A spirituality for ecological awareness: Beyond Apocalypticism and Romanticism

Abstract

The ecological crisis facing the whole world cannot be solved solely by technological solutions only. The crisis reflects spiritual challenges as well as practical necessities. My contribution argues for a harnessing of both contemplative 'seeing aright' and prophetic discernment in order to involve spiritual awareness as part of a wholistic approach to problems. The contemplative attitude would serve to awaken an awareness of our connectedness with the whole of life and the prophetic stance would stimulate within us the ethical energy needed for us to take responsibility for our actions. In a globalised and interconnected world these stances require underpinning by a dialogical approach to religious awareness and truth. Such an approach will embrace complementary insights in to the human condition and the sources for facing the crisis together.