This chapter explores the emerging field of urban ecotheology, focusing on how sacred spaces adapt to ecological and technological transformations within urban environments. It critically examines how traditional and contemporary sacred sites—ranging from European cathedrals and Asian urban parks to virtual sacred platforms and Indigenous spiritual landscapes—negotiate the tension between environmental degradation and spiritual continuity. Drawing on specific religious frameworks such as Islamic trusteeship (khalifa), Hindu reverence for nature, Christian ecological theology, and Indigenous cosmologies, the chapter analyzes how these worldviews inform ecologically responsible practices in cities. Technologies such as virtual reality, environmental sensing systems, and digital storytelling are not only transforming the spatial and ritual dimensions of sacred spaces but also reshaping urban spiritual ecologies. Case studies highlight both the opportunities and ethical complexities associated with such innovations, including concerns around commodification, cultural appropriation, and digital alienation. The chapter argues for an integrative approach—engaging religious leaders, urban planners, technologists, and ecologists—to design sustainable urban futures grounded in ecological wisdom and spiritual resilience. It concludes by proposing actionable frameworks for eco-urban planning, sacred site preservation, and spiritually grounded climate action.

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Ecotheology and Sustainable Urban Futures

  • Rajeev Semwal,
  • Nandita Tripathi,
  • Pankaj Kumar Tyagi,
  • Vipin Nadda

摘要

This chapter explores the emerging field of urban ecotheology, focusing on how sacred spaces adapt to ecological and technological transformations within urban environments. It critically examines how traditional and contemporary sacred sites—ranging from European cathedrals and Asian urban parks to virtual sacred platforms and Indigenous spiritual landscapes—negotiate the tension between environmental degradation and spiritual continuity. Drawing on specific religious frameworks such as Islamic trusteeship (khalifa), Hindu reverence for nature, Christian ecological theology, and Indigenous cosmologies, the chapter analyzes how these worldviews inform ecologically responsible practices in cities. Technologies such as virtual reality, environmental sensing systems, and digital storytelling are not only transforming the spatial and ritual dimensions of sacred spaces but also reshaping urban spiritual ecologies. Case studies highlight both the opportunities and ethical complexities associated with such innovations, including concerns around commodification, cultural appropriation, and digital alienation. The chapter argues for an integrative approach—engaging religious leaders, urban planners, technologists, and ecologists—to design sustainable urban futures grounded in ecological wisdom and spiritual resilience. It concludes by proposing actionable frameworks for eco-urban planning, sacred site preservation, and spiritually grounded climate action.