A Hunger for Wholeness, Ilia Delio, OSF – Madeleva lecture 2017

Namgok Lee 울트라 휴머니즘 - A Hunger for Wholeness

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Namgok Lee

더워지기 전에 산책 나왔다.

요즘 '울트라 휴머니즘'을 천천히 음미하듯 읽고 있다.

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빅뱅이전, 빅뱅과 우주의 역사, 인간의 신비를  깊이 느끼며 읽고 있다.

물리학이나 복잡한 철학적 사유가 어렵지만, 크게 방해받지는 않는다.

이 신비 앞에 어떤 상상도 가능하다.

그러나 그 상상은 이미 도달한 과학의 성과 너머로 작동해야 의미가 있다.

이 책을 보면서, 공자와 석가를 비롯한 동양 정신과 서양 정신의 회통을 많이 느낀다.

읽다가 내 나름으로 주를 다는 경우도 있다.

'과학은 정신의 문을 열고, 정신은 사랑의 길을 닦는다'

이 책 뒷 표지에 나오는 글이다.

이런 인식과 의지의 보편화가 절실하다.

홍익인간, 재세이화라는 위대한 정신이 탄생한 이 땅의 지금 정신을 생각할 때, 아득한 안타까움이 느껴질 때도 있다.

대우주의 신비 앞에 어떤 상상, 믿음도 가능하겠지만, 미신과 욕망의 늪에서는 벗어나야 그 신비 앞에 바로 설 수 있지 않을까?

‘울트라휴머니즘’ 126페이지의 글을 일부 발췌 소개한다.

매력이 넘치는 글이다.

• ⌈그리스도를 믿는 신앙은 우리가 인간과 우주의 운명을 예측할 수 있는 새로운 기초, 즉 새로운 수준의 의식으로 사는 것이다.
• 죽음이 더 이상 우리를 지배하지 못한다고 믿는 것은 ‘우주에 속해 있는 자기’라는 새로운 감각으로 의미 있는 삶을 사는 것이다.
• 부활 의식은 우주적인 해방에 근거를 두고 있다. 우리는 ‘새로운 지구를 위해 새로운 사람이 되라’는 새로운 자유로 초대 받았다. 
• 새로운 지구에서 그리스도는 ‘개성화와 신성화’라는 ‘진화의 중심’으로서, 매력적인 사랑의 힘으로서 ‘물질의 중심’을 통해 빛난다.⌋

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Namgok Lee

수녀이자 신학자인 일리아 델리오가 저자이고, 맹영성이 번역하고, '여해와 함께 대화출판사'가 출판한 '울트라휴머니즘'을 일단 한번 읽었다,

조금 지나서 한번 더 읽어볼 생각이다.

동서양의 위대한 사상들의 '회통'을 느끼면서 읽었다.

특히 '홍익인간'을  '홍익만유'로 읽으면, 아마도 '울트라휴머니즘'이라는 말에 가장 근접할 것 같다.

그리고 과학과 종교, 물질과 정신, 지기실현(구원)과 세계진화(변혁)를 상즉하는 하나로 보는 면에서는 '재세이화'의 현대적 전개라는 생각이 들었다.

이책의 마지막 구절을 적어본다.

"현대인은 과학과 기술에 모든 돈을 쏟아부었지만, 우리가 추구하는 통합과 행복과 평화를 찾을 수 없었다.  왜냐하면 의식적이고 사랑스러운 하느님과의 일치는 과학적인 사실이라는 외적 우주가  아니라 의식이라는 내적 우주에서 형성되기 때문이다. 오직 이 내적 통합에  의해서만, 급진적인 방식으로 급진적인 행동을 통한 변화가 일어날 수 있다.

• 과학은 정신의 문을 열고, 
• 정신은 사랑의 길을 닦아야 한다"

떼이야르 드 샤르댕과 40년 전에 만났을 때도, 나에게 가장 크게 다가왔던 매력이 우주진화의 대여정에서 인간의식이 차지하는 비중과 역할에 대한 비전이었다.

 그 비전을 뒷받침하는  진행으로 인류역사를 대관할 수 있도록 하는데 영감을 받았었다.

외적 우주와 내적 우주로 이야기하고 있지만, 그것은 대립하는 것이 아니라 하나의 우주가 나아가는 '불일불이'의 세계로 다가온다.

인류 존속의 위기를 맞으면서 '생명'이 가장 큰 화두로 되고 있다.

생명의 길은 '사랑'이다.

사람과 사람이 서로 사랑하는 것을 빼고서 동물과 식물을 사랑한다는 것은 무언가 뒤틀려 있는 것이다.

자연에 대한 사랑과 사람에 대한 사랑은 하나로 이어져야 진실하다.

자연과의 모순이 심각하지 않던 시대의 위대한 선구자들이 한결같이 이야기한 것은 

사람과 사람 간의 사랑이었다.

여기서 한 걸음 더 나아가는 것이 자연(동물ㆍ식물)에 대한 사랑이다.

우주진화의 과정에서 최고봉인 인간의 의식이 어떻게 진화할지에 대한  비전이 전반적인 정치ㆍ경제ㆍ문화 ㆍ사회운동이나 행복을 추구하는 우리들의 삶에 밝은 빛으로 와 닿을 수 있으면 좋겠다.

한 차례 읽은 독후감을 남긴다.

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Namgok Lee

4tSpounsosSrfehd  · 

‘울트라휴머니즘’ 산책②

아인슈타인의 E=mc2(자승을 표현 못함 ㅎ) 

이 방정식은 물질이 에너지로, 에너지가 물질로 변환될 수 있다는 것을 보여주었다. 

