Religion and the Anthropocene

  Octavia Butler was a groundbreaking science fiction writer, transcending the conventions of the genre by challenging issues such as empathy, social norms, conservation, and religion. Despite being one of the few women of color in science fiction writing, she managed to constantly push boundaries and receive unprecedented critical acclaim; she was the first science fiction writer to ever receive a MacArthur Fellowship. Butler wrote several novels and series, including Kindred (1979) and the Patternist series; however, she is most recognized for the Parable series. The Parable novels, Parable of the Sower (1993) and Parable of the Talents (1998), were the last works published by Butler and unfortunately she passed away before completing the last installment of the trilogy, Parable of the Trickster. The first in the series, Parable of the Sower , similar to many of her works, discusses topics such as human inequality, empathy, community, religion, gender, and change.   Parable of