ECO-4800: Eco-Spirituality

In the 21st century, the global human family is living in the midst of a spiritual crisis of unprecedented proportions. Beset by apocalyptic visions of global warming, nuclear Armageddon and wars without end, the human soul is looking for a new dispensation, a new way of imagining the nature of the divine and the place of the human in an expanding universe, a way that is fully consistent with the emerging vision of the evolving cosmos revealed by science. In response to this cry for meaning, new forms of eco-spirituality are emerging that turn to the wisdom of the Earth herself as a source of hope and meaning. If only we could hear her voice! This class will explore this newly emerging eco-spiritual vision of the Dream of the Earth through the work of Thomas Berry, Jacob Needleman, Joanna Macy, Sandra Ingerman, Bill Plotkin, Anne Baring, Llewelyn Vaughen-Lee and other contemporary writers. The experiential portion of the class will focus on psycho-spiritual techniques for enhancing our communication with the Anima Mundi (the Soul of the World) and the design and enactment of a Council of All Beings ritual.
Min. Credits: 3.0 Max Credits: 4.0
Credit Basis: Quarter credit
Location(s): Antioch Univ Santa Barbara
Method(s): Classroom
Course Type: Liberal & Disciplinary Studies