Healing the World: Whitehead, Francis, Clare, and Bonaventure on Spiritual and Planetary Transformation

In a world grappling with division, climate chaos, and spiritual unrest, a revolutionary vision emerges: to heal our planet, we must first heal ourselves.

Healing the World: Whitehead, Francis, Clare, and Bonaventure on Spiritual and Planetary Transformation by Bruce G. Epperly offers a timely and profound vision for addressing the urgent crises of our time, from climate change and international upheaval to political incivility and social division. This book masterfully weaves together the philosophical depth of Alfred North Whitehead’s process theology with the rich, practical spirituality of Franciscan thought, embodied by Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, and St. Bonaventure.

Epperly, an acclaimed theologian and author known for his extensive works, argues that a genuine transformation of our world requires a holistic approach, linking inner spiritual growth with outer social and ecclesiastical change. The book challenges prevailing views of a lifeless, godless universe, asserting instead a “God-filled world” where all creation sings praises to God and is interconnected. This perspective counters authoritarian images of God that fuel division and destruction, presenting instead a relational, empathetic, and persuasive Deity.

Readers will discover how Francis of Assisi, affirmed as the “Second Christ”, modeled a life of simplicity, universal hospitality, and deep harmony with all creation, from “Brother Sun” to “Sister Mother Earth”. He saw no “other,” extending love and respect even to enemies and outcasts, advocating for a world of peace and justice. Clare of Assisi, his “luminous” spiritual companion, focused on “gazing at Jesus” to internalize and imitate Christ’s empathetic, suffering love, providing a model for women’s spiritual empowerment and identifying God with the pain of the vulnerable. St. Bonaventure, the “mind” of the Franciscan movement, envisioned God as an “infinite sphere whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere,” a “Fountain of Love” constantly flowing through all things, giving life, energy, and purpose to the universe.

Complementing these Franciscan insights, Alfred North Whitehead’s process philosophy offers a dynamic vision of a value-laden, interdependent universe where “God is in all things. All things in God”. Whitehead describes God as the “fellow sufferer who understands” and the “joyful companion who celebrates,” whose power is persuasive, not coercive, inspiring creation towards the “production of beauty”. His “Galilean vision” of Christianity champions humility and love over dominating power, advocating for a “democracy of revelation” where all creatures are touched by God and deserve respect.

Healing the World is an invitation to readers to become “saints in the making,” embracing “holy simplicity” and “world loyalty” to address contemporary challenges. Each chapter is enriched with spiritual practices that translate these profound theological and philosophical concepts into actionable steps for personal and political life, fostering peace, ecojustice, and a deeper connection with the divine presence in ourselves and the world. Epperly’s work ultimately aims to inspire us to be “earth healers,” partnering with God to advance the moral and spiritual arcs of history toward a “Beloved Community”.

The book is a testament to the enduring relevance of these visionaries in our time.