Monthly Archives: February 2026

Theology in the Capitalocene with Joerg Rieger PGE 112



In this episode I speak with Professor Joerg Rieger about his book, Theology in the Capitalocene: Ecology, Identity, Class, and Solidarity. Professor Rieger explains why the term, “Capitalocene” should be used instead of the term “Anthropocene.” He helps us understand what is happening because of the Capitalocene, especially as it negatively impacts in a new way many of the issues relating to social justice–issues such as global warming, classism, racism, sexism. queerism, and labor. He also outlines the way theologies and religions have negatively contributed to the development of the Capitalocene. However, Professor Rieger provides us with alternatives and offers us ways to respond. He also believes that both theology and religion have a role in moving us more positively forward.

In order to bring the alternatives Professor Rieger offers to address the capitalocene into concrete action, he established the Wnedland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice.The Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice is an interdisciplinary program located at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. Its focus is on issues of justice that arise at the intersection of religion, economics, and ecology. Founded in 2019 and supported by a generous gift from Barbara Wendland, the mission of the program is to develop resources and opportunities for students, scholars, clergy, and activists to envision and create a more just and sustainable world for all.

Professor Joerg Rieger is Distinguished Professor of Theology, The Cal Turner Chancellor’s Chair in Wesleyan Studies, and the Founding Director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice.

The intro and outro music for this episode is from a clip of a song called ‘Father Let Your Kingdom Come’ which is found on The Porter’s Gate Worship Project Work Songs album and is used by permission by The Porter’s Gate Worship Project.