The Blue Sapphire of the Mind: Notes for a Contemplative Ecology
"In this remarkable book, Douglas Christie, a theologian and academic, sets out to explore the concept of contemplative ecology ... The writing is sparse and deep, clear and beckoning. " --Times Higher Education"With this book Douglas E. Christie joins the ranks of Annie Dillard and Wendell Berry in their explorations of the challenge of spirituality to awaken and us to attend to the environment.  Yet with Christie there is something quite unique in his contribution.  He brings to bear his intimate and scholarly knowledge of the Christian contemplative tradition on the most urgent ecological matters on our time."--Martin Laird, O.S.A., author ofInto the Silent Land and A Sunlit Absence"There is no one as qualified as Douglas Christie to write a book such as this. Along with impeccable scholarship, he brings eloquence, passion, depth, and experience to the discussion. Surely we need a contemplative ecology and this is a masterful work that shows us the path."--Mary Evelyn Tucker, Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale"This movingly autobiographical and deeply interdisciplinary book links ancient monastic practices of contemplation to modern environmental ideas, especially as they are reflected in works of modern and contemporary American literature.  In emphasizing acts of creative attention and the spiritual necessity of mourning our lost sacred places, Christie gives the humanities a central role in addressing the environmental crisis of our time."--H. Daniel Peck, author ofThoreau's Morning Work"The book is a veritable feast of wisdom... With consummate intelligence and probing imagination Christie lures us into seeing the beauty that lies at the heart of our broken world...The Blue Sapphire of the Mindis a beautiful and important book, evocative and alluring, creative and often subtle as it leads us to encounter theological themes in fresh ways." --Christian Century