COSMIC CRISIS AND CREATION
The Search for Meaning
by
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The Creation accounts present us, not with science, but with a clear insight into who we are as human beings - our true nature and the relationships on which that depends. It therefore gives us both the light to understand more clearly what is happening, and the ability to respond more creatively to the crisis. First, however, it is necessary to clear away the false but widespread assumption that science has somehow made belief in a creating intelligence impossible. Scientific discoveries and theories of evolution, and belief in a Creative mind behind the universe, fully understood, are complementary and vital partners for real change. The human heart craves, not just mechanics but meaning; not just science but significance. The Christian understanding of Creation addresses precisely the key questions of meaning and relationships which are at the heart of our contemporary Crisis. The case is made that many, including a growing number of scientists in a range of disciplines, now accept that Science and Creation are mutually supportive and complementary. Why are we here? Why are we able, alone of all creatures, to think consciously about the meaning of things? There are only two possible answers. Either because we are the result of a quite incredibly and breathtakingly lucky chance, or because there is a mind, an intelligence, a purpose behind it all. Either we live in a self-originated, random, accidental, ultimately meaningless universe without purpose or destiny, or we are conscious, albeit often dimly, of a purpose which is not limited to the passing hopes and fears of our short lives. The English mathematician Penrose carefully examined the “near incredible precision” of the fine tuning of so many variables needed for life, and concluded that the chance of the development of our highly ordered universe measured against all other possibilities, is one in 10 to the power 123 that is, 1 followed by 123 zeroes. - Onein100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
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About the Book
This book presents and analyses two basic assertions • Life in the 21st century is threatened by an unprecedented global crisis, which is the result of the exponential increase in the impact of human activity on the earth. • Properly understood, the Christian concept of Creation and of human relationships based on God’s Covenant, off er the clearest light on the meaning and nature of, and eff ective response to, the crisis, and the most realistic Hope for the future. It owes much to James Lovelock, the originator of the concept of Gaia - the earth seen as a single coherent living interlocking system - who challenges those of faith to develop “a theology of creation that could include Gaia. Recognise that human rights and needs are not enough; those with faith could accept the Earth as part of God’s creation and be troubled by its desecration. ”This book is written to accept that challenge. This Book owes much to the Churches’ “Vision 21” Group in Scotland, both in its development and making, and in support for its publication. Rated Four Stars (out of Five) by Foreword Clarion Review “If the news media is to be believed, science and religion can never agree about global warming and humanity’s role in climate change. However, Kenyon Wright, who has spent decades studying both perspectives, points to some common ground in Cosmic Crisis and Creation: The Search for Meaning, a well-researched exploration of the issues… Cosmic Crisis and Creation offers a rich tapestry of thought on how humanity has managed its relationships… At once realistic and hopeful, this book can serve as an excellent starting point for productive discussions about Earth’s future.” —Foreword Clarion Review “(The author) Wright has drafted an informative, emboldened call to action for unity in matters of reason and faith… Wright’s book is a fast, but important read. It serves as a fin introduction to the pattern of economic growth known as sustained development, which champions the fulfi llment of the needs of the current generation without damaging future generations… Yet, while our present state may seem grim, Wright never falls into melodramatic pessimism. His message is optimistic. He believes wholeheartedly that the Christian faith can make all things new again...” —BlueInk Review, July 2012 “Wright analyzes global ecological collapse from a Christian theological perspective. The link between the environmental movement and Christianity hasn’t always been a strong one. But in his fi rst book, Wright traces the connection between Christian teaching on Creation and the commitment to environmental stewardship it implies. His brief, thoughtful argument for theological activism contributes to the growing voice of the Christian left...” —Kirkus Reviews, May 2012
About the Author
Kenyon Wright has served as Director of an Industrial Institute in India, as Director of the international ministry of reconciliation of Coventry Cathedral, and as Chair of the Constitutional Convention which planned the new Scottish Parliament, for which he was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). He founded and chaired the Scottish Envionmental Forum, and "Vision 21", the Scottish Churches group on the Environment