Explore

The Worldview of Thomas Berry: The Flourishing of the Earth Community

Approx. 25 hours to complete

Save Course

Go to Course

Course Summary

Explore the life and teachings of Thomas Berry, a cultural historian and eco-theologian who sought to integrate spirituality with ecology and promote a sustainable relationship between humans and the natural world.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the life and work of Thomas Berry and his vision for a sustainable future
Understand the relationship between spirituality, culture, and ecology
Discover ways to integrate ecological awareness into your personal and professional life

Learning Outcomes

Gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between humans and the natural world
Develop strategies for promoting sustainability and ecological awareness
Integrate Thomas Berry's teachings into your personal and professional life

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

No prior knowledge or experience required
Access to a computer and internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video lectures
Reading materials
Quizzes

Similar Courses

Ecology and Religion
Religion, Ecology, and Our Planetary Future
The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, transdisciplinary vision for the future

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Wendell Berry
David Orr
Vandana Shiva

Related Books

Description

Thomas Berry (1914-2009) was a historian of world religions and an early voice awakening moral sensibilities to the environmental crisis. He is known for articulating a “new story” of the universe that explores the implications of the evolutionary sciences and cultural traditions for creating a flourishing future.

This course investigates Berry’s life and thought in relation to the Journey of the Universe project. It draws on his books, articles, and recorded lectures to examine such ideas as: the New Story, the Great Work, and the emerging Ecozoic era. The course explores Berry’s insights into cosmology as a context for locating the human in a dynamic unfolding universe and thus participating in the creative work of our times. In particular, we will examine Berry’s reflections on renewal and reform in the areas of ecology, economics, education, spirituality, and the arts. Course Rationale: Thomas Berry was an original, creative, and comprehensive thinker, especially regarding the critical nature of our global environmental crisis. His intellectual importance resides in his response to the ecological crisis by bringing together the humanities and science in an evolutionary narrative. In addition, he articulated the need for the moral participation of the world religions in addressing environmental issues. He came to this realization largely through his study of cosmologies embedded within religious traditions. Sensing the significance of these stories as “functional cosmologies” he explored the widespread influence that these stories transmitted through a tradition, for example, in rituals, ethics, and subsistence practices.

Outline

Welcome to The Worldview of Thomas Berry: the Flourishing of the Earth Community
Course Introduction
Course Description
Pre-Course Survey
Meet Your Instructional Team
Recommended Texts
Books of Thomas Berry
Additional Berry resources

Introduction - Thomas Berry as Cultural Historian
Dialogue: Tucker and Grim, “The Worldview of Thomas Berry”
“Thomas Berry Speaks,” filmed by Marty Ostrow
Brian Swimme's Thomas Berry intro
“Life and Thought: Introduction,” by J Grim and ME Tucker
Thomas Berry Website
Thomas Berry as a Cultural Historian
Introduction - Thomas Berry as Cultural Historian

Thomas Berry’s Study of World Cultures and Religions
Tucker and Grim, “Thomas Berry and the Encounter with World Religions.
(Part 1) “The Universe and Religion” by Thomas Berry
(Part 2) “The Universe and Religion” by Thomas Berry
(Part 3) “The Universe and Religion” by Thomas Berry
(Part 4) “The Universe and Religion” by Thomas Berry
Thomas Berry, a Scholar of World Cultures
Forum on Religion and Ecology
Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community (Chapter 5)
Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community (Chapter 6)
Asian Art Highlights from Yale University Art Gallery
Thomas Berry’s Study of World Cultures and Religions
Thomas Berry’s Study of World Cultures and Religions

Influence of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
(Part 1) Teilhard de Chardin in an Age of Ecology,” an interview of Thomas Berry with Jane Blewett
(Part 2) Teilhard de Chardin in an Age of Ecology,” an interview of Thomas Berry with Jane Blewett
Teilhard de Chardin's influence on Berry's thoughts
“Teilhard in the Ecological Age,” by Thomas Berry, in Teilhard in the 21st Century. Edited by Arthur Fabel and Donald St John, Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2003
Audio: Thomas Berry on Teilhard de Chardin at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, NYC.
Teilhard Association Websites
Teilhard de Chardin in the Age of Ecology
Influence of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

“The New Story”
(Part 1) “The New Story,” by Thomas Berry
(Part 2) “The New Story,” by Thomas Berry
Differentiation, Subjectivity, and Communion
"The New Story," by Thomas Berry, Teilhard Studies #1, Teilhard Association, Winter 1978.
Chapter 1 from Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community
Journey of the Universe website
Thomas Berry's New Story
“The New Story”

Cosmology and Ecology
“The Historical Mission of Our Time,” (Part I) by Thomas Berry
“The Historical Mission of Our Time,” (Part II) by Thomas Berry
Thomas Berry and the Earth Community
Chapter 2 in Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community
Chapter 3 in Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community
Chapter 12 in Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community
The Age of Reptiles Mural at Yale Peabody Museum
Cosmology and Ecology
Cosmology and Ecology

The Great Work and the Ecozoic Era
(Part 1) “Thomas Berry Speaks on ‘The Great Work’”
(Part 2) “Thomas Berry Speaks on ‘The Great Work’”
(Part 3) “Thomas Berry Speaks on ‘The Great Work’”
Reflections on Capacity From Marrakech - Catherine Martini
Brian Swimme on "The Great Work"
Chapter 8 from Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community
Chapter 9 from Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community
Chapter 10 from Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community
Chapter 11 from Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community
Emerging Earth Community
Special Issue on The Great Work, (in Worldviews: Environment, Culture, and Religion)
Post-Course Survey
The Great Work of the Ecozoic Era
The Great Work and the Ecozoic Era

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the teachings of Thomas Berry on Coursera. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Berry's ecological philosophy and ethics. Students praise the course for its engaging content and insightful lectures.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

engaging content

Pros from User Reviews

Insightful lectures
Comprehensive overview of Thomas Berry's philosophy
Engaging and thought-provoking content
Great for those interested in ecological philosophy
Flexible schedule and self-paced learning

Cons from User Reviews

Some technical issues with the platform
Limited interaction with the instructor
Not suitable for those looking for a more traditional course structure
May be too advanced for beginners
Some lectures may be repetitive or slow-paced

Recommended for you

Journey of the Universe: The Unfolding of Life

Journey of the Universe weaves together the discoveries of the evolutionary sciences together with humanities such as history, philosophy, art, and religion....

Save Course

Journey Conversations: Weaving Knowledge and Action

Journey of the Universe weaves together the discoveries of the evolutionary sciences together with humanities such as history, philosophy, art, and religion....

Save Course