Page 137 - ECOlogic Book

Acknowledgements

Berry, Fox, Swimme, ICCS, classmates, quenched my thirst for a theology
and a spirituality that could not just accommodate my interest in creativity
and the natural world, but presented both as central. The richness of that
experience follows me to this day. As I write this, a week after Thomas
Berry’s Memorial Service at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, I’m acutely
aware of what an amazing honor it’s been to have known these people.
Now, more than ever, I realize the importance of continuing to spread the
flame that was lit in me and so many other thousands of people by
Thomas Berry. Almost every page of what follows bears the field of his
energy and the hope of its flowering.

Carolyn Arcure and Maria Myers, classmates at ICCS have kept fanning that
flame, that burns in them as well. More recently, my email correspondence
with Maria Myers has given me the courage to go more public, to a wider
audience that I now believe may be ready for these pages.

Earlier influences include COOS and its renegrade minister, Ralph Stribe–
foundational in open-minded approach and IAPS, a playground for working
out spirituality, Richard Books, Eastern Philosophy teacher at OU. Elva
Heaton, Yoga teacher

My kids, who have borne with me through my peculiar and unconventional
passions, and even, at times, fed those passions.

I must also acknowledge all the many authors I ripped off for the essays
that follow. Writing them, years ago, for each issue, I felt as if I was asking,
“who can I rip off today? From the perspective of the years that have
accumulated since then, a perspective kinder to myself has emerged, and I
realize that I was drawing together the most important thinkers of our day,
to form a matrix of thought around a particular topic, somewhat like a panel
discussion or, in today’s jargon, a mashup. I assume,hopefully, that these
authors, rather than feeling ripped off, are comforted to find themselves in
such good company.

Currently, my friend and Dialogue parter, Deanne Bednar, who shares
history with me and keeps me on the ecological straight and narrow. Friend
and colleague, Pam Bytner, and my anchor Sophia Sisters, as well as the
amazing people who have walked with me through CreekFest, the
Casselman property, - Rick McAvinchey, Cheryl Gault, Fred Townsend, Pam

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