IT IS one of the many pressing questions of our age: how do we spiritually respond to the climate crisis we are facing today? Do we either return to our ancient texts and traditions to find there a fuller understanding of what it means to be part of the created natural order in the image and likeness of God, or do we bravely head out in search of a new spirituality for our time which will shape the fundamental ways in which we understand ourselves and how we live on this planet and will bring us into a harmonious relationship with the earth and one another?
In his new book, The Great Search, John Philip Newell boldly seeks to do both by turning to a handful of classic writers to find a new spirituality that transcends religion and seeks healing as an earth community. A former Warden of Iona and founder of the Earth & Soul initiative, Newell brings a wealth of spiritual knowledge and ecological practice to this book. He turns to an eclectic group of people who are not necessarily overtly known for their spiritual writings or outlook. Yet, by bringing them into conversation, he enables us to see them and ourselves in a new spiritual way, which forms the path of his quest for home and healing of our planet and ourselves.
The themes that he has chosen, not only act as way markers and cairns by which we can navigate this journey, but also enable us to comprehend what wisdom he is bringing from each writer. Hence, he begins with Thomas Berry in “Seeking Vision”, Nan Shepherd in “Seeking Earth”, Martin Buber in “Seeking Presence”, Carl Jung in “Seeking Awareness”, Julian of Norwich in “Seeking Wellness”, Jalaluddin Rumi in “Seeking Love”, Rabindranath Tagore in “Seeking Wisdom”, Etty Hillesum in “Seeking Meaning”, and, finally, Edwin Muir in “Seeking Faith”.
Each chapter ends with meditative practice that is brought together to form a nine-day cycle that closes the book. It is a fascinating read, which I heartily recommend, but one that requires the reader to sign up to Newell’s understanding of our times, his specific take on the writers, and the vision that underlies the journey. It is a noble vision, but I cannot help feeling that it works in its scope and meaning only if you replace the idea of God with that of Earth.
The Revd Dr Emma Pennington is Canon Missioner of Canterbury Cathedral.
The Great Search: Turning to earth and soul in the quest for healing and home
John Philip Newell
Wild Goose Publications £12.99
(978-1-80432-346-5)
Church Times Bookshop £11.69
