1st Edition

Deep Blue Critical Reflections on Nature, Religion and Water

By Sylvie Shaw, Andrew Francis Copyright 2008
    328 Pages
    by Routledge

    328 Pages
    by Routledge

    Nature religions look to rivers, lakes and oceans for inspiration and spiritual transformation. 'Deep Blue' brings together the work of influential scholars in the field of nature religion, ranging across anthropology, mythology, sociology and psychology. The essays examine the interrelationship between spiritual practice, critical thinking, and environmental concern. Tracing the ancient history of humanity's close relationship with both salt and fresh water, the book calls for a sustainable relationship with water in contemporary western culture. 'Deep Blue' will be of interest to students of paganism and religion, environmental researchers and activists, and all those involved in the intersection between religion and ecology.

    InvocationAuthor BiographiesArtist's statementPrefaceGraham HarveyIntroduction: Sacred WatersSylvie Shaw and Andrew FrancisSection One - Entering Sacred SpaceEditor's Introduction1. 'Singing through the Sea'. Song, Sea and EmotionJohn Bradley2. Water of Life, Water of Death: Pagan Notions of Water from Antiquity to TodayDieter Gerten3. The Fertility Goddess of the Zulu: Reflections on a calling to Inkosazana's PoolPenny Bernard4. Rivers of Memory, Lakes of Survival - Indigenous Water Traditions and the Anishinaabeg NationMelissa NelsonSection Two - Divine ConnectionsEditor's Introduction5. Creature of WaterAndrew Francis6. SaltWater Feet: The Flow of Dance in OceaniaKaterina Martina Teaiwa7. I am the River BleedingDouglas Ezzy8. Deep Blue ReligionSylvie ShawSection Three - The Sacredness of WaterEditor's Introduction9. The Spirit of the Edge: Rachel Carson and Numinous Experience between Land and SeaSusan Bratton10. The Mystery of WatersVivianne Crowley11. Sister Water: An Introduction to Blue TheologyMeg Ferris12. Sea Spirituality, Surfing and Aquatic Nature ReligionBron TaylorSection Four - Waves of Energy: In Defence of WaterEditor's Introduction13. Animism, Economics and Sustainable Water DevelopmentDavid Groenfeldt14. Blue, Green and Red: Combining Energies in Defence of WaterVeronica Strang15. Neglect and Reclamation of Water as Sacred ResourceMichael YorkEco-logueAnd in Me You Find PeaceAdrianne HarrisClose

    Biography

    Sylvie Shaw, University of Queensland, and Andrew Francis, RMIT University, Australia.