Gray Matter in the Green:
Special Issues in Earth Healing
We are now launching our "Special Issues" series on this website. Our basic title is open to at least three interpretations: the series is produced by greens who are graying; the subjects require some additional gray matter to assimilate; and the green or environmental issues are not always black and white, but do contain some gray areas. We include controversial subjects in order to stimulate comments from our readers -- the uncovered gray areas we have not yet thought about (a possible fourth interpretation). We welcome your comments and suggestions.
These entries include topics that are often not discussed in environmental circles.
November 1,
2007 -
The
Morality of Nuclear Power Generation: An Ignatian Discernment
by Albert Fritsch, PhD and Mary Davis, PhD
Basic Globish
by Albert Fritsch, SJ
Earth Healing
Globish (from the words "global" and "English") is becoming the
widespread language of the business world that is used among
non-Anglophones. Our goal is to use "basic Globish" in our Internet
Daily Reflections.
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Sounds and Silence: Creating Silent Space (Pt.
1)
by Albert Fritsch, SJ
Earth Healing
Sounds and Silence: Creating Silent Space (Pt.
2)
by Albert Fritsch, SJ
Earth Healing
This special issue is meant to prepare the way for a longer study of
noise pollution. This first section surveys sound pollution
problems starting with volume and duration of modern sound. Discordant
indoor sounds are described, and then the immediate outdoors (the yard
and immediate environs), and then on to the larger surrounding
communities in which we live. The physical, mental and psychological
conditions of both people and other living creatures are touched upon.
An Environmental Retreat
by Albert Fritsch, SJ
Earth Healing
This collection involves a combination of some personal notes and
stories from my preached retreats. I hope these reflections help you to
make an environmental retreat. Some general pre-notes to read
before beginning such a retreat are found in Appendix 1.
Celebrating 25 Years of Earth Healing: A Photographic Scrapbook
Retreat Hermitages:
Available to the Public for Retreats and Experiences of Solitude
Declaration of Interdependence -- 2007
by Lanz Bidault
Guest contributor to Earth Healing
Fifty Ways
to Reclaim the Commons
-- and --
Biofuels: A Complex and Moral Issue
by Albert Fritsch, SJ
Earth Healing
In America and Europe there is a massive groundswell of interest in using biofuels as transport fuel. Americans see biofuels as part of the national effort to help make our nation independent of foreign petroleum and natural gas. Election of a new Democratic Congress in November has accelerated this thrust. While some call the interest in biofuels a meaningful environmental development meriting generous government funding; others call this an environmental catastrophe just waiting to happen.
Reiki: Ancient Healing Art-Modern
Nursing Intervention
by Debbie Rife Caldwell, RN, MSN, AHN-BC, CNS
Debbie Caldwell, a nurse practitioner, is dedicated to a certain form of alternative medicine called "Reiki." She gives us a lucid background in very convincing language and with a wealth of personal practical experience. Alternative medicine is one way to curb the massive abuse of powerful commercial medicines in our increasingly Overdo$ed America (John Abrahamson's terms).
Reiki: A Theological Reflection
&
Discernment of Energy Healing
Two commentaries by Robert T. Sears, SJ, PhD
The Straw Bale House: Not For
The Eastern United States
by Paul Gallimore, Long Branch Environmental Education Center
Paul Gallimore, director of the Environmental Resource Assessment Service, with his extensive building experience is quite concerned about the manner in which people assume that if straw bale houses are good in the dry West, they should be built in the rather moist East. He challenges this naive assumption with data from the literature and personal experience.
Towards An Authentic Eco-Spirituality
by Albert J. Fritsch, Earth Healing
In the first of two contributions, I challenge the position that "eco-spirituality" is automatically a good thing in itself. In fact, some types of limited spiritualities distract from the work needed to heal the Earth. Instead, we need an eco-spirituality that is authentic, which means that it has certain salient characteristics.
Beyond Simplicity: Tough Issues
For A New Era
by Albert J. Fritsch, Earth Healing
In this second paper, I attempt to show possible ways to simplify our current culture and why various ones (catastrophe, revolution, and voluntary simplicity) are either harmful to the poor or are not fully effective in our present situation. Thus a fourth alternative that requires governmental regulation is necessary and is presented here.
The Land Must Live
by Wayne H. Davis, PhD, Professor Emeritus
Department of Biology, University of Kentucky
Over a thirty year period Dr. Davis and his wife Shirley have built and installed over 3,000 bluebird boxes on Kentucky major and minor highways. Of the many works Dr. Davis has published, he considers this essay one of most critical importance.
An Appropriate Technology Future
by Albert J. Fritsch, Earth Healing
And They
All Get Along
by Carol Stiefvater, OSF
..."It all happened in the Appalachian hills of southeastern Kentucky, truly a Place of Peace." A heartwarming tale of how animals help us learn to become more Earth-friendly, as recounted by Sister Carol Stiefvater of Peace Place, a residential respite home for children and adults with disabilities and/or problems.
Introduction
Part I: Hosses
Part II: Bills and Nans
Part III: Foul-Ups
Parts IV, V, VI: Hop-Alongs, Hee-Haws, and Hummers
Natural
Tranquility: Earthhealing and the Retreat Cabin
The
Osage+Monastery of Eastern Oklahoma
by Pascaline Coff, OSB
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Future contributions will speak about low-level chemicals in fruit growing, and coconut oil (a substance somewhat disparaged by American agro-business).
