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16 - Venerating Earth

Three Sacramental Perspectives

from Part III - Engagements

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 July 2022

By
Jame Schaefer
Edited by
Alexander J. B. Hampton  and
Douglas Hedley
Alexander J. B. Hampton
Affiliation:
University of Toronto
Douglas Hedley
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
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Summary

Drawing on biblical texts and theological reflections from early Christianity to the present, three prominent ways in which the sacramentality of creation has been nuanced over the centuries are explored: (1) Experiencing the presence of God in the world with focus on Ignatius of Loyola’s final contemplation in his Spiritual Exercises; (2) reflecting on manifestations of God’s goodness, power and wisdom that eminent patristic and medieval theologians discerned when studying the world and novel attributes that are discernible today when informed by current scientific findings; and (3) receiving the Eucharist as a heightened encounter with God that can strengthen individuals and communities to act cooperatively. These three ways of perceiving the world within which we encounter God constitute a formula for venerating Earth that should stimulate Christian attitudes and actions aimed at mitigating impediments to the flourishing of our common home.

Keywords

veneratingEarthsacramentalitypresenceattributesGodEucharistgracecommon home
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Companion to Christianity and the Environment , pp. 247 - 262
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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References

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