The Cruciform Imaginary

Abstract

This chapter explores the role of social imaginaries in revealing the tragic, justifying responses to the tragic, and patterning legitimate courses of action in the face of the tragic. It examines the rise of religious imaginaries, in particular, as frameworks for environmental thought and governance. Finally, drawing upon the work of Dietrrich Bonhoeffer, the chapter sketches the contours of a religious imaginary by which we might apprehend the tragic, justify certain choices in the face of the tragic, and pattern or teach appropriate responses to the tragic. This “cruciform imaginary” encourages us to bear the costs of the tragic so that others might benefit from possessing or securing more goods at once.