‘눈에 보이지 않는’ 에너지 세계는 ‘구체적인’ 물질세계와 직접적이고 견고한 연관성을 갖고 있다. 뉴턴은 물질 우주가 비활성 물질로 이루어져 있다고 생각했지만, 이제 우리는 물질 우주가 근본적으로 에너지라는 것을 알게 되었다. 아인슈타인도 에너지의 한 형태로서 물질이 보여주는 신비(神祕)에 당황했다.

양자 물리학에는 문제가 있었다. 예를 들면, 둘로 쪼개진 입자는 쪼개진 반 쪽 입자 사이의 광대한 거리를 거의 순간적으로 뛰어 넘어 서로 소통할 수 있다. 아인슈타인과 그의 동료들은 이것을 ‘얽힘(entanglement)’이라고 불렀다. 어떻게 그렇 수 있을까?

결국 이것은 텅 비어 보이는 광활한 우주 공간이, 사실은 텅 비어 있는 것이 아니라 복잡한 여러 층의 에너지 장(場)인 경우에만 가능하다.  아인슈타인 방정식은 우주의 탄력적인 본성이 변화를 내포한다는 아주 놀라운 통찰을 이끌어 내었다. 아인슈타인 자신은 이 통찰이 편안하지 않았다.

(註; 나는 물리학을 잘 모르지만, 이 글에서 색즉시공(色卽是空) 공즉시색(空卽是色)의 물리학적 통찰을 느낀다. 아마도 직관과 과학의 만남은 편하지 않음을 통과할 것이다) 

과학자들은 빛이 이중적인 성질을 가지며, 어떤 경우에는 파동처럼 운동하고 다른 경우에는 광자처럼 운동한다고 결론지었다. 그렇다면 빛은 파동(광파)인가? 아니면 입자(광자)인가?

답은 관찰자에게 달려 있다.

(註; 조금 비약이 있기는 한 것 같지만, 혜능의 ‘바람인가? 깃발인가?’에 대한 ‘마음이다’라고 한 대답이 연상된다)

양자 물리학은 떼이야르의 통찰력을 심화시켰다. 의식적인 선택이 이루어질 때까지 모든 것이 잠재적인 상태로 존재한다면, 의식은 어떤 의미에서 물질의 ‘내면’ 또는 ‘깊이’이다. 하지만 우주에는 또 다른 유형의 에너지가 있다. 그 에너지는 물질에도 작용하는 끌어당기는 힘, 인력(引力)이다. 이 매력적인 힘을 떼이야르는 ‘사랑 에너지’라고 부른다. 따라서 떼이야르의 ‘내면성’과 ‘외면성’은 물질의 근본적인 구조를 기술하는 반면, 방사 에너지와 접선 에너지는 근본적인 힘을 기술한다.

방사 에너지는 물질의 ‘내면성’에 해당한다. 말하자면 의식 에너지이다. 따라서 물리적인 복잡성에 비례하여 증가한다. 

접선 에너지 또는 인력 에너지는 물질의 ‘외적’인 차원이다. 그것은 사랑으로 특징지어지는 매력적인 인력의 중심 에너지이다. 따라서 사랑과 의식은 지적인 우주 생명을 자기 성찰과 의식하는 삶으로 향하게 하는 상호 관련된 에너지, 아마도 두 형태로 나타나는 같은 에너지라고 할 수 있겠다.

사랑이 깊어질수록 의식은 높아지고, 의식의 각성이 일어날수록 사랑이라는 인력도 강해진다. 물론 사랑에 빠졌을 때 마음이 변화한다는 것을 깨닫기 위해 과학자가 될 필요는 없다. 

우리가 다른 사람을 알게되고 다른 사람에게 끌리면, 앎과 사랑은 서로 얽힌 두 실체의 공생(共生)하는 에너지가 된다.

(註; 과학적인 가설(假設)이다. 나는 이 대목을 읽으며 ‘인(仁)은 애인(愛人)이며, 애인(愛人)은 지인(知人)에서 비롯한다’는 공자(孔子)의 말이 떠오른다. 인(仁)은 생명력이며, 그것은 사랑이다.)

“과학으로 정신의 문을 열고, 정신은 사랑의 길을 닦는다.”

덧붙침;  문명 전환운동은 생명 살림 운동이고, 생명 살림 운동은 사랑 운동이다.

사람끼리(동종) 적대ㆍ증오ㆍ 배척하면서 자연(동식물)을 사랑하자는 것은 본말전도까지는 아니더라도 앞뒤가 맞지 않는다.

사람끼리의 화해ㆍ상생ㆍ사랑과 자연 사랑은 함께 가는 것이 리에 맞다.

10 comments

최영훈

넘 어려운 테마를 그렇게 비약 상고하듯 툭 연결짓고 쓱 결론

짓는 가벼운 행마에 탄복 또 탄

복!!!

 · Reply · 4 h

Namgok Lee

최영훈 엉터리일 가능성이 더 커요. ㅎㅎ

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울트라 휴머니즘 - 지구 공동체 의식을 갖는 인간으로  | 사이 너머 총서 6  

일리아 델리오 (지은이),맹영선 (옮긴이)여해와함께2021-06-15

원제 : A Hunger for Wholeness (2018년)

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목차

추천의 말

한국의 독자들에게

서론

1장 우주와 공간

중세영혼의 공간

근대성과 신의 죽음

마음먹기에 달린 문제

2장 팽창하는 우주

펼쳐지는 공간

단력 있는 우주

물질과 에너지

양자얽힘

3장 물질에 정신을 돌려줌

물질에 의식이 있는가?

