"The universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects." -Thomas Berry
There is an emerging conjunction of scientists, activists and faith groups on issues concerning the Earth Community. The idea of an Earth Community, looking at the entire planet as an integral, living and evolving system, is gaining acceptance throughout the realms of religion, education/science and even politics and economics. The late author Thomas Berry, cultural historian, eco-theologian and self-proclaimed "geologian", has argued that this new awareness "changes everything". From human-centred cultures an Earth-centred global culture is being born. We live in the midst of this awakening to a new way of being in the Universe - it's an exciting time! Knox Centre's winter program includes a three-part multi-session series titled "the Forum on Ecological Spirituality and Evolutionary Cosmology. More about the Forum here. Winter Workshops:
Introducing Ecological Spirituality and Evolutionary Cosmology: Tuesday evenings 7:00-9:00PM
January 26th February 2nd, 9th, and 16th.
More than science, philosophy, religion, ecology, spirituality, evolution or cosmology, there is an emerging awareness of the oneness of all that is and how that integral awareness calls us to action in today’s world.
Primarily through the use of short video clips, this introductory workshop will outline the ideas of thinkers such as Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme, Carl Sagan, Teilhard de Chardin, Maria Montessori, and others. Group discussion will be facilitated and there will be time for contemplation and reflection – this is not just “head stuff”.
Fee: $20. Pre-register by January 22nd. Leadership: Don Smith
The Universe Story: Tuesday evenings 7:00-9:00pm, February 23rd, March 2nd, 9th and 23rd “The Universe Story” is the title of the 1992 book co-authored by Thomas Berry and Brian Swimme in which they present what modern science tells us about how the Universe, the Earth and humans evolved to the present time as “a numinous and revelatory story” – not merely a fascinating intellectual “science” story. They argue powerfully that humanity’s failure to deeply (spiritually) embrace this “new story” is the root cause of many of our current problems. Fee: $20. Pre-register by February 19th, Leadership: Don Smith
Emerging from the wisdom of The Universe Story, The Great Work is the second ongoing theme of the Forum and will focus on the practical religious, political, economic and educational changes which are necessary to create a vibrant Earth Community in the 21st century
Fee: $20. Pre-register by April 2nd. Leadership: Don Smith.
Mandate: This Forum has a broad mandate to attempt the following: 1. Raise awareness of the thinking and ideas emerging within this "New Story". Thomas Berry and Brian Swimme provide an excellent conceptual model for easy entry into this thinking and this will be our initial focus. 2. Develop practices and disciplines which deepen our spiritual and emotional connection to this emerging awareness. 3. Provide a space where like-minded activists can form community, discuss ideas and implement action plans which move us to a just, sustainable and spiritually fullfilling future within the Earth Community. There is much to learn and reflect upon - much to do and be - let's get started together. Come join us on the journey!
