Ruth McGoldrick, SP, a Sister of Providence from Holyoke, MA and also co-founder of the Women of Providence in Collaboration, has generously shared with me a presentation she did for their Associates.  I intend to share that with all of you in parts or sections in this blog.  So here is Part One.

Introduction                  

Though some biblical texts have contributed to attitudes of dominance over creation, the Bible is basically pro-environmental.  It describes a Provident God who expects us to respect and care for creation and to live in harmony with all creatures.  It describes God as being involved in helping all of creation to move to a glorious and cosmic fulfillment.

            The Biblical and earlier Christian writers did not have to face the ecological crises we face today, crises brought on by our inability to handle the effects of the industrial, scientific and technological revolutions as well as problems caused by the greed which allows us to disregard the cost to nature of our modern lifestyles.  However, we can still look to the past to help us construct a new Creation Myth, a New Story, new attitudes and images that will release the hopeful and healing energies we need to save our dying Planet.

Brief Overview of work on the New Story, Papal and Other Documents

                   Many of you are familiar with the work of Matthew Fox and the creation- centered school and of the insightful work of Thomas Berry, CP and his followers who have done work on the New Story of Creation.   Pope John Paul 11 also published in 1990 his document called PEACE WITH GOD THE CREATOR, PEACE WITH ALL OF CREATION on the environment and Pope Francis’ recent work is entitled LAUDATO SI’: On Care for our Common Home, 2015.  These documents challenge each of us to look at our lifestyles and spiritualities from an ecological perspective.

            Religious Congregations, including our own, are fully aware of the need for a Green Theology and Spirituality and have been reflecting upon and working towards the same for several years.  We are fully committed to and energized by the need for the interior strength and discipline fostered by a contemplative and  ecological approach to our Providence Spirituality and lifestyle.

There will be four parts or sections of her presentations.  The last section also has some reflection questions which accompany it.  You may want to use this presentation and its questions with your own group of Associates or faith sharing groups.  Watch for each of the sections to be published each week.

Barbara McMullen, CDP