Portland Public Library

The book of nature, the astonishing beauty of God's first sacred text, Barbara Mahany

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-187)

no index present

non fiction

The book of nature

bibliography

1332781132

Barbara Mahany

the astonishing beauty of God's first sacred text

"Before the sacred Scriptures were ever written, there was a much earlier text: The Book of Nature. Barbara Mahany invites us to discover an ancient theology that focuses on the text of God first revealed through creation--nature in all its kaleidoscopic turnings." --, Provided by publisherWe live inside a nautilus of prayer--if only we open our senses and perceive what is infused all around. Throughout millennia and across the monotheistic religions, the natural was often revered as a sacred text. By the Middle Ages, this text was given a name, "The Book of Nature," the first, best entry point for encounter with the divine. The very act of "reading" the world, of focusing our attention on each twinkling star and unfurling blossom, humbles us and draws us into sacred encounter. As we grapple to make sense of today's tumultuous world, one where nature is at once a damaged and damaging source of disaster, as well as a place of refuge and retreat, we are called again to examine how generously it awaits our attention and devotion, standing ready to be read by all. Weaving together the astonishments of science; the profound wisdom and literary gems of thinkers, poets, and observers who have come before us; and her own spiritual practice and gentle observation, Barbara Mahany reintroduces us to The Book of Nature, an experiential framework of the divine. God's first revelation came to us through an ongoing creation, one that--through stillness and attentiveness to the rumblings of the heavens, the seasonal eruptions of earth, the invisible pull of migration, of tide, and of celestial shiftings--draws us into sacred encounter. We needn't look farther for the divine. -- Provided by publisher

How I learned to read the book of nature: a foreword -- Reading the book of nature -- On paying a particular attention -- Pages from the book of nature -- The earthly. Garden ; Woods ; Water's edge ; Earth's turning ; A litany of astonishments -- The liminal. Birds ; Gentle rain, thrashing storm ; Wind ; First snow ; A litany of astonishments -- The heavenly. Dawn ; Dusk ; Stars ; Moon ; A litany of astonishments -- Epilogue: Lamentations for the book of nature

adult