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One Creation Under God: Wisdom Teachings on Divine, Human, and Animal Relationships in the Sacred Circle of Life
Have you ever wondered why humans cause suffering and violence toward our fellow beings when more than half the world's population identifies as spiritual and/or religious? Have you wondered what kind of God would allow such behavior and if that is what is meant by "having dominion".
For thousands of years, Wise Ones have proclaimed that happiness and enlightenment are attained through righteous living, nonviolence, compassion for all beings, and a relationship with the Divine. If their words are true, then why do we misuse each other and the natural world? How can we live in ways that reflect their teachings and honor the Oneness of all?
Spurred by the desire for answers, Val Silver embarked on an inquiry to discover who we are and how we are meant to interact with our fellow beings. In One Creation Under God, she brings readers on this journey with her through ancient traditions, history, the sacred writings of world religions, and modern science to discover insights into the nature of our connections with the Divine, humanity, and creatures of all kinds. This interactive book challenges common misconceptions about our rights, roles, and responsibilities in the circle of life and encourages readers to enliven their wise, empathetic nature in order to co-create a kind, sustainable world where all can flourish on planet Earth.
By the end of this book, readers will have gained insights into:
universal principles, such as the law of cause and effect and the law of reciprocity. the nature of Divine, human, and animal relationships. the meaning and intent of human dominion from religious perspectives. animal rights and roles from ancient and indigenous perspectives. the roles humans, animals, and the Divine have filled toward each other, fellow Earthlings, and the natural world. emerging scientific facts about animal and plant sentience, intelligence, and emotions. religious, cultural, and scientific thought on who we are, why we are here, and how we are connected with "all that is". spiritual and scientific understandings about nonviolence, empathy, and compassion and how to live in ways that create a kinder, more sustainable world for all. the power of entrenched belief systems on individual and communal thought and habit patterns for better or worse. how to evolve beyond egoic groupthink in order to become a soul-led beneficient citizen of the planet. A downloadable companion journal with pages to record your reflections, meaningful quotes, and answers to the "Questions to Ponder", plus links to articles and videos that support and expand on the content are included with this interactive book.
Scroll up to look inside and order your copy.
For thousands of years, Wise Ones have proclaimed that happiness and enlightenment are attained through righteous living, nonviolence, compassion for all beings, and a relationship with the Divine. If their words are true, then why do we misuse each other and the natural world? How can we live in ways that reflect their teachings and honor the Oneness of all?
Spurred by the desire for answers, Val Silver embarked on an inquiry to discover who we are and how we are meant to interact with our fellow beings. In One Creation Under God, she brings readers on this journey with her through ancient traditions, history, the sacred writings of world religions, and modern science to discover insights into the nature of our connections with the Divine, humanity, and creatures of all kinds. This interactive book challenges common misconceptions about our rights, roles, and responsibilities in the circle of life and encourages readers to enliven their wise, empathetic nature in order to co-create a kind, sustainable world where all can flourish on planet Earth.
By the end of this book, readers will have gained insights into:
universal principles, such as the law of cause and effect and the law of reciprocity. the nature of Divine, human, and animal relationships. the meaning and intent of human dominion from religious perspectives. animal rights and roles from ancient and indigenous perspectives. the roles humans, animals, and the Divine have filled toward each other, fellow Earthlings, and the natural world. emerging scientific facts about animal and plant sentience, intelligence, and emotions. religious, cultural, and scientific thought on who we are, why we are here, and how we are connected with "all that is". spiritual and scientific understandings about nonviolence, empathy, and compassion and how to live in ways that create a kinder, more sustainable world for all. the power of entrenched belief systems on individual and communal thought and habit patterns for better or worse. how to evolve beyond egoic groupthink in order to become a soul-led beneficient citizen of the planet. A downloadable companion journal with pages to record your reflections, meaningful quotes, and answers to the "Questions to Ponder", plus links to articles and videos that support and expand on the content are included with this interactive book.