의식이 모든 것의 근거인가?

떼이야르가 제안한 두가지 에너지

4장 영혼과 우주

종교와 진화

생명의 도약

오메가의 플라톤적 뿌리

버진 포인트

5장 예수, 새로운 인간

하느님과 자연

사이보그로서의 예수

한 인간으로서의 예수

양자 부활

진화는 생명으로의 부활

6장 디지털 인간

기술의 향상

기술과 생물학

사이버스페이스의 급증

종교와 트랜스휴머니즘

기술과 초월의 필요

앙리 베르그송과 근본적인 타자

7장 신비, 정신과 물질

눈에 보이지 않는 현실

뇌의 각성

자아를 넘어

정신과 감취진 질서

내면에 있는 외적 공간

8장 행성화

하느님의 창조적 활동

내적 우주의 우위

신비주의와 사상

정신권

울트라휴머니즘

호개인적인 미래

세계 종교와 수렴

결론

접기

책속에서

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첫문장

1915년 봄, 지그문트 프로이트(Sigmund Freud, 1856~1939)는 빈 대학에서 2년 동안 계속될 '정신분석 입문' 강의를 시작했따.

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저자 및 역자소개

일리아 델리오 (지은이) 

워싱턴 D.C.에 위치한 워싱턴 연합신학원 교회사 교수이며 영성 연구 책임자이다. 

저서로는 『사랑 가득한 마음 아씨시 클라라의 영성』, 『십자가에 못 박힌 사랑: 십자가에 못 박히신 그리스도에 대한 성 보나벤투라의 신비주의』, 『간추린 보나벤투라: 그의 삶, 사상, 저작 개괄』등이 있다.

최근작 : <울트라 휴머니즘>,<프란치스칸 기도> … 총 3종 (모두보기)

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맹영선 (옮긴이) 

식품화학과 환경신학을 공부한 뒤 지구와 우리 자신을 위해 실제 무엇을 어떻게 해야 하는지 계속 공부하고 있다. 

토마스 베리의 《지구의 꿈》, 《우주 이야기》, 《생태 영성》을 우리말로 옮겼다. 

포럼 지구와 사람의 ‘토마스 베리 강좌’에서 토마스 베리가 던진 우리 시대에 던진 질문에 어떻게 함께 대답할 것인지 함께 공부하고 있다.

최근작 : <지구별 생태사상가>,<암을 예방하는 식물성 식품>,<생태학적 시대의 식품과 건강> … 총 10종 (모두보기)

===

인공지능과 기술의 발전으로 인간과 기계의 경계는 희미해지고 있다. 인간과 기계의 결합인 사이보그가 인간의 신체적, 물질적 한계를 넘도록 해 주는 것은 사실이지만, 그것이 진정한 생명과 의식의 초월이라고 할 수 있을까?

영성신학자인 일리아 델리오 수녀는 이러한 미래에 우려를 표하면서도, 낙관적인 전망을 내놓는다. 진화론과 그리스도교의 조화를 주장했던 떼이야르 드 샤르댕 신부의 우주론을 중심으로, 전 지구 공동체가 사랑으로 하나 되는 울트라 휴머니즘(ultrahumanism)이라는 비전을 제시한다. 델리오 수녀가 말하는 울트라 휴머니즘은 더 큰 의식의 통합을 통해 더욱 커진 사랑의 인식으로 살아가는, 정신권 수준에 이른 전 지구적 공동체 의식을 가리킨다. 

출처 : 여성신문(http://www.womennews.co.kr)

====

A Hunger for Wholeness: Soul, Space, and Transcendence Paperback – April 3, 2018

by Ilia Delio OSF (Author)

4.4 out of 5 stars    31 ratings

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Jesuit scientist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a keen observer of nature, posited two types of energy in the universe: tangential energy/energy of attraction and radial energy/energy of transcendence―in other words, love and consciousness, which correspond to the inner and outer dimensions of nature, respectively. Moreover, as theologian Ilia Delio points out, nature is never at rest; indeed, “Nature [is] on a continuous trajectory of transcendence.” “The Big Bang universe is a story of space but it is also a story of consciousness and love.” How are the inner universe and the outer universe related? “Is the inner universe the key to nature’s transcendence?” she asks. “Is science disclosing a new role for consciousness and thus a new role for spiritual transformation?” The author builds not only on the thought of Teilhard and others but also on the findings of quantum physics to deliver a thought-provoking, deeply insightful reflection on the relationship of God, humanity, and nature in an ever-evolving cosmos

Paperback

AUD 14.61 

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

lia Delio, OSF, is a Franciscan Sister of Washington, DC. She holds the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology at Villanova University, and is the author of seventeen books, several of which have won awards.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Paulist Press (April 3, 2018)

