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Issue 19 Cover
Issue 19  /  Spring–Summer 2001
Can Enlightenment Save the World?
These days many agree that the answer to our global crisis must be an inherently spiritual one. WIE explores this pressing issue with some of the contemporary world's leading activists, futurists and visionaries.


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table of contents



Readers' Forum

From the Editors

Introduction to this Issue
by Andrew Cohen
Come Together





Duane Elgin
The Breaking Point

An evolutionary activist warns us that the fragile systems of our biosphere and global human community are rapidly nearing "the breaking point."

Interview by Carter Phipps
Brian Swimme
Comprehensive Compassion

A visionary cosmologist explains why this may be the most critical yet potentially transformative time on the planet in 65 million years.
  The Divinization of the Cosmos

A captivating exploration of the work and vision of Christian mystic and paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

Interviews by Susan Bridle
Rabbi Michael Lerner
From What Is to What Ought to Be

"The spiritual power of the universe is not a morally neutral force," declares revolutionary spiritual activist Michael Lerner in this provocative dialogue with Andrew Cohen on Judaism, enlightenment, and saving the world.

Interview by Andrew Cohen

 
Brother Wayne Teasdale
Transforming the Seeds of Corruption

A Christian "lay monk" and interfaith activist discusses the future of religion, the tragedy of Tibet, and why the ecological crisis is the most pressing global issue we face.

Interview by Amy Edelstein

 
Roshi Bernie Glassman
Is That Me Bleeding?

An American Zen teacher and world-renowned social activist speaks about the compassionate action that arises out of emptiness.

Interview by Andrew Cohen

 
Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati
Don't Ask Why - Just Do Something!

"I have such passion about what could be done!" A fiery Brooklyn-born guru and AIDS activist speaks out on suffering, detachment, and what it means to truly care.

Interview by Andrew Cohen

 
John White
Toward Homo Noeticus

An evolutionary thinker gazes into the near future and sees the advent of a new kind of human being.

Interview by Craig Hamilton

 
Joe Firmage
I'm Optimistic

This Internet entrepreneur and philanthropist has a dazzling vision of a 2050 society and some bold ideas to get us there.

Interview by Carter Phipps

 
Vimala Thakar
Awakening to Total Revolution:
Enlightenment and the World Crisis

"Spirituality is the seed, and social action is the fruit born of it," writes Indian spiritual master and social activist Vimala Thakar in a compelling essay exploring the true meaning of wholeness.

Interview by Carter Phipps

 
 


 
Book review: The Great Work

Susan Bridle considers eco-theologian Thomas Berry's resounding call to our ecological conscience.