The “New Universe Story” by Thomas Berry transforms and redefines our understanding of the 14-billion-year-old evolving universe and our place within it! It takes us from the formation of the galaxies and the origin of Earth and life to the development of self-reflective consciousness. Berry bridges scientific understanding and spiritual consciousness. Rooted in his awareness of the cosmos and ecology, Berry’s story reinterprets the universe’s evolution from the Great Flaring Forth (Big Bang) to the present.
A visionary thinker and cultural historian, Berry spent many years studying world history and religions. He experienced a personal transformation while flying from an environmental conference in the Seychelle Islands back to North America. Upon viewing the Nile River from 30,000 feet, he realized that he was no longer a theologian, rather he viewed himself as a geologian—a human who emerged out of eons of Earth’s geological and biological evolution who could reflect on the world! For Berry, this capacity for reflection identified humans at an ever deeper and more expansive species level.
Berry’s view of the human’s role regarding reflection was enhanced when a young mathematical cosmologist, Brian Swimme, who spent years studying evolutionary history at the University of Oregon, became a student of Berry’s. Together they launched an intense decade of research. They gave lectures and conferences culminating in a 1982 jointly authored book, The Universe Story. It was a new moment in history! In the telling of this story of evolution, humans played a critical role: reflection! Reflection allowed us to reimagine humanity’s role within Earth.
Thomas wrote prolifically about the ecological crisis in The Dream of Earth, The Great Work and The Sacred Universe, among other titles. These texts elaborated on the importance of human reflection. This weaving together of scientific insights with spiritual reflections presents a wonderfully holistic view of the cosmos. Pivotal is the realization that the universe is a single, dynamic entity, continuously unfolding and evolving. This new perspective sharply contrasts previous perspectives that dominated Western thought, views of the world as a collection of separate parts. Influenced by the work of Teilhard de Chardin, Berry emphasized that humans are not isolated but rather central, participating, integral species in the cosmos. Human actions have profound implications for the entire Earth community. Berry revealed that the outdated anthropocentric perspective led to a plethora of problems: environmental degradation, social injustices and a spiritual disconnection from the natural world.
In contrast, the biocentric New Story recognizes the intrinsic value and interdependence of ALL life forms on Earth. Human wellbeing depends on the health of the entire planet. This new ecological consciousness positions humans differently, engendering a sense of awe and reverence for Earth and the entire cosmos. Informed by the findings of contemporary science, particularly in cosmology, biology and ecology, the New Story integrates scientific discoveries with wisdom from various religious, indigenous and spiritual traditions. It calls for us to shift from seeing humans as separate and superior to nature to recognizing our role as participants in a larger, sacred community of life. Science, nature and spirituality are intricately interconnected.
Founded in 1996, Prairiewoods is rooted in the New Universe Story
At Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Berry’s New Universe Story finds practical application. The founding Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration dedicated themselves to fostering ecological awareness and spiritual growth through a deep connection with the natural world and engaging in environmental stewardship. The center’s mission was birthed out of Berry’s vision, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the sacredness of Earth.
The New Universe Story and environmental education direct Prairiewoods initiatives and offerings of workshops, retreats and programs. All delve into that interconnectedness of life, encouraging guests to develop a deeper understanding of their place in the cosmos. All 70 acres of Prairiewoods’ land, which features woodlands, prairies and wetlands, serve as a living classroom. Guests of all ages and cultures experience firsthand the beauty and complexity of the universe.
Berry’s epiphany moved his and our understanding of the world and our place in it forward, shifting from the limited view of Sir Isaac Newton and Descartes, who thought the universe was fixed and complete, to the expansive ideas of Albert Einstein and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Other thinkers and activists—including the 100Grannies Uniting for a Livable Future and Swedish climate protection activist Greta Thunberg—continue to embody an emerging universe, a universe alive and evolving. How we understand this and what we do with these insights is critical at this time in history. “What’s your pledge? What’s your practice?” asks psychologist Rick Hanson.
Prairiewoods Integrates Theology, Science and the Arts
At Prairiewoods, communal gardening, land conservation projects and promoting eco-friendly practices model the importance of sustainable living. Ecological awareness is spiritual awareness. Retreats and programs centered on ecological spirituality incorporate contemplative practices from diverse faith traditions and indigenous cultures. Through massage, yoga, nature and labyrinth walks, meditation sessions in nature assist individuals to connect spiritually with Earth. Major shifts continue to emerge as religion and science find common ground for dialogue and action.
Scientists, awed by the mystery of the universe, experience the mystical through their work. Theologians are turning to scientists to understand the Source of All Being. Both offer new ways to understand the Divine, Earth and ourselves as spiritual beings. We move from a God who is wholly transcendent, above creation, out there, beyond, to a sense of the Divine who acts from within each of us and in all of creation. Humanity and Nature and Scripture—all reveal the Divine!
Prairiewoods incorporates art, music and ritual into its programming, reflecting Berry’s belief in the importance of creative expression in nurturing a holistic relationship with Earth. These activities not only enrich the spiritual lives of guests; they cultivate and reveal a profound appreciation for the beauty, awe, wonder and diversity of the natural world.
Prairiewoods is committed to fostering and engaging an ongoing learning community with shared responsibility for Earth. The center hosts events that gather persons with diverse perspectives to explore common ecological and spiritual concerns. Echoing Berry’s call for a collective awakening to our ecological challenges, Prairiewoods invites guests to become engaged global, Earth citizens.
Sustainability is a central focus at Prairiewoods. The center’s facilities are designed with ecologically friendly principles, featuring solar panels, straw-bale construction and organic gardens. These demonstrate ecological principles that can be integrated into daily life. Furthermore, food choices, models of collaborative leadership, treatment of natural resources and how we farm … all reflect interdependence. As the universe evolves, it becomes more and more diverse. We are invited to understand and celebrate the diversity of “truths.”
Thomas Berry’s New Universe Story calls for a deep, transformative shift in how we perceive and interact with Earth and all its inhabitants. Prairiewoods embodies this ecological consciousness through its commitment to ecological education, ecological spiritual growth, creative expression and community engagement.
—Ann Jackson, PBVM, originally published in Prairiewoods’ July/August 2024 Newsletter
image by Lydia Bridges