Member-only story
Worldeater Series: Lawful and righteous Christian terrorism
The sustainability industry is built to sustain a colonial world order. What have been, and continue to be, the narratives, mechanisms and systems that establish and advance colonial sustainability?
Doctrine of Discovery
Three central papal bulls issued by Pope Eugene IV and Pope Nicholas V in 15th century Europe legalised European colonialism and the enslavement of non-Europeans or non-Christians. These form the institutional foundations that permit and incentivise ongoing colonisation. The contemporary sustainability industry plays central roles in upholding these narratives, mechanisms and systems.
Sicut Dudum (1435)
Issued by Eugene following pressure from Portugal’s King Edward; allowed the Portuguese to enslave un-baptised and non-Christian inhabitants of the Canary Islands
Illius qui se pro divini (1441)
Issued by Eugene following requests Portugal’s Prince Henry the Navigator; legalised Portugal’s expanding raids enslaving captives on the West African coast; pardoned crimes against “Saracens” and “enemies of Christianity”
Romanus pontifex (1455)
Issued by Nicholas as an endorsement of Portugal’s King Afonso V to permit Christians to “invade”, “vanquish”, “subdue” and…