We live in a century in which we must either change our way of regarding and acting toward nature or else imperil our survival as a species and jeopardize as well the fate of the planet itself. This book by a theologian and environmental scientist examines four religious figures from European and Asian contexts who could aid us in developing a more sustainable and caring orientation, which would allow us to live more "in tune" with creation: twelfth-century German nun Hildegard of Bingen, thirteenth-century Italian monk and patron saint of ecology Francis of Assisi, nineteenth-century Japanese Zen monk and poet Taigu Ryokan, and the first pontiff from Latin America, twenty-first-century Pope Francis. By emphasizing our intimate and unavoidable organic connection with the network of all life and our charge to care for and protect it, they point us in the direction of a new paradigm, a healthier perspective, a metanoia--a change of heart, mind, attitude, and action--that would partner what we know about nature (an environmental consciousness) with what we do (an ecological conscience). Our children, our grandchildren, and our great-grandchildren deserve at least this much.
We live in a century in which we must either change our way of regarding and acting toward nature or else imperil our survival as a species and jeopardize as well the fate of the planet itself. This book by a theologian and environmental scientist examines four religious figures from European and Asian contexts who could aid us in developing a more sustainable and caring orientation, which would allow us to live more "in tune" with creation: twelfth-century German nun Hildegard of Bingen, thirteenth-century Italian monk and patron saint of ecology Francis of Assisi, nineteenth-century Japanese Zen monk and poet Taigu Ryokan, and the first pontiff from Latin America, twenty-first-century Pope Francis. By emphasizing our intimate and unavoidable organic connection with the network of all life and our charge to care for and protect it, they point us in the direction of a new paradigm, a healthier perspective, a metanoia--a change of heart, mind, attitude, and action--that would partner what we know about nature (an environmental consciousness) with what we do (an ecological conscience). Our children, our grandchildren, and our great-grandchildren deserve at least this much.
Clifford Chalmers Cain is Harrod-C.S. Lewis professor of religious studies at Westminster College in Missouri. The holder of two doctorates, Professor Cain's academic work is situated at the intersection of religion and the environment, the current conversation between theology and science, and in dialogue among the world's religions. He is also a clergyman with credentials recognized by several Christian traditions. This is his tenth book.
"Cliff Cain's Attunement prophetically comes to the Western world
during a time in great need of guidance and (re)engagement with the
natural world. Urging a reclamation of attunement to nature, Dr.
Cain journeys through the values, virtues, and perspectives on the
natural world of these four spiritual guides who inspire listening
to nature, attunement to its rhythms, and, above all, a practical
invitation to transform our worldviews and lifeways not only for
our own self-transformation, but especially for 'our children and
our children's children.' A wonderful and practical exercise in
interreligious learning!"
--Hans Gustafson, Professor and Director of the Jay Phillips Center
for Interfaith Learning, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul,
Minnesota
"This book is a timely examination of humanity's interactions with
the natural world. Professor Cain uses the words and actions of
these four spiritual leaders to advocate for better stewardship of
our natural resources. He reminds us that we are a part of nature,
not separate from it, and he encourages us to live more mindfully,
consuming what we need, not simply what we want. All of this is
told through the lens of religious figures who were, for the most
part, ahead of their time in terms of their regard for the natural
world. Through them we gain understanding for the need to care for
Earth and its human and nonhuman inhabitants. This is an important
message for everyone regardless of their religious commitments and
practices."
--Irene Unger, Associate Professor of Biology and Director of Baker
Wetlands, Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas
"Sound spirituality and sound science share a common goal--to
expand our perspective on reality and see the big picture.
Theologian and environmental scientist Cliff Cain offers a concise
but substantial reflection on what some of the world's greatest
holy fools and sacred visionaries can say to us today, who live on
the edge of environmental catastrophe. In the lives and words of
figures ranging from the Christian saint Francis of Assisi to the
Buddhist sage Ryôkan, Cain finds wisdom that speaks to both
spiritual and scientific aspects of our current crisis and points
to possible routes to reconciliation with the planet, our animal
brethren, and ourselves."
--Jeffrey L. Richey, Professor of Asian Studies, Berea College,
Berea, Kentucky
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