Dr. S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate on Religious Objects, Building Peace & the Value of Symbols

The Sustainable Spirit Podcast

January 1, 2024

Episode 7: Dr. S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate on Religious Objects, Building Peace & the Value of Symbols

SUMMARY

This episode of the Sustainable Spirit podcast features Dr. S.B. Rodriguez Plate, a writer, public speaker, editor, and college professor, who bases their work on the fundamental question of what it means to be human and what makes humans religious. Through their experiences and research, Plate has continually discovered that religion is about bodily experiences, not just beliefs.

In this discussion, they delve into the profound connections between religion and material objects, as explored in their book “A History of Religion in 5 ½ Objects.” Here, Plate discusses how ordinary objects like stones, incense, drums, crosses, bread, and the human body attain religious significance. They explore how these objects become sacred or holy in various religions, examining the evolution and consistency of their symbolism across different cultures and times.

Plate also addresses how religious objects facilitate a deeper understanding of the divine and the core beliefs of a faith, drawing a connection between the divine glimpse offered by religious objects and how these can be tools for reconciliation and peacebuilding, especially in conflict areas.

Plate provides historical and contemporary examples of how these symbols have been used to promote peace and justice and discusses their role in interfaith understanding and dialogue. They also consider how religious objects can symbolize justice, contribute to healing communities affected by injustice, and foster social harmony.

Overall, this is fascinating discussion that promises to uncover the little-discusses material aspects of spirituality, as well as the powerful applications of these ideas toward building peace across the world.

CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFO

Once you have listened to this episode, you might be wondering how you can apply what you’ve learned. Here are some good places to start!

• Share this podcast with a friend (or an enemy)!
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• If you would like to ask me questions, send in requests for future episode topics, or more, use this link to the Sustainable Spirit Podcast page of the Green Also Green website: https://greenalsogreen.com/sustainable-spirit-podcast/
• If you would like to reach out to Dr. Rodriguez-Plate, you can do so using the following methods:
  • Visit this link to see more of their work: http://www.sbrentplate.net/
  • Email them: splate@hamilton.edu

Oh, and Happy New Year! I wish you an incredible year of joy, growth & unexpected miracles. May you make peace with your past, find excitement in your future & stay grateful for your present. See you next episode!