Thomas Berry, Dreamer of the Earth: The Spiritual Ecology of the Father of Environmentalism
✍️ Ervin Laszlo, Allan CombsCurrently unavailable
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This compelling anthology celebrates the enduring legacy of Thomas Berry, the prophetic spiritual ecologist widely recognized as a foundational figure in environmental thought. Through a collection of ten insightful essays by leading philosophers, scientists, and spiritual luminaries like Joanna Macy and Ervin Laszlo, readers are invited to explore Berry's profound concept of the "Earth community." The book passionately argues for a radical transformation of human consciousness, presenting Berry's visionary ideas as essential pathways to resolving our planet's pressing ecological and societal crises. It also features a rare, pivotal essay from Berry himself.
Praise for this book
“Thomas Berry, Dreamer of the Earth offers an introduction to one of the most extraordinary thinkers of the twentieth century. His stature cannot be fully appreciated unless one brings to mind such axial personalities as Pythagoras or Confucius, thinkers who gave rise to civilizations. The deep structure of human beings is undergoing a seismic shift, which Thomas foresaw and in part evoked. To understand this new planetary mode of consciousness, there is no substitute for a close study of his ideas.”
📝 Description: Thomas Berry, Dreamer of the Earth: The Spiritual Ecology of the Father of Environmentalism
📑 What's inside
- The WorldShift 2012 Declaration Foreword: The Dreamer of the Earth
- Ervin Laszlo Thomas Berry, Earth Scholar: A Brief Biography 1 The University of the Earth: An Introduction to Thomas Berry
- Allan Combs 2 The Emerging Ecozoic Period
- Thomas Berry 3 Some Thoughts on Thomas Berry's Contributions to the Western Spiritual Tradition
- Matthew Fox 4 Thomas Berry and the Evocation of Participatory Consciousness
- Geneen Marie Haugen 5 Inscendence--The Key to the Great Work of Our Time: A Soulcentric View of Thomas Berry's Work
- Bill Plotkin 6 Dreaming in Sacred Sites: A Study and Tribute to Thomas Berry
- Stanley Krippner, Paul Devereux, Adam Fish, Robert Tartz, and Allan Combs 7 The Double Life of Thomas Berry: Emergence and Evolution
- Duane Elgin 8 Ecological Interiority: Thomas Berry's Integral Ecology Legacy
- Sean Esbjörn-Hargens 9 Earth Community: What It Tells Us About Faith and Power
- Joanna Macy 10 Berry and the Shift from the Anthropocentric to the Ecological Age
- Ervin Laszlo Notes Contributors Index
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers seeking a profound spiritual awakening regarding our planetary home will find immense value in this anthology. It is ideal for those feeling the weight of ecological crisis and searching for a unifying vision that transcends traditional religious boundaries. By exploring Thomas Berry’s concept of the 'Earth community,' individuals can discover a radical transformation of consciousness essential for addressing global societal challenges. The collection offers not just intellectual stimulation but emotional resonance, connecting disparate fields like science and spirituality to reveal humanity's deep kinship with nature. Those yearning for hope and a clear pathway toward ecological harmony will appreciate the insightful essays that celebrate Berry’s legacy as a foundational figure in environmental thought.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
This anthology serves as a vital tribute to Thomas Berry, offering a compelling synthesis of spiritual ecology. While the inclusion of essays by luminaries like Joanna Macy provides authoritative depth, the text assumes a high level of familiarity with esoteric and ecological theory. It is not suited for readers seeking practical, actionable steps for environmental activism or those who prefer empirical scientific data over philosophical discourse. The dense, conceptual nature of the arguments may alienate casual readers looking for light reading. However, for dedicated students of the occult and environmental spirituality, it provides a necessary, albeit abstract, framework for understanding our place within the Earth community.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you are seeking to deepen your understanding of humanity's role within the Earth's grand narrative, or if you're a student of ecological philosophy, mysticism, or sustainable living, this volume offers transformative insights into our collective future.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Spiritual Ecology
The collection deeply explores the intertwining of spiritual wisdom with ecological understanding, a cornerstone of Berry's philosophy. It reveals how viewing Earth as a sacred, interconnected organism, rather than a mere resource, can inspire profound shifts in our relationship with the natural world and ignite a sense of reverence and responsibility for all life.
Consciousness Transformation
A central tenet discussed is the urgent need for humanity to undergo a fundamental change in perception and values. The book posits that our current ecological predicament stems from a fractured consciousness, and that embracing Berry's vision of a holistic "Earth consciousness" is vital for fostering sustainable practices and harmonious coexistence within the global ecosystem.
The Earth Community
This theme delves into Berry's revolutionary concept that all living beings, and indeed the planet itself, constitute a single, interdependent community. The essays illuminate how recognizing our inherent membership in this grand community can lead to a more just and sustainable future, moving beyond anthropocentric views to embrace a biocentric understanding of existence.
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Spiritual Ecology
- Geologian
- Earth Community
📔 Questions to reflect on
- How might shifting your personal worldview from human-centered to Earth-centered alter your daily decisions and interactions with the natural world?
- Reflect on what it means to be a member of the 'Earth community.' What responsibilities and joys might this perspective bring into your life?
- Consider the idea of the Earth as a 'sacred text.' What stories or lessons do you perceive the natural world is trying to communicate to humanity today?
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