e-zine for April 20, 2006
Where do you find motivation to care for the earth?
"The vast world of cosmology and the tiny universe within the atom are finally converging as particle physicists looking inward with their giant accelerators and cosmologists looking outward with their telescopes begin to realize they are looking at the same thing."
~John Boslough, Stephen Hawkings Universe
What's Up with What's Going Down with the Earth?
By Ian Lawton
It’s no news to anyone that the earth is groaning under the weight of human self-indulgence. Consider the fact that we would need 5.4 planets to support the world's population if everyone lived as Americans do. The big question is, "what do we do about it now?" There are various daily and practical ideas for changing our habits of consumption; but until we change our Kosmology, we may not be doing enough to prevent the premature passing of planet earth. Cosmos refers to the order of everything that exists, known and not-yet-known. Kosmos, a word that has recently come into more popular usage, includes consciousness as part of this whole. Kosmology is our biggest picture perspective, where we place ourselves as part of a whole, or in other words we find our oneness with the whole.
Religions such as Christianity have often fostered an earth-negative narcissism by reading into scripture an "order" in creation that designates human beings at the top of the heap. The whole Easter piety around Jesus dying for the sins of individual people hasn’t helped the self-indulgence factor much either. It encourages self-importance, where humans are at the centre of the universe and all else revolves around our needs.
The Genesis creation account is also partly to blame. The translations we have grown up with seem to support the notion that people are the strongest and most significant link in a divinely ordained hierarchy. However, there are other details in the Genesis account that suggest a far broader understanding, akin to the perennial wisdom, "as above, so below." Genesis may yet offer some clues for a Kosmic perspective.
"As above, so below" is an ancient phrase that runs through many Egyptian and Greek mystical traditions. The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus says, "That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above, corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing." The miracle is the unity of two seeming opposites or extremes.
Genesis seems to fit the same pattern by emphasizing the separation of sky and land, light and dark, water and earth. In this separation, one fills its opposite with synchronistic value. At the right time, light emerges from darkness. In the right space, water merges with land. This very basic and organic pattern is the cycle of life; a circle of death and rebirth.
Christianity, and many other religions, were built on two premises; a study of the sky and a belief that people have the ability to be enlightened by nature. Amongst many other examples, consider the myth of the star of Bethlehem that led to the birth of Jesus. Following the star above became an archetype for inner illumination.
"As above, so below" suggests that there is a fundamental unity in the Kosmos. One part manifests the whole, like William Blake's "world in a grain of sand, a heaven in a wild flower, infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour."
Mystics say that the Kosmos and everything that takes place is a manifestation of God, and deep ecologists would say that abuse of the earth is abuse of God and abuse of ourselves.
"As above, so below" was a belief that guided the English scientist and mathematician Isaac Newton. By understanding why objects move the way they do on Earth, we should also be able to understand the motions of the planets. The inherent unity of all things has guided scientist and theologian alike over the centuries.
Twentieth century architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, got at the same point with his organic design. "If we wish to know the truth concerning anything, we'll find it in the nature of that thing." His use of simplicity and the merging of form and function created a spiritual unity in his buildings.
So there are countless examples where Kosmic unity has led to ecological responsibility. "As above, so below" might become a mantra for earth care. It points to a great chain of being where each part expands out of and merges back into deepening layers of the one reality. As we develop and grow, our vision of inclusiveness also expands. Hopefully! Life becomes less about what the earth can give us, and more about sharing an entwined fate with the earth. We are the earth, and the earth is God.
"As above, so below" doesn’t indicate that there is some literal space above us that is guiding our lives below. The intent of the phrase is more like a mirror reflecting patterns than a providential force directing history. The problem with taking the phrase literally is seen when considering the myth of the ascension of Jesus. As Carl Sagan pointed out, if Jesus ascended literally and if he traveled at the speed of light, he hasn't yet even left our galaxy two thousand years later. This type of absurd literalism tends towards the abuse of the earth precisely because it is antinatural. Kosmology is fully realized in the natural world.
A recent television special on sustainable energy offered a powerful vision of natural energy. Houses can be built to reach up and greet the power of the sun, and also rooted deep in the warm earth tapping into geothermal energy. Energy is gleaned from above as from below, warmth and coolness at the right time and in the right measure. The savings for the homeowner, which are large, pale into insignificance compared to the savings for the earth. An oversupply of energy can be acquired naturally, to the point of even selling the surplus back to power companies.
