The doctrinal teaching of the Roman Catholic Church extends over two millennia and seeks to inform and direct lives at many levels: personal, familial, civic, and institutional. The reach of this teaching extends to law, moral and ethical issues, politics, education, science, and art. No single volume can serve even as a sketch of this teaching, but in the present volume ten internationally renowned scholars address the various dimensions of the Roman Catholic understanding of the human person, especially St. Thomas Aquinas's affirmation of the rational and social nature of man. The authors present a truly multidisciplinary approach to the topic--the contributors include philosophers, psychologists, political scientists, a theologian, and an architect. Special attention is given to the theology and anthropology of Pope John Paul II whose writings vividly condense the searching examination and robust conception of human nature developed over the centuries. Readers are reminded of just how central the Church's teaching has been to Western Civilization in all of its projections and are thus alerted to the conditions likely to preserve or threaten it. The contributors are Hadley Arkes, Jude P. Dougherty, Kevin Flannery, S.J., Robert P. George, Richard Gill, L.C., F. Russell Hittinger, Daniel N. Robinson, Robert Royal, Peter Ryan, S.J., and Carroll William Westfall. ABOUT THE EDITORS: Daniel N. Robinson is professor of philosophy at Oxford University and visiting professor at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences. He is professor emeritus of Georgetown University. Gladys M. Sweeney is dean of the Institute for the Psychological Sciences. Richard Gill, L.C., is director of the women's section of the Legionaries of Christ. PRAISE FOR THE BOOK: "This volume offers the possibility of a fruitful dialogue on the question of Catholic identity in higher education." -- Lucien Richard, Catholic Library World

Addressing the pervasive longing for meaning and fulfillment in this time of crisis, Nature and the Human Soul introduces a visionary ecopsychology of human development that reveals how fully and creatively we can mature when soul and wild nature guide us. Depth psychologist and wilderness guide Bill Plotkin presents a model for a human life span rooted in the cycles and qualities of the natural world, a blueprint for individual development that ultimately yields a strategy for cultural transformation. If it is true, as Plotkin and others observe, that we live in a culture dominated by adolescent habits and desires, then the enduring societal changes we so desperately need won’t happen until we individually and collectively evolve into an engaged, authentic adulthood. With evocative language and personal stories, including those of elders Thomas Berry and Joanna Macy, this book defines eight stages of human life — Innocent, Explorer, Thespian, Wanderer, Soul Apprentice, Artisan, Master, and Sage — and describes the challenges and benefits of each. Plotkin offers a way of progressing from our current egocentric, aggressively competitive, consumer society to an ecocentric, soul-based one that is sustainable, cooperative, and compassionate. At once a primer on human development and a manifesto for change, Nature and the Human Soul fashions a template for a more mature, fulfilling, and purposeful life — and a better world.

Today there is a growing awareness that our planet has entered a time of crisis. The damage to our ecosystems, and the pollution we create, are consequences of our self-centred and irresponsible cultures. It is now undeniable that significant change is required. According to wilderness guide and former psychology professor Bill Plotkin, the changes we need will only flow once we progress from egocentric, competitive consumer societies to ecocentric, soul-based ones that are sustainable, cooperative and compassionate. Bill Plotkin profiles eight maturation stages in the human life cycle from child to elder and depicts the qualities and challenges of each. He offers a practical integration of personal and spiritual understandings (from nature and the journey of the human soul) that will allow us to transform our culture. This landmark book - the result of 25 years' work - encourages us to connect personally with the natural world and reassess our place in it. In this way we can create a more responsible and fulfilling way to live. Given the perilous state of our planet, the optimism and guidance contained in NATURE AND THE HUMAN SOUL are an inspiring breath of fresh air!

Imagine a rope braided out of seven strands of twine, forming a circle so that even the ends of the rope are woven together. That is an image of human wholeness. This book proposes seven aspects to human wholeness: intellectual, psychological, emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual, and aesthetic. After examining each of these aspects, this work presents a spirituality of relationship. It also explores how human wholeness is a basis for relationship. Two people relating to each other out of each person's wholeness provide the occasion for an experience of the divine. All relationships begin with some connectivity to an aspect of human wholeness. As both parties enter more deeply into their relationship, more connectivity is achieved. By reflecting on the experiences of one's life in dialogue with a trusted friend, a person discovers the freedom to be who he or she is in the presence of the other and receives back the gift he or she offers to the other in total freedom. This transcendent aspect of a relationship can enable friends to discover God in each other, as each other. Jesus serves as a model for human relating; in him all aspects are woven together into a whole human being.

David Bohm was one of the foremost scientific thinkers and philosophers of our time. Although deeply influenced by Einstein, he was also, more unusually for a scientist, inspired by mysticism. Indeed, in the 1970s and 1980s he made contact with both J. Krishnamurti and the Dalai Lama whose teachings helped shape his work. In both science and philosophy, Bohm's main concern was with understanding the nature of reality in general and of consciousness in particular. In this classic work he develops a theory of quantum physics which treats the totality of existence as an unbroken whole. Writing clearly and without technical jargon, he makes complex ideas accessible to anyone interested in the nature of reality.

Other than the question of God, the question of human nature—who we are, why we are here, whey we behave as we do—is the most fundamental and perplexing of all. We are mystified at both the kindness and the horrors of human behavior and wonder where God is in both. In Only Human, David Gushee—ethicist, pastor, and award-winning Christian writer¾ uses a classic Christian framework to addresses questions about what it means to be a human being, our makeup and nature, what is right and what is wrong with us, and our origins and destiny. Drawing from contemporary and ancient discussions of human nature, Gushee offers a substantive and accessible exploration of eight essential questions: · Is there such a thing as human nature, something all humans share? · How do we understand what we are made of? · Why do relationships matter so much to us? · Is it true that human beings are intrinsically sinful? · Are human beings truly free to chart their own paths and make meaningful choices? · How do human beings become morally good people or morally evil? · What does a morally great life look like? · What should we hope for as our ultimate goal for life’s journey?

Human Nature Becoming Divine Nature by Christian D. Larson presents the transformative journey from our earthly, human nature to a divine state of consciousness. This book is a compelling read for those seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment.