Our Universal Spirit Journey: Reflections and Verse for Creation's Sake

In the Foreword, Thomas Berry, noted spokesperson for the Earth and author of The Dream Of Earth and The Great Work, and co-author of The Universe Story, says, "This book is . . . [an] exuberant statement of the all-pervasive presence and power of spirit . . . and its ever-present support for the Earth Venture and the Human Venture as together we journey into the oncoming centuries."

John Cock is very clear that the Earth Venture and the Human Venture will not make it without our awakened spirit journey. He says human development for its own sake is a doomed venture and advocates the context of "creation development" as that which is evolving or being called into being. He is full of hope but realistically understands that the crisis in human care is in our hands. We know enough to care for all, but will we be motivated to make the sacrificial decisions necessary? This book is about such motivation that is at the heart of the matter.

Some reasons why I wrote the book: to witness to the always already presence of Spirit at the heart of creation; to clarify that we are all spiritual and on a spirit journey; as a reflection upon the impact of September 11; as a plea to kill religious bigotry, not each other; to propose spirit-language as a bridge since all religions are Spirit-literate; to expand the understanding of "neighbor"; to accentuate that human development is being transformed under a creation development context that is radically changing our cultural and religious foundations; to re-call us to celebrate our spirit journey; and to re-motivate us to care for all.

I trust the book is on the edge of spirituality, Earth-care, and human-care for the 21st century. Its assumptions and indicatives could make a world of difference.