We are all guests of God’s hospitality. The world in which we live is pure gift,” proclaims theologian Monika Hellwig in her famous work Guests of God: Stewards of Divine Creation. Our very existence, human nature, consciousness, intelligence, creativity … all are gift. Companionship of other humans, plant and animal life, water, air, minerals, light, soil, sun, sky … all are gift. Grateful for this generous Source of All Being, how are we to live?
As Guests: A Shift from Ownership to Kinship
We are shifting from dominion over Earth to kinship—from ownership to kinship—from host to guest! Can you feel it? For more than 50 years, cultural historian Thomas Berry emphasized the need for a new relationship with Earth, stating, “The universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects.” This perspective IS taking hold! All life forms ARE interconnected, interdependent, fostering respect and care for all of creation.
The tendency toward dominion and exploitation of Earth grew out of an anthropocentric worldview that regarded humankind (albeit white, European, male humans) as the central or most important element of existence, especially as opposed to God, plant or animal species. This has led to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, pollution, disrespect for the gift of all of life, disconnection from the natural world, overconsumption—a looming climate crisis. Al Gore, former vice president and environmental advocate, warns, “The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity.”
The current, colonial, capitalist society focuses on profit over people, individual over collective, disregard for all life as “property” to be owned. People of European descent have much to learn from the wisdom of Indigenous people who fully embody kinship—living directly in touch with nature. Shifting from a mentality of ownership to a sense of kinship and stewardship with and as Earth is critical. The time is NOW. “What did you do when you knew?” cries environmental activist and poet Drew Dellinger.
What we do, consume, produce, enjoy carries implications far beyond the network of human and wiser ecological relationships than we realize. Recognizing our kinship with Earth inspires deeper sustainable behaviors and policies that protect the environment for future generations. Monika Hellwig emphasized the importance of community and shared responsibility, stating, “We are not isolated individuals but part of a larger whole.” This perspective impels us to act collectively to address justice issues. As guests and stewards of divine creation, we actually, Hellwig suggests, co-create with the Source of All Being’s hospitality in three ways:
- We are unfinished creatures entrusted with our own becoming. Faced with infinite choices, we dwell in possibility. Yet, we squander time and talents by failing to reflect on the gift of life, dedicating our purpose and presence to focus and shape what we become together.
- We co-evolve with the Source of All Being to shape the universe, its ecology, use of mineral resources, etc. We must assume our human responsibility to cooperate with Source to develop spiritual, scientific and technological knowledge and competencies that serve social and ecological justice and equality throughout the world.
- We mediate relationship with one another and all of creation by how we offer or restrict access of others to associate and act, establish law and customs, regulate who and how decisions are made regarding natural resources and human products … Everything we do or don’t accept in cultures, civilizations and economies impacts kinship.
Kinship invites us to expand our web of responsibility to include the wisdom of Indigenous languages and practices, to value, nurture and sustain those systems for the sake of all life.
Awakening to our connection with Earth—as Earthlings—we consciously move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life. The research of Prairiewoods’ Spirituality in the 21st Century featured speaker, neuroscientist Lisa Miller, PhD, confirms that “we are all on a path of awakening, again and again facing new challenges, closing and opening doors, moving ever and always toward great awakening” (The Awakened Brain, page 237). Neuroscience cites that humans have an innate, hard-wired capacity for transcendent awareness—to see into the deeper nature of life—KINSHIP!
What do we do with this capacity? Share it with all forms of life! Dr. Miller’s research reveals that when humans cultivate this innate capacity—kinship—it leads to greater resilience and health. “Individuals who cultivate a strong spiritual core are less likely to experience despair, addiction and depression,” Dr. Miller states. Developing an awakened brain involves recognizing our interconnectedness with every life force on Earth.
This awareness motivates environmentally conscious behaviors as individuals perceive the planet’s wellbeing as integral to their own. We build an awakened global society! Justice is practiced through interdependent kinship and love. We treat all living beings and systems as part of an encompassing, interconnected web of life. Amid seemingly irreconcilable differences, people find common ground. We embrace imagination and approach work as an opportunity to further human calling and contribution. Schools embrace the responsibility and opportunity to nurture the spiritual core of all children. In this spirit of reciprocity among kin, all life and all cultures invite us to awaken to a reality much larger than any one individual or system or culture or civilization, and to translate that wisdom and inspiration into decisions and actions that serve the common good.
An Invitation to Awaken to Intersecting Justice Issues for the Sake of Future Generations
Everything connects. Consider the impact of kinship on:
- Eco-Spirituality: Integrating spiritual awareness with ecological activism fosters a holistic approach to environmental justice.
- Immigration: Environmental degradation often leads to displacement. Recognizing our shared responsibility can drive efforts to address the root causes of climate-induced migration.
- Gift Economy: A kinship consciousness that encourages sharing resources sustainably, challenging consumerism and promoting equitable distribution.
- Democracy: Inclusive decision-making that considers the well-being of the planet and all its inhabitants strengthens democratic processes.
Shifting our consciousness from dominion over Earth to one of kinship enhances all dimensions of life and animates our innate spiritual capacities. In the words of Judy Cannato, an author focused on ecospiritual growth, “We are called to awaken to a new way of being in the world, one that recognizes the sacredness of all creation.” Let’s heed this call, embracing kinship and working toward a just and sustainable future for all.
For a deeper understanding of the neuroscience behind spirituality and its benefits, you may find this talk by Dr. Lisa Miller insightful. (Click here to watch it.) We also invite you to join Dr. Miller for Spirituality in the 21st Century May 5 or 6 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, or virtually (May 5 only). Learn more here.
—Ann Jackson, PBVM, Prairiewoods director of spiritual services