Creation Spirituality honors all of creation as "original blessing." It is an ancient, earth-centered spirituality found in the deepest traditions of Judaism, Christianity, Sufism, indigenous and other paths. As theologian Matthew Fox writes in his book, Wrestling with the Prophets, Creation Spirituality offers an invitation to move . . .
from "original sin" to "original blessing" as a starting point for spirituality;
from rationalistic to mystical;
from linear to spiral;
from knowledge to wisdom;
from dualism (either/or) to dialectic (both/and);
from anthropocentric attitudes to a cosmological and
therefore ecological attitude;
from climbing Jacob's ladder to dancing Sarah's circle;
from Eurocentrism to a celebration of ancient wisdom (including
indigenous traditions and the Medieval mystics);
from theism (God is "out there") or pantheism ("all things are God")
to panentheism (God is in all things and all things are in God): God is
the One in whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).
an article by Dr. Jay McDaniel
Good people: Most royal greening verdancy, rooted in the sun, you shine with radiant light, in this circle of earthly existence. You shine so finely it surpasses understanding. God hugs you. You are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God.
As the sense of belonging to the human family as a whole continues to grow through contemplative prayer and practice, this oneness extends to the earth, the environment and, indeed, to all creation. One begins to perceive all things in God and God in all things. The Divine Indwelling perceives Godself in everything that exists.
An example of this new way of seeing reality comes to mind. I often take a walk through a grove of aspen trees on the monastery property where I live. Aspen leaves are extremely sensitive to the slightest breeze. Even when the air is still, a few leaves will always be stirring. Such was the quiet reception I received as I walked into this grove on a certain summer day a few years ago. All of a sudden, a stiff wind came up and rushed through the grove of aspens. All of the trees with their leaves sprang into action. Every leaf was shaking wildly. Branches were bending this way and that, and giving the impression of applause similar to a standing ovation. It seemed as if the aspens were waving at me. Eagerly, I waved back to them, trying in vain to imitate their tumultuous greeting.
But were the aspens really waving to me? Or were they waving to God in me?
I waved back to God in them! It was a marvelous exchange: God in me being God in them.
Creation Spirituality Links:
theologian of Creation Spirituality
by Rosemary Radford Reuther
Biblical Panentheism: The "Everywhereness" of God, by Jon Zuck
formerly known as the University of Creation Spirituality
an interview with Matthew Fox and Rupert Sheldrake
celebrating the lives and writings of the medieval English mystics,
by Carl McColman
a review of Matthew Fox's book, by Jon Zuck
an interview with Neil Douglas-Klotz
by Darrell Grizzle