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 136 pages

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars

Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

David E. Schutt

5.0 out of 5 stars Jolts

Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2019

-

When I began reading de Chardin I found myself somewhat uncomfortable. I found that I had to learn how to read him. But he real awakening was when I realized that he was filled with optimism. It became my inner escape from conditioned institutional pessimism of my past life. Not long after that I had what he refers to as a "jolt". He said that, "we have jolts in life and if they don't kill us, we will never be the same again" . Ten years ago my son, his wife, kids and I visited family in Australia that I had never met. During our first few days we met relative after relative. One day. Something inexplicable happened. A 28 year old cousin of my daughter in law's when introduced to me, kissed me. When we looked at each other, I said, " it seems as though we have known each other for a very long time. " we spent the rest of our visit exploring the ramifications of this. I felt "vested or cloaked with Sophia. So powerful her presence came to me in that kiss. We, "breathed the other in". We sat in a group of four one morning having coffee. I ask what their experience of all this was. They told me Love and a very powerful Energy. From that experience I extracted my theme, F < Energy x Love > 1~. Force (Sophia) gives us Energy x Love, giving us unity, equality and non duality exponentially to an infinite power. I have lived this inner presence of Sophia since then. I'm a contemplative, I journal and read spiritually every day as well as meditate using Centering Prayer. As a deacon I became a thorn in the side of clericalism. I am a radical, progressive, and paradoxical Catholic. Last May I was told by our Parish priest that I was not needed. "I understand completely", I told him. He opened the door and I walked out .. We have a small group who meet every Monday for Centering Prayer. If it were not for spiritual books like this one, and others like Richard Rohr, Cynthia Bourgeault, and others, we would have little hope of connection with this new reality, from our corner of the world in Wasilla Alaska, Thank you so much. Finally I want to affirm a quote from an ancient sufi, Hafiz, " I remember well the day that God(dess) ran up and kisssed me!)

Dave

Read less

7 people found this helpful

-

Vicki

5.0 out of 5 stars mind blowing

Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2020

Verified Purchase

I’m still digesting this book. It’s really blowing my mind. Holy Cow! Bits of brain all over the place. What a surprise in such an unassuming looking little book and soothing title.

I feel excited and confused, filled with profound awe and deeply touched in my core at once. Feeling grateful that this one got slipped onto my reading list. The concepts feel both radical and transformative. I mean I never really considered the 2nd law of thermodynamics in relation to global consciousness before, nor the notion that we are One with our technology in the process of evolution and transcendence. Holy cow. I find I have to read and reread each paragraph, section, chapter. And I’m constantly calling my poor husband over with a ‘listen to this!’

In a world in which awe and wonder have been diminished by our ability to dissect and explain everything, this book is a religious experience. (and well the author asserts that the religious impulse is elemental to all evolution/becoming, even at the microscopic level of life itself)

Helpful

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Lisa A Ushman

5.0 out of 5 stars Challenges my mind with new ideas or confirmation of them.

Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2019

Verified Purchase

Excellent books. Easy to read and well planned in its presentation.

2 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars Human consciousness is crossing a new threshold.

Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2019

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A masterpiece of creative integration of science and theology. Absolute must read for anyone seeking a deeper spirituality.

2 people found this helpful

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M R Nelson

5.0 out of 5 stars Evolving Conscious

Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2019

Verified Purchase

Well grounded with insight into creations connectivity, our oneness! A very good read with a host of references

2 people found this helpful

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Robert A. Dalgleish

5.0 out of 5 stars Reformers Take Note

Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2019

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If our politicians and social reformed took the message of this book to heart our world would be headed in a much better direction.

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Gardener

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2018

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Accessible, profound.

3 people found this helpful

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Agnes Caldwell

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and Thought Provoking

Reviewed in Canada on August 16, 2019

Verified Purchase

Very interesting exploration of the human concept of the Creator of the Universe and how it has changed and continues to change. Very nice printing with a secure binding, exceptional in a small book these days. Small enough to carry around in a pocket, to be read and digested in small bites.

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lockthescot

5.0 out of 5 stars God loves us!

Reviewed in Canada on June 16, 2018

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Anyone seeking meaning to their life will find some answers here.

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====

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36959931-a-hunger-for-wholeness

Feb 06, 2019Swood rated it really liked it

My friends Chuck Hoffman and Peg Carlson-Hoffman recommended I read this book. They are acquainted with the author, Ilia Delio.

It's a small book, packed with big ideas and she does a fine job of moving though them logically and persuasively. The conclusion she reaches is powerful and a guide for our times, our future -- that we are all connected, not just with each other, but with all things. And that if we come together we can take what it means to be human to the next level -- of consciousness? of transcendence? As explored by Teilhard de Chardin, explained by Bergson and others. She quotes dozens and dozens of thinkers -- again in nicely plotted support of her logic.

“If we want a different world, we must become different people.” .... “We must either unify or annihilate.”

I was nearly derailed early on, as I feel like she skips two crucial definitions; that of the terms “religion” and “love.” (Finally on pg 95, she offers up a definition of love, but I wish she'd done so much much sooner)

And I felt like she was speaking almost entirely from the Christian tradition/framework; although she did eventually invite other faiths into the discussion (Buddhism). As such, my own biases got in the way of the reading .... yet she did finally bring me around convincingly to her POV.

I feel like physicists, such as an Alan Lightman, might not allow her to make the leap from the revelations of “quantum physics” to consciousness -- but she actually does a pretty good job of building a case for that leap. Of course, all that stuff is beyond my grasp ... but its in my own nature to try.

A worthy and thought-provoking read. I will likely have to read it again. What she is arguing for, hoping for will need constant refreshing in this chaotic world in which we live. One might argue however, that we need to experience the level of chaos we're in now in order to see the path forward. (less)

===

alfonso luis alfaro marroquin3 years ago
Wow! What a woman! What a wonderful concept




Wayne McMillan2 years ago (edited)
Ilia is brillant.



caballero3 years ago
The Steven Hawking of theology.

