Leonardo Boff: 'Capitalism is profoundly anti-Christian'

Brazil of Fact - Humans and nature are inseparable, even when, under neoliberal capitalism, human interference in their environment occurs in an aggressive, predatory, and destructive manner. The consequences are then felt in people's lives, especially the poorest.

According to Leonardo Boff, this situation can only be overcome by rebuilding the relationship between humanity and the environment in a spirit of solidarity and respect, in a proposal that became known as Integral Ecology. 

This worldview influenced Pope Francis in his letter Laudato Si' (Praised be), and is developed almost daily in publications on the theologian and writer's blog, in leonardoboff.org.

In an interview with Brasil de Fato MGLeonardo Boff argues that this paradigm shift is one of humanity's greatest challenges in the current period, in order to avoid new catastrophes. Furthermore, he believes that Integral Ecology is a requirement of the Christian faith itself. Check it out.

Brasil de Fato MG - Environmental catastrophes, the destruction of entire river basins by mining, and the pandemic suggest that the relationship between humanity and the environment has reached its most critical level in history. Why have we reached this situation?

Leonardo Boff - There is a profound connection between Earth and Humanity. It is the vision that astronauts have conveyed to us. From their spaceships or the Moon, Earth and Humanity form a single entity. If the Earth becomes ill, we humans also become ill. If we treat the Earth and its ecosystems well, we become healthier. 

The problem is that, in the last two centuries, with the overexploitation of natural resources and services, many of them non-renewable, we have not respected the Earth's carrying capacity limits. We have not given it time to regenerate. Worse still: we occupy 83% of its surface, not in a friendly way, but destructively, deforesting, polluting the waters, poisoning the soil. The coronavirus is a consequence of our encroachment on the forests, destroying their little home. Unprotected, they pass it on to other animals and, from them, to us. 

The Earth is alive, our Great Mother. When attacked, she responds with more global warming, more typhoons, more floods and droughts. Therefore, we must make peace with Mother Earth: not burn anything, not pollute the soil with pesticides, preserve water sources by planting trees, and conserve water. Otherwise, we will have more catastrophes like the floods in Bahia and Minas Gerais and the droughts in Rio Grande do Sul. The future of life on the planet is in our hands. Instead of being caretakers of nature, we are destroying the foundations that sustain our lives.

What role does neoliberal policy play in this crisis?

Neoliberal politics is profoundly anti-ecological. In ecology, life is at the center. In neoliberalism, it is profit. In ecology, the relationship between all prevails. In neoliberalism, individualism reigns. In ecology, cooperation among all prevails. In neoliberalism, competition of all against all prevails. In ecology, nature is cared for.

In neoliberalism, resources are exploited without limits. Therefore, neoliberalism brings many inequalities that are injustices and sins against God and his sons and daughters. Overcoming neoliberalism requires a participatory democracy and a bioeconomy, or an economy that respects nature and is aimed at the well-being of people, not at accumulation.

In light of this reality, what is integral ecology?

We are accustomed to green ecology, which cares for nature. It is important, but it is not everything. There is society, which must be just and respectful of human rights and the rights of nature. Then, a socio-political ecology emerges. There is culture and education, and there, one must seek an ecology that teaches how to live in harmony with nature and with people in their different cultures. There is a spiritual ecology that provides the values ​​and reasons for caring for our Common Home.

Integral ecology must encompass all areas of reality and ensure that they are sustainable, that is, that they are maintained and reproduced for present and future generations.

In 2015, in Bolivia, Pope Francis declared that the capitalist system is unbearable. Is it possible to reconcile the Christian faith with the maintenance of the capitalist order?

Capitalism is profoundly anti-Christian. It places all value on material possessions, shows no solidarity with those who have less, and commits two injustices: one ecological, by devastating nature, and another social, by creating many poor people and few rich people.

We overcome capitalism by living the evangelical values ​​of unconditional love for people and care for nature, solidarity among all, especially with the impoverished, and a trusting openness to God, creator of all things. From this is born an alternative culture that is more humane, just, and spiritual.

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