In this episode James and Forrest continue with the second part of a conversation with John Philip Newell about his new book, The Great Search: Turning to Earth and Soul in the Search for Healing and Home. In this book, John Philip argues for a re-imagining of how we relate to creation, to each other, to God and even to ourselves. He advocates for engaging creation as the primary means of knowing God, of seeing the sacred in all life forms, and of loving all creation as we love ourselves. And because the conversation was so full of emerging truths and insights, we split the conversation into two parts. In this, the second half of the conversation, they pick up at a point in our conversation just after John Philip has explained how some religious teachings have made us forget how to fall in love with nature, and caused us to lose sight of the divine presence in everything, all around us. Here then is part two of the conversation with John Philip Newell.

Mentions

John Philip Newell’s website Earth & Soul
Iona
Findhorn Ecovillage
Victoria Loorz
Celtic Spirituality
Thomas Berry
Nan Shepherd
Edwin Muir

Takeaways

• Reimagining our relationship with creation is essential for healing.
• Pilgrimage can take many forms, even in urban settings.
• We must strive to see the divine in everyone, regardless of differences.
• Political discourse challenges our ability to see the light in others.
• Restoration of betweenness is crucial for understanding and compassion.
• Faith is more about experience than mere belief in doctrines.
• Childlike wonder can reconnect us to the sacred.
• Edgewalkers can help envision a reimagined spiritual community.
• The divine exists within each of us.
• New beginnings in spirituality require openness to transformation.

Key words: nature, spirituality, healing, connection, divine, pilgrimage, political discourse, faith, edgewalkers, sacredness, Wild Church, Edwin Muir, Victoria Loorz, Thomas Berry, Nan Shepherd

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple