Category: Library

The Earth is sacred?

How do we think about the Earth? A scientist might describe it as a planet circling the sun. An economist might say it was a provider of ‘ecosystem services’ to human beings. But what do you say? I wonder if the Earth can only properly be considered as being in the realm of the sacred?

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High Priests of Mammon – a new caste emerges in Western Society?

With all the talk about banker’s bonuses and whether or not they are deserved, there are some much bigger questions being left unexamined. Could it be that we are witnessing the rise of an international caste of workers in financial systems, who see themselves as fundamentally different from the rest of us? Are they led by a new set of high priests who have the right to judge the great questions, offer forgiveness to errant nations and even step in to rule?

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Occupy - an unusual sort of protest

It is very interesting watching politicians and church trying to get their heads and hearts round the Occupy movement. It is not the usual kind of protest. It hangs about in tents. It doesn’t carry the usual shrill demands, but invites conversation. It is not about a single identifiable policy, but is trying to promoting a radical change in the way things work. And one aspect of it that should not be lost is the link between our economy and the way we treat the earth.

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In tune with the earth - an antidote to rioting?

Two phrases stood out for me of all the words that have been offered about the riots in England this week. They were ‘instant gratification’ and ‘rampant consumerism’. Underneath the shocking outbreak of looting and violence lie deep questions about the society in which this is occurring. There is an enormous challenge looming regarding the relationship of human beings with the earth, yet many live in a meaningless void. Could it be that beginning to live more in tune with the earth could reinvigorate our culture and our community and begin to address the emptiness?

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Some Fresh Expression

As membership of EarthAbbey begins to grow, we look forward to sharing the stories and projects of other members to inform, inspire and possibly even challenge. Here, Alan Mann talks to Nick Waterfield (a Fresh Expressions Community Worker based in Parson Cross, Sheffield) about his work and what motivates him.

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An invitation to reflect on your Way of Life

In the first eighteen months there has been some confusion about how you join EarthAbbey. Some have signed up on the web. Others have subscribed financially, and we recognise there has been a lack of clarity. After consultation, we have decided that the heart of membership of EarthAbbey will be a commitment to reflect on our Way of Life.

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EarthAbbey – a prophetic community

Many people have said, so what exactly are you? Are you a church? Is EarthAbbey only for Christians? What does it mean to be a member? After a couple of years learning by experience, and consultation with existing members, today we publish a set of Frequently Asked Questions about EarthAbbey. They include the idea that EarthAbbey aspires to be a prophetic community.

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Beauty is a doing word

Sometimes I feel to catch glimpses of a whole different way of seeing the world. They seem to come through people of exceptional insight. And life is never the same afterwards. Here are a few such moments, embracing olive trees, permaculture, local food and the story of Christmas.

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In the bleak midwinter

As snows and bitter cold hit the UK, I wonder whether our weather signifies something of spiritual truth about these days. This time last year all eyes were on Copenhagen and the hope of a world agreement to work together for the sake of the planet. Since then ‘belief’ in climate change has dwindled, campaigns have run out of steam, people have become tired. It seems that everything has been said and done, and we are lost, but maybe that is not the whole truth…

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Changing tacks

David Cameron is saying that ‘its time we admitted that there is more to life than money’. He is proposing to begin to measure ‘general well-being’ as a better sign of progress than GDP and describes improving our sense of well-being as the central political challenge of our times.
Meanwhile a new report entitled ‘Common Cause’ sheds light on how to develop a environmentally-sensitive, values-led economy.

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