In the book, Gardens of Democracy, authors Lui and Hanauer argue that western institutions are based a fundamental misunderstanding of Darwinism: only the strong survive, dog-eat-dog, survival of the fittest, etc. They argue that the growth models of our religious and social institutions have been based on competition and self-interest. And yet, observing the natural world, we see that the natural world is not, in fact, based on simple competition. The healthiest, most vibrant ecosystems are those that have the most biodiversity: the most cooperation (both within a single species, and between multiple species). As we move further into the 21st century, this may well serve as a model for how our religious communities might not just survive but thrive. In this service, I ask myself, drawing on nature’s model of biodiversity, how does my theology make room for others, for “theodiversity.”
Guest Rev. Jon Coffee is a regional coordinator with Meadville Lombard Theological School.
Summary:
This sermon explores the shift from a competitive, “survival of the fittest” worldview to one rooted in cooperation and mutualism. Using the evolutionary history of Appalachian salamanders as a metaphor, the speaker illustrates how interdependence and biodiversity are the true markers of a healthy ecosystem. This biological model is applied to Unitarian Universalism, suggesting that modern congregations must move away from rugged individualism and traditional growth metrics. Instead, the sermon argues that religious communities thrive when they foster “theodiversity” and form active partnerships with their surrounding environments. Ultimately, the speaker challenges individuals to pursue a responsible search for truth that prioritizes the well-being of the entire community.