Our lifestyle can harm the Earth, each other and ourselves. Minimizing this harm requires a dialog between orthodoxy (right thinking) and orthopraxis (right action). Each feeds the other in an endless interacting loop. Orthodoxy, as we are using the term, involves thinking about religion, economics, science, sociology, politics, etc. what might be called the academic. Orthopraxis is how we live our lives, our lifestyle; our spirituality, what we eat, how we steward our resources, how we treat other people.
Perhaps the biggest issue that faces us today is our relationship to the Earth and how that relationship gets expressed in our relationship to other human beings. If we are willing to oppress the Earth, that gives us the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, why does it surprise us that we oppress each other?
This website examines what is known about creation and proposes changes to our lifestyles that makes them more harmonious with all of creation (which includes other human beings). It is work in progress and I invite you to join in the discussion.
Under the heading of academic
Ecology and Science – Understanding how human activity physically affects the Earth is the domain of science. There is a tendency to trust that science and technology will find a solution to our problems. But technology can be beneficial or detrimental; liberating or oppressive. Often our technical solutions have elements that are beneficial and detrimental; oppressive and liberating. We need to learn to make better technological decisions.
Economics – Economic considerations often drive decisions. Economic determines who gets what, thus all economic decisions are moral decisions. Unfortunately economics can be used to justify morally questionable decisions. How do these decisions impact the poor and marginalized in this world? Increasingly the marginalized include the nonhuman content of the biosphere.
Religion – Our religious and philosophical positions, as well as our cultural background, shapes or relationship to other people and the world around us. Religion encompasses theology, practice, ethics, spirituality, creeds, ritual, etc.
Dialog – Putting each of these areas in dialog with each other.
Under the heading of practice
Lifestyle – how we choose to live our lives from the food we eat to how we steward our resources. A disciple of Christ examines every aspect of their life in light of Christ’s teaching. Our lifestyle decisions should be informed by understanding.
Justice – Do not confuse justice with legality. Justice requires a sense of morality. For many of us the framework that grounds our sense of morality lies within our religious beliefs. Issue of justice extend to all of creation, not just human beings.
Spirituality – The “what is in it for me” mentality leads to a spiritual abyss. Once in that abyss we try to use; possessions, oppression of others, obsession with sexuality, self-medication (drugs, alcohol, food, tobacco, ….) and a wide list of other techniques to combat that abyss. Corporate marketing understands and exploits our attempt at such an escape. We want the latest gadget, the largest house, the fastest car, the most attractive body, or the latest fashion. The list is endless and ultimately not fulfilling. The path out of the abyss starts with a spiritual journey.
Under the heading of definitions
A discussion of words that:
- Used in a special way (ex. the voice of the Earth)
- Used in a haphazard manner when they have technical meanings (ex. Exponential).
- Provide a discussion of the concept beyond a simple definition.
Under the heading of FAQ’s
When I get asked a question that deserves more than a quick post on Facebook, I will put my response here.
Under the heading of projects
What I am working on, and perhaps others with whom I am in dialog.
Under the heading of contacts
How to contact me or join the discussion on this website.