God is Change and Other Tenets of Earthseed

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

The title "Parable of the Sower" is fitting due to the parallels between the Biblical parable and the trajectory of Lauren's life and the development of Earthseed in the novel. Just as the sower in the parable disseminates seeds across different types of soils, with varying results, Lauren spreads the teachings of Earthseed across a dystopian, post-apocalyptic landscape with different results. Some people are prepared to hear what she has to say, but others are not. Thus, just like with the sower in the parable, some of her teachings are lost or rejected (like seeds on the path or among thorns), while others find fertile minds and hearts (like seeds on good ground) and grow into a community that embraces her philosophy. Despite her rejection of her father's Baptist beliefs, the parable form and its lessons about receptivity, resilience, and the potential for growth, remained influential.

The Parable of the Sower could have been chosen by Butler as the starting point for her series because it serves as a potent metaphor for the spreading of ideas and the building of communities, both of which are central to the novels. This parable in particular emphasizes the critical role that the receiver plays in determining the impact of a message or ideology, much like the characters in the novel determine the fate and influence of Earthseed. However, she was likely simply attracted to the metaphorical idea and not so much to the Christian tenets underlying the biblical parable.

Within the framework of the book, Butler's reference to Christianity, specifically this Judeo-Christian parable, could be seen as a critique of traditional religious systems, which Lauren finds inadequate in addressing the realities of her time. For instance, Butler titles the novel "Parable of the Sower," but she aligns the new religion Lauren forms, Earthseed, with ancient (essentially irreligious) ideas that have no real connection to revealed religion. At the same time, this could also be seen as a commentary on how religion adapts and evolves to meet the needs of the times and the people.

In "Parable of the Sower," both race and class are factors that contribute to societal divisions and conflict. However, the novel appears to highlight class as the more destructive force in this specific dystopian future. While racial tensions still exist, they seem to be somewhat overshadowed by the desperate struggle for survival that crosses racial lines. In short, everyone is affected by the deterioration in standards. The community that Lauren builds is multi-racial, showing that there is the possibility of getting over racial divides. At the same time, the class divisions are constantly emphasized, with the rich living in fortified enclaves while the poor suffer from water scarcity, lack of jobs, and other problems. It could be argued that Butler is presenting a critique of capitalist societies, suggesting that extreme wealth inequality can lead to social collapse and widespread suffering.