This week at the Energy Symposium, Asher Price, a journalist at the Austin American-Statesman, will present a talk titled "Fighting Over Eden: Energy, Environment and Religion in Modern America."
Speaker bio: Asher Price, a state desk reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, is a 2019 journalism fellow at the University of Texas Energy Institute. Three times the Society of Environmental Journalists has named him a finalist for its beat reporter of the year award. Asher is the author of three books, including one about the history and politics of wind power in Texas. His latest book, Earl Campbell: Yards After Contact, is about football and desegregation in Texas.
Abstract: Religion and energy have been intertwined ever since Adam awoke in the Garden of Eden. Broadly speaking, there lies a deep tension between twin doctrines of caring for God’s creation and asserting mankind’s dominion over it. This conflict has spilled into American public policy: religion in this country has long been intertwined with public life, and American politicians frequently say they have prayed before making a decision. Tracing a path from the 19th Century through today, I'll discuss how Americans have weighed scientific fact against their religious tenets, the ways politicians today call on religion to explain their thinking on climate change and public policy, the contemporary internecine battles within religious congregations over energy policy, and, finally, the possibly fraudulent ways some energy companies have leaned on their Christian leanings to lure investors.
The UT Energy Symposium will meet every Thursday during the fall 2019 semester, and is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.
Can’t attend in person? Sessions are recorded and available on the UT Energy Symposium webpage or the Energy Institute YouTube channel.