Thoreau's Religion: Walden Woods, Social Justice, and the Politics of Asceticism

by Alda Balthrop-Lewis

Thoreau's Religion presents a ground-breaking interpretation of Henry David Thoreau's most famous book, Walden. Rather than treating Walden Woods as a lonely wilderness, Balthrop-Lewis demonstrates that Thoreau's ascetic life was a form of religious practice dedicated to cultivating a just, multispecies community. The book makes an important contribution to scholarship in religious studies, political theory, English, environmental studies, and critical theory by offering the first sustained reading of Thoreau's religiously motivated politics. In Balthrop-Lewis's vision, practices of renunciation like Thoreau's can contribute to the reformation of social and political life. In this, the book transforms Thoreau's image, making him a vital source for a world beset by inequality and climate change. Balthrop-Lewis argues for an environmental politics in which ecological flourishing is impossible without economic and social justice.

ebook

First published January 14, 2021

About the author

Alda Balthrop-Lewis is an Associate Professor at Florida State University, where she teaches ethics in the Religion Department.

Reviews

[Dayton Martindale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant book, helped me think through a number of issues that will influence my writing and other political activity moving forward while also giving me a new perspective on one of my favorite historical figures. Some highlights include the analysis of what she calls "political asceticism," the idea of renunciation as a positive political act tied up in social/political context rather than mere sacrifice/quietism/retreat. (As a vegan who tries not to fly it helped me figure out how to make these choices more meaningful.) I also love the orientation toward Thoreau's valuing of things held in common as opposed to private property, and of his emphasis on relationships to human and nonhumans alike. The author shares my great appreciation for Thoreau without being reverential, and writes with confidence without acting like she has all the answers.

The author is a friend so I feel compelled to say Alda, if you ever stumble across this review, and sorry for not giving it five stars but I am very stingy with five-star reviews. Please forgive me!