A Hunger for Wholeness, Ilia Delio, OSF – Madeleva lecture 2017

A Hunger for Wholeness, Ilia Delio, OSF – Madeleva lecture 2017

20,310 viewsJun 1, 2017

Saint Mary's College

653 subscribers

Ilia Delio, OSF, was honored as the 2017 Madeleva Lecturer. Her lecture, A Hunger for Wholeness: Soul, Space, and Transcendence, took place on April 20, 2017 at Saint Mary's College. Delio holds the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair at Villanova University. She is the author of 17 books and lectures nationally and internationally on the area of Science and Religion, with particular interest in evolution, ecology, and artificial intelligence.

The Madeleva Lecture is named to honor Sister M. Madeleva Wolff, CSC. As the president of Saint Mary's College, Sr. Madeleva inaugurated the Graduate School of Sacred Theology at the College, a unique and pioneering venture that provided graduate theological training to women and lay men from 1943-1970. This highly-regarded lecture honors an accomplished female scholar in the discipline of theology.

A Hunger for Wholeness: Soul, Space, and Transcendence: Delio OSF, Ilia

A Hunger for Wholeness: Soul, Space, and Transcendence: Delio OSF, Ilia: 

Jesuit scientist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a keen observer of nature, posited

 two types of energy in the universe: 

1. tangential energy/energy of attraction and 
2. radial energy/energy of transcendence―

in other words, love and consciousness, 

which correspond to the inner and outer dimensions of nature, respectively.

 Moreover, as theologian Ilia Delio points out, nature is never at rest; indeed, “Nature [is] on a continuous trajectory of transcendence.” 

“The Big Bang universe is a story of space but it is also a story of consciousness and love.” 

 

How are the inner universe and the outer universe related?

 “Is the inner universe the key to nature’s transcendence?” she asks. 

“Is science disclosing a new role for consciousness and thus a new role for spiritual transformation?” 

The author builds not only on the thought of Teilhard and others but also on the findings of quantum physics to deliver a thought-provoking, deeply insightful reflection on the relationship of God, humanity, and nature in an ever-evolving cosmos.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

lia Delio, OSF, is a Franciscan Sister of Washington, DC. She holds the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology at Villanova University, and is the author of seventeen books, several of which have won awards.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Paulist Press (April 3, 2018)

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 136 pages

---

4.4 out of 5 stars

Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

David E. Schutt

5.0 out of 5 stars Jolts

Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2019

When I began reading de Chardin I found myself somewhat uncomfortable. I found that I had to learn how to read him. But he real awakening was when I realized that he was filled with optimism. It became my inner escape from conditioned institutional pessimism of my past life. Not long after that I had what he refers to as a "jolt". He said that, "we have jolts in life and if they don't kill us, we will never be the same again" . Ten years ago my son, his wife, kids and I visited family in Australia that I had never met. During our first few days we met relative after relative. One day. Something inexplicable happened. A 28 year old cousin of my daughter in law's when introduced to me, kissed me. When we looked at each other, I said, " it seems as though we have known each other for a very long time. " we spent the rest of our visit exploring the ramifications of this. I felt "vested or cloaked with Sophia. So powerful her presence came to me in that kiss. We, "breathed the other in". We sat in a group of four one morning having coffee. I ask what their experience of all this was. They told me Love and a very powerful Energy. 

From that experience I extracted my theme, F < Energy x Love > 1~. Force (Sophia) gives us Energy x Love, giving us unity, equality and non duality exponentially to an infinite power. 

I have lived this inner presence of Sophia since then. I'm a contemplative, I journal and read spiritually every day as well as meditate using Centering Prayer. As a deacon I became a thorn in the side of clericalism. I am a radical, progressive, and paradoxical Catholic. 

Last May I was told by our Parish priest that I was not needed. 

"I understand completely", I told him. 

He opened the door and I walked out .. 

We have a small group who meet every Monday for Centering Prayer. 

If it were not for spiritual books like this one, and others like Richard Rohr, Cynthia Bourgeault, and others, we would have little hope of connection with this new reality, from our corner of the world in Wasilla Alaska, 

Thank you so much. 

Finally I want to affirm a quote from an ancient sufi, Hafiz, " I remember well the day that God(dess) ran up and kisssed me!)

Dave

 

7 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report abuse

Vicki

5.0 out of 5 stars mind blowing

Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2020

Verified Purchase

I’m still digesting this book. It’s really blowing my mind. Holy Cow! Bits of brain all over the place. What a surprise in such an unassuming looking little book and soothing title.

I feel excited and confused, filled with profound awe and deeply touched in my core at once. Feeling grateful that this one got slipped onto my reading list. The concepts feel both radical and transformative. I mean I never really considered the 2nd law of thermodynamics in relation to global consciousness before, nor the notion that we are One with our technology in the process of evolution and transcendence. Holy cow. I find I have to read and reread each paragraph, section, chapter. And I’m constantly calling my poor husband over with a ‘listen to this!’

In a world in which awe and wonder have been diminished by our ability to dissect and explain everything, this book is a religious experience. (and well the author asserts that the religious impulse is elemental to all evolution/becoming, even at the microscopic level of life itself)

----

Lisa A Ushman

5.0 out of 5 stars Challenges my mind with new ideas or confirmation of them.

Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2019

Verified Purchase

Excellent books. Easy to read and well planned in its presentation.

2 people found this helpful

----

Amazon Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars Human consciousness is crossing a new threshold.

Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2019

Verified Purchase

A masterpiece of creative integration of science and theology. Absolute must read for anyone seeking a deeper spirituality.

2 people found this helpful

----

M R Nelson

5.0 out of 5 stars Evolving Conscious

Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2019

Verified Purchase

Well grounded with insight into creations connectivity, our oneness! A very good read with a host of references

2 people found this helpful

----

Robert A. Dalgleish

5.0 out of 5 stars Reformers Take Note

Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2019

Verified Purchase

If our politicians and social reformed took the message of this book to heart our world would be headed in a much better direction.

Gardener

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2018

Verified Purchase

Accessible, profound.

3 people found this helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Agnes Caldwell

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and Thought Provoking

Reviewed in Canada on August 16, 2019

Verified Purchase

Very interesting exploration of the human concept of the Creator of the Universe and how it has changed and continues to change. Very nice printing with a secure binding, exceptional in a small book these days. Small enough to carry around in a pocket, to be read and digested in small bites.

 

lockthescot

5.0 out of 5 stars God loves us!

Reviewed in Canada on June 16, 2018

Verified Purchase

Anyone seeking meaning to their life will find some answers here.

 

---

Swood rated it really liked it

My friends Chuck Hoffman and Peg Carlson-Hoffman recommended I read this book. 

They are acquainted with the author, Ilia Delio.

It's a small book, packed with big ideas and she does a fine job of moving though them logically and persuasively. The conclusion she reaches is powerful and a guide for our times, our future -- that we are all connected, not just with each other, but with all things. 

And that if we come together we can take what it means to be human to the next level -- of consciousness? of transcendence? As explored by Teilhard de Chardin, explained by Bergson and others. She quotes dozens and dozens of thinkers -- again in nicely plotted support of her logic.

“If we want a different world, we must become different people.” .... “We must either unify or annihilate.”

I was nearly derailed early on, as I feel like she skips two crucial definitions; that of the terms “religion” and “love.” (Finally on pg 95, she offers up a definition of love, but I wish she'd done so much much sooner)

And I felt like she was speaking almost entirely from the Christian tradition/framework; although she did eventually invite other faiths into the discussion (Buddhism). As such, my own biases got in the way of the reading .... yet she did finally bring me around convincingly to her POV.

I feel like physicists, such as an Alan Lightman, might not allow her to make the leap from the revelations of “quantum physics” to consciousness -- but she actually does a pretty good job of building a case for that leap. Of course, all that stuff is beyond my grasp ... but its in my own nature to try.

A worthy and thought-provoking read. I will likely have to read it again. What she is arguing for, hoping for will need constant refreshing in this chaotic world in which we live. One might argue however, that we need to experience the level of chaos we're in now in order to see the path forward. (less)

 

The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton: A New Look at the Spiritual Inspiration of His Life, : Daniel P. Horan

The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton: A New Look at the Spiritual Inspiration of His Life, Thought, and Writing eBook: Daniel P. Horan

Daniel Horan, O.F.M., popular author of Dating God and other books on Franciscan themes—and expert on the spirituality of Thomas Merton—masterfully presents the untold story of how the most popular saint in Christian history inspired the most popular spiritual writer of the twentieth century, and how together they can inspire a new generation of Christians.

Millions of Christians and non-Christians look to Thomas Merton for spiritual wisdom and guidance, but to whom did Merton look? In The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton, Franciscan friar and author Daniel Horan shows how, both before and after he became a Trappist monk, Merton’s life was shaped by his love for St. Francis and for the Franciscan spiritual and intellectual tradition. 

Given recent renewed interest in St. Francis, this timely resource is both informative and practical, revealing a previously hidden side of Merton that will inspire a new generation of Christians to live richer, deeper, and more justice-minded lives of faith.

====

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This finely textured volume highlights Thomas Merton's intellectual and spiritual debt to the Franciscan tradition. Like the good householder of the Gospel, Daniel Horan draw forth old things and new" -- Lawrence S. Cunningham, University of Notre Dame

"Daniel Horan brings a fresh and welcome perspective to the life and legacy of the twentieth century's most celebrated monk" -- Michael Downey, Editor of The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality

"What a treasure we have in young and insightful Daniel Horan!" -- Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation

--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

===

About the Author

Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M., is a Franciscan friar of Holy Name Province (New York), a columnist for America, and the author of several books, including The Last Words of Jesus, Dating God, and Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith. 

He is the author of many scholarly and popular articles and a frequent lecturer and retreat director around the United States, Canada, and Europe. 

Horan received a 2011 Catholic Press Association first-place award for his writing on spirituality. 

Horan studied at St. Bonaventure University where he earned a bachelor degree in theology and journalism. He entered the Order of Friars Minor in 2005, made his first profession of vows in 2007, and was ordained a priest in 2012. 

During his studies as a friar, Horan earned a master's degree in systematic theology in 2010 and a master of divinity in 2012, both from the Washington Theological Union. He is currently completing a doctorate in systematic theology at Boston College. 

Horan taught in the department of religious studies at Siena College (2010-2011) and was a visiting professor in the department of theology at St. Bonaventure University (2012). 

He serves on the board of directors of the International Thomas Merton Society. Horan is a regular contributor to Give Us This Day and The Huffington Post. He is also the Catholic chaplain at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Follow him online at danhoran.com.

