Earthseed

Earthseed is a philosophical and religious system created by the American author Octavia E. Butler. It is presented through two novels, Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents, and is the belief system of the protagonist, Lauren Olamina.

The central tenet of Earthseed is that God is Change. This means that God is not a static, unchanging entity, but rather a dynamic force that is constantly in motion and transforming everything. Followers of Earthseed, known as "Seeders," believe that by understanding and adapting to Change, humanity can survive and thrive.

Key concepts within Earthseed include the Destiny and the Shape. Destiny refers to the ultimate goal of humanity, which is to travel to the stars and establish a presence beyond Earth. The Shape is the plan or path that leads to this destiny. Earthseed emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, and proactive adaptation in the face of societal collapse and environmental crisis, themes prevalent in Butler's novels.

The religion is presented as a practical way of life, encouraging individuals to develop foresight, empathy, and a commitment to collective well-being. It advocates for a forward-looking perspective, urging followers to prepare for the future and work towards the survival and expansion of the human species. Earthseed is presented as a developing belief system, open to interpretation and evolution as humanity progresses.