DECEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER
- Robert van Mourik
- Dec 6
- 4 min read
GREETINGS
Our meeting this month discussed the paper, A New Ecological Ethic, prepared by Robert van Mourik. Robert introduced the topic by providing an historical overview of human development that archaeologists have recently determined to be at least 3.3 million years old. He highlighted the shift from communal living to the commodification of land, patriarchal societies and, ultimately, territories and nation states that emerged from the agricultural revolution 12,000 years ago. The emergence of religions 3 - 5,000 years ago furthered these patriarchal attitudes along with a worldview founded in Greek mythology of a sky God who delegates its powers and authority to man. It can be argued that this human centred, dominion view has led to environmental degradation and the subjugation of Indigenous peoples.
However, over the last hundred years, quantum physics has taught us that everyone, everything, everywhere is interconnected - a view that is in accord with the highest levels of spiritual awareness. The importance of consciousness in spirituality is the centrepiece article on the home page of our website. Albert Einstein believed that the problems of the world could only be solved by a higher level of consciousness than that which created the problems. This requires an awareness of the interconnectedness of all creation and action that supports the common good.
When I change my level of awareness, I attract a different reality.
The panel (Robert, Sally, Darryl and Janet) explored themes of interconnectedness, ecological literacy, and the need for a new ecological ethic, with participants sharing personal experiences and perspectives on environmental activism, democratic engagement, and the role of the Catholic Church, including Pope Francis’ seminal document Laudato Si.
Sally discussed the declining ecological literacy and the importance of understanding bio-regions, emphasizing the need to protect and preserve the environment. She shared her experience at the Rising Tide protest in Newcastle. Darryl highlighted the tension between economic systems based on unlimited growth and the finite resources of the planet, advocating for alternative economic models like local production and reducing food miles. Janet discussed Australia's reliance on coal and iron ore exports, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to sustainable energy sources while supporting affected communities.
The meeting focused on raising community awareness of ecological and social issues. The discussion highlighted the need for a worldview that values creation and supports the flourishing of all life, including the economy, and emphasized the influence of Pope Leo's preferential option for the poor on our spirituality.
Our year in review
The continuing growth in our online community is extraordinary. We are seeing increasing numbers in contributors to our discussion papers, participation in our online meetings on Zoom, and membership of our Facebook group. After establishing our website in 2024 we have recently conducted an extensive review to enhance its discoverability on the internet. Consequently, there has been a significant increase in the number of people around the world who are reading our articles.
Can you please help us increase our exposure even further by sharing our newsletters and directing attention to the information available on our website?
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT BUTTERFLY SERIES EVENT
What does Salvation in Christianity mean today?
Traditionally, salvation is thought to mean God’s saving us from our sins so that we can go to heaven when we die. It presumes that we accept atonement theory, the idea that Jesus died to save us from our sins.
But is that view overly simplistic? Could salvation mean more than this, especially if one doesn’t accept the theory of atonement?
NEW ON OUR WEBSITE
Article & Book Reviews:
Faith is not Belief, an article by Adeyeye Samuel Oluwatosin
Resurrection: Doubt, Hope and Showing Up, a video recording of our meeting held 4 November 2025.
Look out for our Kindred Spirits & Podcasts as we find inspiration from others. We include links to their websites and podcasts. This month we have added Root & Branch, a UK group.
We can now list your neighbourhood group so that others can find you or be aware of you. If you would like to join the others listed here, please contact us! We are also aware of new groups forming.
Our website is constantly changing with new information. Bookmark our website in your browser and visit us to keep in touch.
FUNDRAISING
Recently we wrote to you about our efforts to increase the visibility of our website to search engines. The changes we have introduced so far have already proven effective but we have more to do.
We have budgeted that these changes will cost about $5,000 to $6,000 and we have now raised $3,500. Thank you to everyone who has contributed! We very much appreciate your support. If you can help us raise the remainder we need we shall appreciate that very much. Even small donations are helpful.
It is worthwhile remembering that our fees are already heavily discounted. A huge thank you to Kate Dombroski and her team at Uforia, we could not have accomplished so much without her support.
PLEASE SAVE OUR EMAIL
Please note our new email, stluciaspirituality@gmail.com, and save it in your safe senders list.
We welcome your feedback and invite you to share this with your friends.
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