--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

===========

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful

A New Scholar Brings A New Lens For Viewing the Life and Work of Thomas Merton 3 October 2014

By I. J. Montaldo - Published on Amazon.com

As someone who has read Thomas Merton since he was thirteen years old, who is about to celebrate his sixty-ninth birthday on the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi in a few days, who has edited several volumes of Merton's work and served as President of the International Thomas Merton Society, and who is past being eager to read another book about Merton, rather preferring to continue reading Merton himself, I am taken aback at how much I enjoyed and appreciated this new, because more intense, focus employed by Daniel Horan on the Franciscan foundations and influence upon Merton's Cistercian vocation and on key elements of his spiritual legacy. 

The heart of Horan's good book are Parts II and III. 

In Part II, "Franciscan Foundations," 

he employs original research to present a time-line that is more expansive and detailed, than the one more ordinarily constructed by Merton scholars as only brief, of Merton's interest in becoming a Franciscan. He highlights the instigation of Merton's desire to become a priest and Franciscan as it was mentored by Merton's friend and former professor, Daniel Walsh. He sheds better focus on how individual Franciscan friars, especially a foremost scholar of the Franciscan tradition, Father Philotheus Boehner, were crucial in encouraging Merton's studies in Franciscan philosophy and theology, while Merton taught English at what was then Saint Bonaventure College in Olean, New York. 

In Part III, "Reflections on Faith," 

Horan successfully uncovers the Franciscan ground of key ideas associated with Merton's writing on spirituality, 

• especially the idea of the "true self," 
• his Christ-centered theology, 
• the motive of Christ's incarnation as an excess of God's love, and 
• Merton's life-long appreciation of his kinship with all beings in creation. 

Horan carefully examines how much Merton's theological and artistic perspectives in these key ideas are grounded in the writings of Franciscans John Duns Scotus and Saint Bonaventure. 

Most importantly, he brings to the forefront Merton's continuing reverence for Saint Francis of Assisi and how, beginning from the time Merton becomes a Third-Order Franciscan while teaching at St. Bonaventure's, Francis was a major model for how Merton sought to live out his own search for God in his own century. 

Horan's writing is clear and his judgments about Francis and Merton are connected to twenty-first century life so that a reader gets the points for her own contemporary experience, but there is nothing light-weight about his text.

 Although he wears his learning lightly and can write for the general reader, Horan is a scholar. I do judge that this book is not a general introduction into the thought and life of Thomas Merton. It is best approached by someone who has read Merton elsewhere, but "The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton" polishes the Merton corpus anew so that hidden veins of Merton's intellectual history can be better uncovered and the richness below the surface of his thought can be better appreciated. 

I don't know Daniel Horan personally and have no ax to grind on his behalf, but I am happy to endorse his new book publicly and wish him good work in the many decades of living and writing ahead for this young Franciscan priest and scholar.

 Jonathan Montaldo

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

HASH(0xb1b26654) out of 5 stars 

Unwrapping the nuggets of similarity required the studies of this author 

9 November 2014

By Mary Jane Pelletier - Published on Amazon.com

I found Daniel Horan's book to be insightful, surprising, and challengingly practical. I had anticipated references to contemplation and to the false self, and I found in this book a remarkably active interpretation of both - no navel gazing here. 

I felt as though I somehow walked hand in hand with Daniel Horan, Thomas Merton, and Francis of Assisi as they exchanged ideas, learned from one another, and brought the theoretical to practice through their lives. 

The interwoven references to vocation, peacemaking, Incarnation, and embracing the stranger gave the book focus and left me with a renewed interest in and commitment to Franciscan spirituality and to contemplative practice. 

I was delighted to find references to authors who are currently inspiring my learning such as James Finley and Ilia Delio.

I was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about John Duns Scotus and his influence on the Franciscan school. I find references to the univocity of being, for example, to be relevant to today's environmental crises; thus the book is as much forward-looking as it is a study of past events.

 I am grateful to Dan Horan for sharing with the reader insights from the intensity of his Franciscan studies over the past several years and the fruits of his Merton studies as well. Only someone fully immersed in both could have written this book.

Top reviews from the United States

Jessica Coblentz

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Engaging and clear presentation of theological themes in Merton and the Franciscan tradition

Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2014

Verified Purchase

Dan has given us another great book! I had the pleasure of reading the manuscript while in production, and I have been awaiting its publication ever since. As a causal reader of Merton and the Franciscan tradition, I am grateful for Dan's informative and accessible commentary on the lives of Merton and Francis. 

My favorite parts of the book are the many chapters Dan dedicates to overlapping theological themes in the works of Merton and the Franciscan tradition. Dan brings his typical clarity of thought and prose to complex theological themes--from theological anthropology and christology to theologies of creation and interreligious dialogue, just to name a few. Not only did I learn great deal from this book, but I was also challenged to reflect on my Christian life in important ways.

19 people found this helpful

---

Claudia.PoetryPainter

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Merton Scholars & Christian Spirituality Students

Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2015

Verified Purchase

A Great book for Merton lovers that connected the dots between Merton's early years teaching in a Franciscan University and personally studying there. The explanation of Franciscan spirituality and theology was very helpful and worth reading the book even if one is not a Merton fan.

Daniel Horan is a logical and interesting writer, presenting many facts to support his observations of the impact of Franciscan theology and spirituality in Thomas Merton's life as observed from his writings and ideas. Some parts of the book could have been tightened up but I enjoyed reading all of the details.

I am thankful for certain key ideas that Horan presented that are useful to all Christians. In particular the chapter on prophecy and the opportunity for all Christians to grow into this calling and his explanation of why Merton is said to have functioned in a prophetic role for our culture.

