As a generalist with a broad range of interests, I bring together old and new modalities from around the globe, in a life-long effort to identify the best approaches for confronting the mighty and urgent crises of our age. A native of Pakistan, I have lived in the United States for almost quarter century. I hold a PhD in the sociology of religion from Drew University in New Jersey. Currently, I am an associate professor in the Religion department of a small liberal arts college.
This website began its life as a simple blog in 2008, but is now being expanded to serve two additional functions: (1) a resource for the readers of my upcoming book, Teaching at Twilight, and (2) a place for me to connect with educators who share some of the same concerns as the ones I express in the book. This expansion was necessitated because, over the last decade or so, I have become increasingly aware of the scale, scope, and speed of the ecological crisis. As a result, I have come to view the ecological crisis as one of the most consequential manifestations of humanity’s modern Predicament—for what is at stake in this crisis is nothing less than the very habitability of the planet. As the ecological crisis worsens, nations around the world are finding it harder and harder to maintain their current trajectories, which is increasing the likelihood of societal disruptions and widespread human suffering. It is clear to me that modern civilization is now in its terminal phase, and that massive changes are needed to ensure that its demise is as humane and peaceful as possible. As a teacher, I am particularly disturbed by the fact that the vast majority of young people are receiving an education that won’t help them meet the challenges they are destined to face in the coming years and decades. I hope I can encourage educators at all levels, as well as parents and community leaders, to help bridge this gap.
Dear Dr. Afzaal, I and my colleagues in The Council on the Uncertain Human Future are fully aligned with your argument — eloquently made — in TaT. I’ll indicate our website below; you may find it if interest. With my deep respect and gratitude to you for the work you are doing to raise the alarm. Diana Chapman Walsh
Dear Dr, Afzaal, my work in place- and community-based education has been aimed at preparing young people to gain the kinds of perspectives, skills, and commitments needed to negotiate the future you, Diana Chapman Walsh, and I are envisioning. Check out the work of the Boggs School in Detroit to see what how this approach is being embodied.