#1450
Mentioned in 28 episodes

Parable of the Sower

Book • 1993
Published in 1993, 'Parable of the Sower' is a dark and vivid portrayal of a future where global climate change and economic crises have led to social chaos.

The story is told through the diary entries of Lauren Olamina, a 15-year-old Black girl living in a gated community near Los Angeles.

Lauren suffers from hyperempathy, a condition that makes her feel the pain and pleasure of others.

As her community is destroyed by external threats, Lauren embarks on a perilous journey north, developing a new faith called Earthseed along the way.

Earthseed's central doctrine is that 'God is Change' and cannot be resisted, but can be influenced.

The novel explores themes of survival, faith, family, hope, and community in a world torn apart by environmental devastation, economic collapse, and violence.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 28 episodes

Recommended by
undefined
Martine Rothblatt
for their exploration of questioning authority.
286 snips
#749: Michael Lewis and Martine Rothblatt
Mentioned by
undefined
Krista Tippett
and
undefined
adrienne maree brown
as a significant influence on her work.
283 snips
adrienne maree brown — On Radical Imagination and Moving Towards Life
Recommended by Jarrett Sleeper as a relevant book set in Altadena, featuring a dystopian future with a "Make America Great Again" slogan.
61 snips
Fire Ecology (WILDFIRES & INDIGENOUS FIRE MANAGEMENT) Mega Encore with Gavin Jones & Amy Christianson (LA Fires Re-Release)
Recommended by
undefined
Leah Litman
for its shockingly current resonance.
38 snips
Our Favorite Things, 2024
Mentioned by
undefined
Hilary J. Allen
as a dystopian favorite she recently finished reading.
31 snips
How AI Could Freeze Progress with Hilary Allen
Mentioned by
undefined
Jeff O'Neill
as a book that may not be known by everyone.
29 snips
How to Read More (and Better) in 2026
Mentioned by
undefined
Sam Fragoso
as a writer whose work is relevant to the current situation in Los Angeles.
23 snips
The Week That Changed Los Angeles
Mentioned by
undefined
Duncan Trussell
to explain seeding the universe and the galactic creator, drawing a comparison to the Anunnaki.
22 snips
710: Jay Anderson
Referenced in the episode description as one of Crossan's works exploring parables and their provocative function.
16 snips
Easter Against the Empire: Faith in a Time of War

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app