When I sat down with environmental activist Derek Jensen, it felt like we were perched on the precipice of a new understanding, one that bridges the gap between the spiritual and the ecological. This episode takes you through Derek's personal metamorphosis from a faithful Seventh Day Adventist to a tenacious defender of our Earth. Our conversation is a journey through the landscapes of conviction and contradiction, exploring how the values of community and a deep moral compass can coexist with legalism and hypocrisy within religious structures. We peel back the layers of how these experiences have shaped his environmental advocacy, recognizing the sacredness in all forms of life.

As we meander through the ideological wilds, Derek and I confront the historical shift in perspectives toward our planet—from a living, breathing entity to a mere exploitable resource. This shift is profound, touching on the dichotomy of religion's role in both fostering a moral framework and yet often contributing to environmental degradation. We unpack the stories of how indigenous cultures embody a symbiotic relationship with nature, a stark contrast to the narratives that have driven modern society's detachment. It's a call to reforge a connection to the earth, one that respects its agency and intrinsic value.

The crescendo of our dialogue bridges the personal to the collective, the individual to the ecosystem. We discuss finding one’s own path within the grander narrative of activism, harnessing personal talents, and committing to causes that ignite passion. The episode is a homage to the mutual relationships we can cultivate with the natural world, understanding its rhythms and respecting its needs. By the end, we're not just contemplating environmental stewardship: we're envisioning a future where our actions and spirituality are intertwined, where we stand up for the world that sustains us, and where every voice, human or otherwise, is heard and honored. Join us for a conversation that is as much an introspective quest as it is a call to arms for the planet we call home.

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If you would like to be a guest on this podcast or would like to support this work, visit www.leavingthechurchtofindgod.com where you can contact Melissa and or make a donation. Follow along my journey on IG at @authenticallymeli and find more in depth content on YouTube at Diary of an Authentic Life.