OUT-OF-THE-BOX #1: NATURE & SPIRITUALITY

What changes when we view nature not merely as a resource, a piece of land or a backdrop, but as part of a living web of relationships to which we ourselves also belong? What do we lose when this connection fades? And what role do notions of meaning, responsibility, connectedness and creation play in this?

In a city like Berlin, which thrives on diversity, pace and constant change, questions about spirituality may seem out of place at first. And yet they touch on something fundamental: How do we understand our place in the world? How do we deal with uncertainty? What provides guidance when familiar certainties begin to crumble? And how can we develop a relationship with nature that goes beyond mere use and protection?

Our guests will share their experiences, stories and perspectives; the aim is not to have a discussion in search of quick answers or consensus, but rather to create an evening full of unexpected connections, productive friction and new ideas. For the way we think about nature also shapes the way we live in and shape society. Resilience does not arise solely from knowledge or agreement. It grows where people tolerate differences, listen to one another and forge new relationships – with others, with the environment and with themselves.

Featuring:

Hannah Becker: An agricultural scientist specialising in animal management, she works as a shepherd and herd manager at ‘Döberitzer Heide – Galloways’. Among other things, she looks after sheep, Galloway cattle, wild horses and zebu cattle, and also works as an urban shepherd in Berlin.

Mathias Grote: A biologist and historian of science, he has been the Heisenberg Professor of ‘History of Knowledge’ at the University of Greifswald since 2023. His research focuses, amongst other things, on the history and epistemology of the life sciences, as well as on humans, microbes and environments. In his project ‘From Gaia to OneHealth?’, he examines the historical shift in our understanding of humans, microbes and

environments – and in particular the shift from a largely antagonistic relationship with microorganisms towards an understanding of coexistence and community

Jörg Lange: Cross-country skiing instructor – with a strongly experience-based perspective on nature, movement, landscape and direct engagement with the environment and the seasons

Andrea Richter: Appointed as Programme Director for Spirituality at the EKBO (term ending Oct. 2025); she continues to work in the field of Protestant retreat work and

creation spirituality. She is deeply engaged with ‘ecological spirituality’ and explicitly seeks dialogue between science, spirituality, the experience of nature and social action.

Moderator: Maike Weißpflug

The event is free of charge, but registration is required HERE