Saturday, the newsletter highlights positive examples of Christians engaging in creative earth care, and also brings readers up to speed with the latest climate-related news. It is completely free, and written with Debra's characteristic warmth and wit, making it a pleasure to read. It's also worth checking out her Refugia podcast - and you can listen to my conversation with her on Circlewood's Earthkeepers podcast.

Randy Woodley: Dr. Randy Woodley has played an important role in the shaping of my faith and leadership over the past ten years. My first encounter with him was through his seminal book, Shalom and the Community of Creation, which brings the Native American 'Harmony Way' into creative conversation with the biblical message of shalom. Since reading that book, I've had multiple conversations with Dr. Woodley, all of which have been stimulating and helpful.

Like the two authors above, Dr. Woodley has a Substack newsletter that I am finding helpful and challenging. His recent writing has taken on some of the anti-environment and anti-democratic policies and practices undertaken by the current American political administration, offering both criticism and alternatives from an indigenous worldview. I encourage you to check it out.

What voices of wisdom have you found helpful during this time of uncertainty?

If you have a moment, would you share them with me, either through the chat at the bottom of this piece or directly through email? I can be reached at james.amadon@circlewood.online.

With you on the Way,

James