How can we change the direction of our impact on the earth and begin to undo the damage we have wrought on so many species, including our own? Can we depend on technological, political, and economic solutions alone? Jennie Ratcliffe, drawing on her years of experience and reflection as a scientist and active participant in peace and ecological concerns, believes that a deeper transformation is needed. A spiritual awareness of our oneness reminds us that we live in intimate relationship and kinship with each other, the earth, and the Divine. Grounded in reciprocity, reconciliation, simplicity, and nonviolence, this awareness can guide us toward a deeper integrity, a reverence for the human and natural communities upon which we depend, and more sustainable ways of living. Discussion questions included.

How can we change the direction of our impact on the earth and begin to undo the damage we have wrought on so many species, including our own? Can we depend on technological, political and economic solutions alone? The author believes that a deeper transformation is needed.

Ratcliffe identifies our traditional religious and philosophical belief in dualism and our consequent separating and distancing from each other, the earth, and the Divine as fundamental to the present ecological crisis. She clearly and eloquently writes a version of the emergent theology informed by ecology and quantum physics as well as by the perennial mystical experience of wholeness and the unity of all. The way to healing and sustainability lies in the spiritual path of integrity, reconciliation, simplicity, and community. Throughout she connects this with Friends' thought and ways. This pamphlet is exceptionally clear, informed, inspiring, and helpful. ( )

Synopsis

How can we change the direction of our impact on the earth and begin to undo the damage we have wrought on so many species, including our own? Can we depend on technological, political, and economic solutions alone? Jennie Ratcliffe, drawing on her years of experience and reflection as a scientist and active participant in peace and ecological concerns, believes that a deeper transformation is needed. A spiritual awareness of our oneness reminds us that we live in intimate relationship and kinship with each other, the earth, and the Divine. Grounded in reciprocity, reconciliation, simplicity, and nonviolence, this awareness can guide us toward a deeper integrity, a reverence for the human and natural communities upon which we depend, and more sustainable ways of living. Discussion questions included.

Ratcliffe's pamphlet (#403) caused me to ponder the following: In letting one's life not only SPEAK [to others] are we also letting our lives be a gift back to the Divine which created us and all life?

Ratcliffe is not a rabid environmentalist, but makes her case simply and logically building on the Testimonies of Simplicity, Integrity, and Love. Reciprocity becomes the heart of integrity. The paths we take to act with integrity are reconciliation, simplicity, and nonviolence. Using Gandhiji as an illustration of nonviolence, she introduced me to the ideas of saving "gray water," and "natural farming" (developed by Masanobu Fukuoka using crop rotation, minimal irrigation, no or reduced tillage, seed balls, and allowing natural regulation of pests).

I tend to shy away from the "scorched earth sayers" who stridently proclaim the coming of end days. Ratcliffe makes a case for living with integrity in our earth community that made sense to me. ( )