Cosmology

Click on one of the links below to find an interpretation of the Step in this faith tradition.

1. Powerlessness
2. Belief
3. Surrender
4. Moral Inventory
5. Confession
6. Willingness
7. Fellowship
8. Forgiveness
9. Amends
10. Daily Examination
11. Prayer Meditation
12. Service

Step 1: We admit we are powerless over an addicted society, that our lives and all life have become degraded.

Principle: Honesty

We admit we are powerless over an addicted society, and that our lives and all of life has become degraded. When the consumption of anything is killing us and we cannot stop, we are addicted. We are one with Earth and Earth is becoming toxic. This poisoning is the result of overproduction and over consumption. According to cultural historian, Thomas Berry, the main reason we find ourselves in such ecological chaos is because we are in between stories. "We are out of touch with our true and larger Self." We have not integrated what we are learning about the Cosmos from science into our existing creation story.

Text or Verse

The universe, the solar system, and the planet Earth in themselves and in their evolutionary emergence constitute for the human community the primary revelation of that ultimate mystery whence all things emerge into one being.
Thomas Berry

To pollute, disfigure, or harm the gift that is the Earth is to spit into the face of the Creator. But to take joy in the Earth is to rejoice in God and to become like God, who takes joy in the creation.
Douglas Bowman

Practice

Answer these questions honestly to discover if and how you are powerless:

• Can you provide your own food?
• Can your provide your own fuel?
• Can you provide yourself with clean water?
• Can you provide your own clothing?
• How dependent are you on others to provide for your needs and wants?
• How much personal power do you feel over your life?

Resources

Berry, Thomas. The Great Work and The Sacred Universe. (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)

Cox, Karen, Spiritual Director, is a woman of passion concerning spirituality and the environment. M.A. Education - the Healing Aspects of Gardening (go to Links menu to contact)

Dowd, Michael. Thank God for Evolution. (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)

Fox, Matthew. Creation Spirituality. (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)

LaChance, Albert. Cultural Addiction: Greenspirit Guide to Recovery. (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)

Macy, Joanna. World as Lover, World as Self. (go to Links menu to connect to the web site)