Description
Book SynopsisThis book guides the reader to the emerging Ecozoic Era when humans will be present upon the Earth in a mutually enhancing manner. Indeed, this book calls for an Ecozoic spirituality that is timely and much needed. It also illustrates an important direction for theology and spirituality and for deep ecumenism that is yet to be fully realized and opens more doors for such dialogue.
By giving special attention to the integral relationship among God, the cosmos, and humanity, the works of Thomas Berry (19142009, USA) and Zhou Dunyi (10171073, China) provide insights that speak to the current ecological crisis, a cosmological context for developing an Ecozoic spirituality, while helping to advance clear values and ethical parameters that lead to a more authentic human presence on Earth.
Trade Review«This is a superb book, which opens up new grounds in comparative studies between Asia and the West. Kwang Sun Choi renders the comprehensive thought of cultural historian Thomas Berry and neo-Confucian scholar Zhou Dunyi accessible and relevant for our pressing ecological concerns. Choi’s unique insight into each of these thinkers is unsurpassed. This is a book that will make a lasting contribution toward a transformation of consciousness and conscience for the flourishing of the Earth community.»
(Mary Evelyn Tucker, Forum on Religion and Ecology, Yale University)
«Kwang Sun Choi seeks a shift from the current dominant spirituality that fosters humanity’s alienation from Earth to a more functional ecological spirituality that reawakens us to the integral relationship among creation, humanity, and the Divine. With considerable insight and skill, he draws important themes from the worldviews of the early neo-Confucian Zhou Dunyi and the contemporary cultural cosmologist Thomas Berry. By blending these themes through critical reflection on the ecological crises that threaten the future of humanity, Choi systematically identifies the ethics and virtues that will promote more responsible choices that can ultimately be mutually enhancing for us and the rest of creation. This book is a rare blend of significant scholarly research, mature spiritual reflection, and hopeful, practical visioning; it both informs and inspires.»
(Dennis Patrick O’Hara, Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology and University of St. Michael’s College)
«Kwang Sun Choi’s research is exceedingly important for all those who are concerned about the ecological crisis besetting us now. Choi articulates an Ecozoic spirituality by focusing on the sacred journey of the Earth community as well as on the harmony among God, humanity, and the universe. I believe that this work is a sparkling contribution to contemporary conversation about the ecological crisis and its relationship to spirituality and faith. In this book readers will find both wisdoms of East and West for an Ecozoic spirituality.»
(Young-sang Ro, President, Honam Theological University and Seminary)
«With both scholarly clarity and passionate commitment, Kwang Sun Choi explores the work of two major thinkers who help him construct a spirituality that connects Christian faith and authentic humanity to ecological sensitivity and action. Such a spirituality, he argues, is essential not only to saving the integrity of our universe, but also to saving ourselves.»
(Stephen B. Bevans, SVD, Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD Professor of Mission and Culture,Catholic Theological Union)
Table of ContentsContents: The Ecological Crisis Is the Spiritual Crisis – Thomas Berry and Zhou Dunyi – Cosmology and Spirituality – The Christian Response to the Ecological Crisis – The Cosmology of Thomas Berry – The Cosmology of Zhou Dunyi – An Emerging Functional and Ecological Spirituality – Remaining Concerns: The Christian
Faith Enhanced through Ecozoic Spirituality.
