Recovering a Sense of the Sacred: Conversations with Thomas Berry

by Carolyn W. Toben, Thomas Rain Crowe (Preface)

Recovering a Sense of the Conversations with Thomas Berry is a thoughtful and poignant memoir by Carolyn W. Toben recounting her spiritual journey with renowned scholar, author and cultural historian, Thomas Berry. For ten years, Carolyn spent many hours in deep discussions with Thomas Berry about his transformational thinking for healing the human-earth relationship through recovery of a sense of the sacred. This book is based on her personal notes, practices and reflections from these conversations.

“Recovering a Sense of the Sacred is a poignant and intimate portrait that reveals deep insights into the work of the great contemporary mystic-sage, Thomas Berry. Even more than this, at this time of “historic confusion,” this tender story provides a profound interior activation; it calls us toward another way of knowing that is essential for new levels of understanding. Reverent and real, this wonderful work provides gracious and wise companionship for a life of the sacred.” —Tobin Hart, Ph.D., author of The Secret Spiritual World of Children

“Carolyn Toben has given us a true gift! Recovering a Sense of the Sacred carries the reader to the heart of his/her deepest identity as a sacred being in a sacred planet in a sacred universe. Those who knew Thomas will find themselves right there in the midst of the conversations, listening in, smiling, bathed again in the warmth of his remarkable presence. For those who are new to Thomas or his work, this book is an excellent introduction to his comprehensive thought and wisdom, for here it reaches us through a sense of his person—his own deep sense of the sacred in every being, his reverence, hospitality and friendship.” —Mary Southard, CSJ, artist and creator of the Earth Calendar

“No thinker in the twentieth or twenty-first century has provided us with as much inspiration and guidance about the relationship between humans and the natural world as Thomas Berry. Carolyn Toben’s very personal and eloquent book offers us an opportunity to sit with Thomas and absorb his special wisdom.” —Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods

“In this inspired book, Carolyn Toben chronicles her extended conversations with the noted theologian and philosopher, Thomas Berry. What she has achieved is not only a passionate homage to a great thinker and visionary, but a personal and moving statement of our human responsibility to access the depth of our consciousness in relation to all that exists around us.” —Richard Lewis, author of Living By The Imaginative Life of Childhood

“This book is an exquisite gift for those of us familiar with Thomas Berry’s writings and for those still new to his work. For here we meet the man himself in the context of an evolving relationship where, in different settings and moments over the last decade of his life, he shares his vision of a living universe and the immensity of meanings it holds for him. And here, in between their conversations, Carolyn Toben explores how his message is altering her own perceptions of the natural world and of herself. Their warm-hearted companionship invites us in as well, to come alive to the creative mutuality at the heart of all that is.” —Joanna Macy, author of World as Lover, World as Self

“A fascinating and moving portrait of one of the Great Teachers of our time. I am deeply grateful for this lyrical and lucid memoir, which captures Thomas Berry’s vision, his graciousness, his deep communion with the earth and its beings, and the implications of his work for the future. Skillfully transmitting his wisdom and presence, Carolyn Toben’s encounter with the cosmology of Berry is a blessing for the entire planet.” —Drew Dellinger, author of Love Letter to the Milky Way

154 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2012

Reviews

[Patricia Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching story of the friendship between Carolyn Toben, an educator and social/spiritual leader and Thomas Berry, one of the great philosophers of our times. Over a ten year period Carolyn met with Thomas from time to time, fortunately for us taking notes about their conversations because she realized the wonderful and important gift she was receiving. Now, with this book she is passing on this gift to all of us, all of the humans who are facing the most urgent crisis in our entire billions of years of evolution here on Earth. From his wise talks she learned to see the context of the dilemma we are in and how we can deal with it as individuals in ways that are meaningful, which she eloquently describes for us. Science by itself is not enough anymore; we also need to honor the spirituality and the mystery of all things. By seeing everything as subjects that are sacred not objects to be dissected, evaluated, and then thrown away.

I like this book because it gives me hope that even though we are in a grave crisis, this is part of a plan for our advancement. If we as a species, can change to meet this challenge we will be living in a much better world in the end, as will all the other life forms that are sharing this planet with us. I can see through these conversations that there really is a down to earth practical solution which is based on a personal connection with Nature.

One of Carolyn's goals for this book is to inspire readers to explore Thomas Berry's books and writings which she has definitely succeeded in doing. I recommend this book to everyone alive today. What could be more important than the future of our planet?

[Lyndi Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first encounter with Thomas Berry. I walked along with author Carolyn W. Toben as she practiced integrating Berry's teachings into her life. Good food. Would like to read more.

[Patrick McGarry]

Great book! Great help to get you 'back to nature'.