Cosmic Prayer and Guided Transformation ― Key Elements of the Emergent Christian Cosmology

Synopsis: This book presents a realistic and thoroughly spiritual outlook upon the entire created reality. It lets us envisage that various created entities are participant in a relationship with God that becomes increasingly one of an intimate personal quality; that is, a relationship of love. It thus invites discernment that the universal reality is valuable in its own right and not only as a good for the use of humanity. Drawing mainly upon Scripture, ancient writers (especially Maximus the Confessor), as well as contemporary natural sciences, this book encourages the reader to perceive human salvation not as a lifting of humanity out of creation, but as a transformation into God's presence in the midst of the wider created order. It shows that Christian faith at its best does not exclude the wider creation but provides us with insight and hope for a harmonious being-in-God that is inclusive of creation. It shows that Christian faith can be a resource that helps overcome the ecological crisis. Endorsements: "This is a deeply Christian meditation that speaks to the world. It needs to be heard and reflected upon." --From the Foreword by David Jasper, University of Glasgow "Grounded in a fully developed Trinitarian faith, Govaerts offers a radical new approach to the Christian relationship with creation. From his wide-ranging exploration of scientific, philosophic, theological, biblical, and patristic thought emerges a synthesis both intellectually rigorous and spiritually profound. Creation is shown to be non-deterministic and yet open to its creator's transformative guidance, so that through co-operation (cosmic prayer) all levels of creation, including humankind, can enter into relationship with God." --Jennifer Dines, Heythrop College "Many Christians who desire to take on board the insights of Darwinian evolution regarding the natural world, and the place of humans in it, may feel there to be a dearth of theological resources to assist them in doing so. This book--a poetic synthesis of careful biblical exegesis, detailed reflection on patristic writers, and insights from modern scientist-theologians--offers precisely the kind of theological engagement with these issues that will be found hugely valuable." --Michael Fuller, Theological Institute of the Scottish Episcopal Church Author Biography: Robert Govaerts is Honorary Lecturer at the University of Glasgow. He holds degrees in physics and theology from the Universities of Antwerp, Leuven, and London. He lived several years in religious communities and obtained a doctorate in theology at the University of Wales, Lampeter. He is married and together with his wife pursues a prayerful and contemplative lifestyle.