Sociological and religious perspectives on human-plant relations in Poland

Various cultural and religious discussions in Poland are exploring the complex relationship between humanity and the natural environment.

At the NOMUS New Museum of Art in Gdansk, Professor Dorota Rancew-Sikora from the University of Gdansk will lead a meeting regarding the socio-cultural relations between humans and plants. The event, accompanying the exhibition “Bodies of the Earth. Our Bodies,” examines how plant cultivation, care, and consumption reflect human values and social tensions. The discussion aims to move beyond viewing nature as a passive object, instead treating it as an active participant in life processes.

In a religious context, teachings from the Leśno parish are highlighting the concept of “care for our common home,” referencing Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato si’. These teachings address the global ecological crisis, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and water scarcity, calling for an ecological conversion and a recognition of the interconnectedness between humans and the planet.