Peter and Miranda moved to Portugal in 1983 to establish and run A Rocha’s first field study centre. Together with their four children they lived at the centre for twelve years until 1995 when the work was given over to national leadership. They then moved to establish A Rocha France’s first centre near Arles, and lived there until 2010, providing coordination and giving leadership to the rapidly growing global movement. They are now back in the UK from where they work to support the A Rocha family around the world while being closer to their own, and not least their grandchildren. Their story is told in Under the Bright Wings (1993) and Kingfisher’s Fire (2008).
It will not be technology, but a fundamental change in our deepest desires that will be how we can help the earth’s species and habitats survive the devastating assault to which we are subjecting them. But we need to think carefully if we hope that we can simply learn to ‘love nature’. What might that actually mean – what is love, actually?
The Jungle Book: What a fabulous world it would be if we could feel safe with a pack of Wolves, sing with Sloth Bears, ride on a Leopard and talk to Asian Elephants. But the sad reality is that most of us face a dilemma which is the opposite of Mowgli’s. In the UK, where I live, most of us feel safest in our villages, towns or cities and react with fear or even aggression when nature threatens our security, our income, or our convenience in some way.
‘Of making many books there is no end’, wrote the philosopher, ‘and much study wearies the body’. So yet another new book on creation care may tempt you to click to another page. So, why is this book different?
In my happiness, I tweeted and posted up the picture at the top of this article, with a note saying thank you to Mother Earth for my birthday present. I was then slightly bemused when someone gently reprimanded me for what I said, asking if I wasn’t maybe overbalancing into paganism, and why didn’t I thank Father God instead?
Which is better, using a dishwasher or washing dishes by hand? I realize this is a rich-world dilemma, but as it comes up in discussion so often and raises some interesting issues, I thought it worth reflecting on.
Can you imagine being a disciple that Sunday? You had not seen for yourself but the word was out. Jesus had risen! Now his promises made more sense. It was not only the temple being rebuilt. He was going to come back and walk among us. Darkness from Friday dissipated as Sunday’s light got stronger. […]
Can you imagine being a disciple that Saturday? The visual and the visceral impact of yesterday continue to be overwhelming. You recall stories that alluded to resurrection but your hope is dwindling as the day goes on. Confidence in what He said and who He was is now replaced by confusion as faith confronts facts. […]
Can you imagine being a disciple that Friday? In spite of all the allusions to death you had not understood what Jesus meant. Now He was on a cross, suffering in anguish at the hands of those who prized politics and power. After years of fruitfulness, wisdom, and authoritative teaching you watch Him die and […]
I was distracted from the documentary by the reactions of my two friends. Jack revelled in the power and skill of the predators, their mastery of timing and feather control, the elegance and efficiency with which they hunted. Jill was horrified by their bloodlust. How could such callous cruelty be part of God’s good creation?
Beyond generosity in both business and personal culture, it would seem that there is one obvious thing that can be done which would give a double benefit. It is simply to resolve to create our wealth, and steward our savings, in ways that join up with our intentions of generosity.