SC Connecticut News

Yale Divinity School has appointed Ryan Darr as an assistant professor of religion, ethics, and environment. Previously affiliated with the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, Darr played a key role in launching initiatives focused on ecological issues through ritual and sacred arts. He holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from Yale University and has been a postdoctoral research associate at Princeton University's Center for Human Values.

In an interview for the "Office Hours" series, Darr shared his perspectives on environmental ethics and mass extinction. "Other species matter for human wellbeing in many ways," he stated, emphasizing their roles in maintaining clean air, water, and fertile soil. He argues that treating other species merely as resources is unjust both to them and to humanity.

Darr's research also explores individual responsibility versus structural justice in environmental matters. He acknowledged debates about the impact of personal actions but insisted they should not be dismissed: "Justice isn’t just about outcomes; it is also about how we live in relation to one another."

Combining environmentalism with the arts is another area of interest for Darr. He believes artistic expressions can effectively address climate change and related issues. Currently teaching a class that integrates speculative fiction with theological texts, he noted that people are still imagining hopeful futures beyond dystopian scenarios.

The Yale Divinity School's Living Village project excites Darr as it represents a sustainable future model. "I think it has power to transform our community," he said.

Darr's favorite spot on campus is under a buckeye tree at Farham Memorial Gardens, where he often reads.