Everyone wins, and that’s the point. Until we see our unity with nature, we will never believe that we will win by being ecologically responsible. Those who are passionate about issues such as ecology can scarcely believe that all people don't share their zeal. Maybe some people are more in tune with nature and their unity with the earth. If the movement doesn't spread beyond the usual tree hugging suspects, then there is little hope for the planet. In order for a widespread transformation to take place, the motivation must go deep and connect to basic religious beliefs. Christianity and its mythology offers this motivation as much as other religions.
Here is a vision. Head and heart, above and below, inner motivation and external action, personal and corporate responsibility, all converging with synchronistic value. This is the right time to change our ways. Our beliefs have opened up so far now, that there is nothing stopping us from believing that the earth manifests God, and we manifest the earth. We can change our daily habits because our motivation is rooted deep within our Kosmology.
If I can borrow from a Native American blessing-
Above you are the stars, below you are the stones
As time passes, remember;
Like a star should your Kosmic compassion be constant
Like a stone should your all embracing love be firm
Click here for Ian's Bio
Saturday Earth Day Family Celebration and Picnic
Carol Johnson Saturday, April 22
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Picnic Lunch- Bring your own bag lunch and blanket or chairs.
Music with a Message Celebrate the Earth and each other in song!
Music led by Carol Johnson, West Michigan's own well-loved songwriter, recording artist, tree hugger, earth advocate, and light bearer.
Raised Bed Workshop and Family Planting- Bring extra one-pint containers for this fun event. Gather in the C3/CCC east parking lot.
Earth Season Begins at C3/CCC this Sunday
Image Better living through harmony with nature.
Earth Sunday April 23
• “Deep Ecology,” the first sermon of a series on our connection with the earth. Ian Lawton will be preaching.
• Dance/Drama – foretelling Council of All Beings
• Use alternative travel - walk, bike or use other alternative means to travel to church this morning
• Eco-Boutique - Hemp Bags, Fair Trade Coffee, Tea
• Literature Table
• Donate your old cell phones for recycling or proper disposal
• Perspectives - Energy: What is it and why we need it! A special presentation by Dr. Imad Mahawili, Executive Director, Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center. Take in this wonderful opportunity to learn some key facts about energy, the hydrogen economy, barriers to innovation in renewable energy, and our role in shaping our energy future.
Check Out the Ideal Bite: A Sassier Shade of Green
The ideal bite is our web pick of the week.
They have fabulous eco-living tips which you can get every day in your inbox. Here is a bit of their purpose:
"We know that you would just love to 'do the right thing' for yourself and the planet if it were convenient, fun, inexpensive, and made you feel good. But until now you have lacked a good source of advice for real people leading busy lives."
Eco-Tip of the Week!
Check out these great tips to improve your fuel efficiency.
* Change your filters regularly. Changing just the air filter can increase your mileage by up to 10%. If you are automotively challenged, just ask the dudes at the oil change shop to do it.
* Save on gas by taking your time. For every mph over 55 that you drive, fuel economy drops 2%. That means that your mileage at 75 mph is about half of what it is at 50.
* Keep local waterways clean by checking for leaks under the car. Just a few quarts of oil can contaminate a million gallons of water.
* Join a car co-op and reduce your driving by over 50%.
The ideal bite has a great affiliate program, so follow the link below to our website, sign up to receive their eco-tips and you will receive great free daily environmental tips, and we will get a bit of a kick back! Everybody wins!
click here for link to ideal bite and to sign up for eco-tips
Check Out the Fabulous Easter Sermon
This Easter season was a remarkable time for so many in our community. As individuals and as a community we are learning to see and appreciate the many deaths and rebirths in our own lives. In response to all of the positive feedback and encouragement we received throughout Lent and Easter, we will be producing a special Easter DVD package. Many wonder what do progressives and others who do not necessarily hold a literal belief of a physical bodily resurrection have to celebrate at Easter? If this is a question that stirs in you, please check out Ian's Easter sermon, and stay tuned for more information on our upcoming Easter DVD set.
click here for sermon text
Feeling all Gooey Green Good?!
With all the money you will save on gas from our great eco-tips, you can throw a little green our way.
Please consider supporting C3 and our efforts to make Progressive Christianity and Integral Spirituality available to those who seek it!
The fact is: It takes money folks!
It is very simple to donate to C3/Christ Community Church, through the Network For Good.
Please consider signing up for a recurring donation of $10/mo.
The Network For Good is a secure and safe online donations collection center for non-profit organizations. Please consider giving today!
Click Here to Give!
^ top of page
