1st Edition

Gaia's Gift Earth, Ourselves and God after Copernicus

By Anne Primavesi Copyright 2003

    Gaia's Gift, the second of Anne Primavesi's explorations of human relationships with the earth, asks that we complete the ideological revolution set in motion by Copernicus and Darwin concerning human importancene. They challenged the notion of our God-given centrality within the universe and within earth's evolutionary history. Yet as our continuing exploitation of earth's resources and species demonstrates, we remain wedded to the theological assumption that these are there for our sole use and benefit. Now James Lovelock's scientific understanding of the existential reality of Gaia's gift of life again raises the question of our proper place within the universe. It turns us decisively towards an understanding of ourselves as dependent on, rather than in control of, the whole earth community.

    Introduction 1. The astronomical revolution 2. After Copernicus 3. Theological callenges to Copernicus 4. The incomplete revolution 5. Revolution within ourselves 6. Heaven on earth 7. Life on earth 8. Gift exchanges 9. Gift exchange today

    Biography

    Retired. Former Research Fellow in Environmental Theology at Bristol University, but now best know for her pioneering work on Gaia theory and ecological ethics

    'Anne Primacesi has a powerful message to deliver in her book Gaia's Gift; it is one that requires all of us to think again radically about who we are and where we have come from.' - Church Times