I have a master's degree in Spirituality from Bellarmine University in Louisville Kentucky and still learned many details from Horan about Thomas Merton (Father Louis). Thus, I highly recommend this book for all Merton scholars and students of Christian Spirituality.

6 people found this helpful

==

Carol

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous information and so convenient in audiobook form

Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2018

Verified Purchase

Having read so much of Merton's own writings, I was greatly enriched and informed by listening to Dan Horan's perspectives on Merton's mindset. Had never considered the strong Franciscan influence. Wonderful information and it was very helpful to take in in in audiobook form. In my busy life, recordings work very well for me.

==

Victoria Vancouver

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book comparing Francis and Merton

Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2018

Verified Purchase

I love Dan Horan's style of writing. He looks at the "usual" and straightens you out. He says much in a single paragraph that just rocks what you know. We are reading the book for a Franciscan reading group.

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Jeanette E. Miraglia

5.0 out of 5 stars A Challenge for 2015

Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2015

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This is an excellent book, and I must admit that the first chapter threw off base. It is a challenge for me to follow the Franciscan path realistically.

Having been associated with a Cistercian community for over 40 years, it is where I attend Sunday services, I have read numerous books by Thomas Merton and other Cistercian publications. I feel most persons interested in advancing in 

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Mary Gillmarten

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful new facet on the study of Merton's life

Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2015

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A wonderful new facet on the study of Merton's life. Merton has been studied as a Catholic, as a Catholic moving towards Zen and eastern religions, as a philosopher, as a peacenik, and now as a Franciscan. He is a diamond with many facets, none exclusive of the other. Young Fr. Horan is always a delight to read, his prose is easy and clear.

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Joseph

Apr 30, 2018Joseph rated it really liked it

Author sets out wonderful parallels between lives of St. Francis and Thomas Merton. Makes both more accessible to modern reader. While primarily a limited biography on Merton, it does address the issues he grappled with (i.e. civil disobedience, war, modernism) and how they are not dissimilar to issues that the reader may face today.

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Craig Bergland

Oct 31, 2014Craig Bergland rated it it was amazing

Shelves: biography, christianity, contemplation, interspirituality, thomas-merton-studies, spirituality

An outstanding study of Merton's Franciscan influence. Well conceived, researched, and written, this book is an absolute necessity for any fan of Thomas Merton. Highly recommended! (less)

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Amy Moritz

Mar 11, 2020Amy Moritz rated it really liked it

I picked up this book because (a) I know Fr. Dan Horan and adore him, (b) I love Thomas Merton, and (c) my brother recommended it. So trifecta!

I decided to read some "spiritual" books during Lent this year and 

by "spiritual" I mean books that lead me to think more deeply about life and love and God and all that is good, particularly as I work on the depths of grief. Looking at the intersection of Francis and Merton THE best place to start.

First of all, I appreciated Fr. Dan's look at the brief overview history/biography of each man. I learned more about Merton and his "rejection" by the friars, of which my knowledge pretty much ended with what he wrote in Seven Story Mountain.

My biggest takeaway, which is not likely what Fr. Dan intended, is to look more closely at Merton's notion of the "true self." 

This is a place I personally want to look at more in depth. His writing on true self (though I didn't remember it called that or really recognize that as a theory when I read it the first time) was something I instinctively felt called to when I first read "New Seeds of Contemplation." And it has Franciscan roots? No wonder I loved it!

"It is not about putting Francis on a pedestal in order to laud him as so exceptional that we cannot possibly relate but instead about seeing in his example what it means to so deeply reflect on scripture and the love of God that his WHOLE LIFE, mentally and physically, was transformed by the experience of prayer, solitude, and reflection."

"It is not what we do, what we have, or how we act that makes us loved by God and worthy of love from others. Rather, it is WHO WE ARE -- individually created, willed, and loved into being by God -- that is the source of our dignity and value."

"William Shannon explains that there are, according to Merton, only two ways to discover the true self. The discovery of the real self is achieved (1) through death, which Merton conceives not so much as the separation of the soul from the body, but the disappearance of the external self and the emergence of the real self, or (2) through contemplation, which is the renouncing of our "petty selves" to find "our true selves beyond ourselves in others and above all in Christ." Contemplation is the letting go of the false self -- which is why it is a kind of death, a death that takes place during life."

And I finally learned something about Scotus:

"Scotus makes the point that the reason for the Incarnation rests in the need for all creation to be glorified and share in God's goodness."

"It is through Christ that we are able to see God as God truly is -- humble, loving, forgiving, and poor. To say 'Christ' is, at one and the same time, to say this is who God is and this who WE ARE CALLED TO BE."

"Contemplation in a Franciscan key is not about our searching for God in particular times and dedicated places. Rather, Franciscan contemplation is about learning to see how God is always ready right before us, reflected in all aspects of creation. ... A Franciscan approach to contemplation challenges us not to let contemplation, the gazing at God, become just another thing we have to do. We need to let our relationship with God Transform us to see the whole world in new and life-giving ways."

"Through contemplation and openness to ongoing conversion from false self, we discover who we really are in who God really is. To live the life of the Gospel is to live a life of self-emptying service, finding God in our emptiness and poverty. From that position of minority, we, like Merton and Francis, are able to authentically encounter the "stranger' and to hear his or her voice."

"At the core of Francis' understanding of what it means to be a peacemaker is the commitment to take down any barriers we intentionally or inadvertently put up between ourselves and others that prevent us from entering into honest, humble, and meaningful relationships with others." (less)

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