Producing Solidarities: Theological Reflections on Humanity and Ecology in <i>Animal’s People</i>

This article examines Indra Sinha’s novel <i>Animal’s People</i> for insight into the intersection of theological anthropology and ecological theology. Set in the wake of a man-made ecological crisis, Sinha’s novel probes the definition of humanity, the interconnectedness between humans...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Emily S. Pruszinski
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
Series:Religions
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/12/8/664
Description
Summary:This article examines Indra Sinha’s novel <i>Animal’s People</i> for insight into the intersection of theological anthropology and ecological theology. Set in the wake of a man-made ecological crisis, Sinha’s novel probes the definition of humanity, the interconnectedness between humans and the environment, and the toxic effects of the neoliberal order for humans and their environment. Drawing on Joerg Rieger and Kwok Pui-lan’s notion of an ecclesiology of solidarity, with insight from Rob Nixon’s work on ecological violence in the neoliberal order, this article considers the rich theological resources residing in Sinha’s work. Through a close reading of the text, the article highlights Sinha’s novel as a reflective resource both for eco-theology and for theological anthropology. It demonstrates that Sinha’s expansive vision of humanity effectively challenges the colonial hierarchy of humanity and the global system of borders which reinforces it. The witness of <i>Animal’s People</i> suggests that theological anthropology and eco-theology are inseparably interrelated and that responsible praxis in both spheres is necessary for developing global human and ecological solidarity.
ISSN:2077-1444