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Reflections on writing ‘A Modern Credo: Telling the Christ Story within the Context of Creation’ creation. Gradually Western consciousness is growing in appreciation of the wisdoms of the First Peoples who celebrate the essential unity of creation.
In my latest book A Modern Credo: Telling the Christ Story within the Context of Creation I hope to offer a readable and accessible book to those seeking to better appreciate the Christ story within contemporary culture, especially within the framework of the great story of the universe.
How might the Christ story be told more creatively to people within a Western orientated environment that is infused with consumerism and facing challenges to planetary wellbeing? Does the telling of the Christ story not imply an ecological conversion to recover the integrity of the first covenant ‘between myself (God) and you and every living creature, in a world of all living things’ (Genesis 9:15).
As a teacher for over 50 years and international consultant for many years in Western-orientated as well as in developing countries, I’ve had ample opportunities to interact with people in diverse cultural contexts, especially in relationship to the significance of the Christ story in their lives. Contemporary religious research more than confirms my own experience that the Christ story has a waning appeal to people in Western countries, especially in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The story of Jesus who became the Christ is surely one of the most important stories ever told in terms of its influence of billions of people and world culture during the last 2000 years. About one third of the world’s population profess affiliation to Christianity although regular participation in the liturgical church of Western countries is declining and less than 13% generally and 5% for young people. The Christ story is a narrative within a great story of the universe which is almost 14 billion years old and 5 billion years old for our galaxy. If the Incarnation is to be taken seriously (Jn.1:14), then it would seem that Christians should also take seriously their relationships with the earth, especially in an era of climate change, critical ecological issues and rapid increases in population. After all, everything in creation has its origin in the ashes of dead stars and inherits a billion-year past. It is something of a paradox that the history of the Christian Church in relationship to the earth portrays an attitude of ambivalence. A major strand tended to view the earth more as a testing ground for eternity. A minor strand, typified by the Franciscans, viewed creation and redemption as a holistic expression of God’s relationship in
In the book I have tried to offer a way forward for the story tellers of Christ to be attuned to a new era of consciousness which is characterised by globalisation, cyber connectedness, ecumenism, rapid cultural change, dislocation of people, feminism, and growing disparity of wealth distribution. One response of some Church leadership to this era of cultural transformation is to turn to theological fundamentalism and excessive central control. Another response of Christians in an emerging Church is to seek to recover the dynamism of the original Christ story and bring the Christ story and the insights of modern cosmology into a harmonious vision for ‘life in abundance’(John 10:10). When we reflect on the breathtaking wonder of the universe, revealing a God of immense creative energy and love, then the Christ story portrays a God of amazing compassion and love. In his teaching and healing works of mercy, Jesus , who became the Christ, presented a Creator God much bigger and more gracious than we could ever imagine. At the conclusion of the book readers are invited to compose their own Credo. The word ‘creed’ comes from the Latin words cor dare meaning to ‘give one’s heart. To encounter Christ in a Credo is much more than a formulation of doctrinal statements but as a ‘giving one’s heart’. Kevin’s book A Modern Credo: Telling the Christ Story within the Context of Creation is available. See page 5, order online directly from John Garratt or buy from any good bookstore.
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:mElanniE s vob oda , s n d author of By the Way: 100 Reflections on the Spiritual Life
Joan Chittister, a Benedictine nun, author, and speaker, is a bold, clear voice who shows the way to God in all aspects of life, and particularly through prayer. She is author of The Breath of the Soul and God’s Tender Mercy.
Songs heart Joan Chit tiste‰
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Reflections on the psalms
SONGS OF THE HEART
Who but Sr. Joan Chittister could break open the psalms in such fresh and piercingly tender ways! Her “soul points” and “wisdom stories” are unforgettable, both contemporary and timeless.
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n this simple and profound book, Sr. Joan offers poignant and challenging reflections on twentyfive psalms, each offering a spiritual oasis away from the stresses of a world that demands more than the human soul can sometimes bear. She believes that the psalms, all pieces of poetry and music, have rich meaning for people today. Her hope is that readers will find new meaning here and johngarrattpublishing then make songs of their own.
Joan Chittiste‰
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Sr Joan Chittister
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See page 6
Reflections on
THE Psalms
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