Scroll up to look inside and order your copy.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2019
2 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Val Silver
9 books19 followersAward-winning author Val Silver is a lifelong animal lover with a heart for animals and humans in need of healing love. She wrote Rescue Me, her first book, to raise financial support for homeless dogs, to raise awareness of their plight and needs, and to show what wonderful companions these dogs are when given a chance. Val is a teacher, healer, and holistic wellness educator and coach. She believes that it takes education, positive action and compassion to create healing and better lives for all creatures-animal and human.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 15, 2019
As a lifelong animal lover, I've always struggled to understand how some people can be so cruel to animals. I've heard the idea of dominion, but it never sat right with me. Looking into the eyes of my animal companions, I see not beasts, but souls. Pure, beautiful souls. Needless to say, I was intrigued by 'One Creation Under God.'
The very first page in the intro felt like a trio of punches to the gut as it described three instances of animal cruelty. I was worried about what I was getting myself into because I struggle with reading about the subject. But that's what this book is about -- why are humans cruel to animals and why do some use religion or evolution as excuses for it? Where do these ideas originate from and do they stand up to scrutiny? I took a breath and buckled up, because I was ready to examine the answers.
The first section offers an overview of many different religious and spiritual traditions. There was discussion of an ancient matriarchal agricultural society that was overtaken by patriarchal nomadic invaders...I had thought that idea had been debunked, but perhaps, I need to go back and research it more. I looked at the references section, but I was unsure where the info had come from. It's still a fascinating tour of world religions and spiritual beliefs that makes one want to learn even more! The author broke down the info to make it easily understandable. The second section is fantastic and probably my favorite in the book! It describes the connections between science, spirituality, and our interconnectedness with animals.
What I disliked was that some of the resources were not from scholarly sources. I understand that valuable info can come from non-scholarly sources, and that ethics are philosophical and spiritual in nature -- science doesn't tell us what is right or wrong -- it offers data that human minds must interpret. But I was disappointed to see The Mind Unleashed, for example, in the bibliography. Same as with Mind Body Green (although I admit that I like some of their recipes and they do seem to be doing better based on a less-credulous article about feminine steaming. I still take MBG with a grain of salt and use it as more of a jumping-off point for deeper research.).
Where this book really shines above and beyond are in its companion journal and links to videos. I wish there were more video links! I love the companion journal, which is perfect for book clubs and personal reflection. I look forward to printing it out and going through the journal alongside the book. The questions really make you think about the information, what you believe, and helps you examine your beliefs.
The overall tone of the book is gentle and non-judgmental. It is evident that the author is passionate about respecting and loving those with whom humans share the earth. The very readable work resonated with me, and I look forward to doing more reflecting and pondering during the cold winter months ahead. Val Silver has written a book for our times, for our awakening as humanity, as we become more conscious and aware of our decisions and how they affect others and our planet. Overall, I recommend this book and I look forward to sharing it with my friends and family.
The very first page in the intro felt like a trio of punches to the gut as it described three instances of animal cruelty. I was worried about what I was getting myself into because I struggle with reading about the subject. But that's what this book is about -- why are humans cruel to animals and why do some use religion or evolution as excuses for it? Where do these ideas originate from and do they stand up to scrutiny? I took a breath and buckled up, because I was ready to examine the answers.
The first section offers an overview of many different religious and spiritual traditions. There was discussion of an ancient matriarchal agricultural society that was overtaken by patriarchal nomadic invaders...I had thought that idea had been debunked, but perhaps, I need to go back and research it more. I looked at the references section, but I was unsure where the info had come from. It's still a fascinating tour of world religions and spiritual beliefs that makes one want to learn even more! The author broke down the info to make it easily understandable. The second section is fantastic and probably my favorite in the book! It describes the connections between science, spirituality, and our interconnectedness with animals.
What I disliked was that some of the resources were not from scholarly sources. I understand that valuable info can come from non-scholarly sources, and that ethics are philosophical and spiritual in nature -- science doesn't tell us what is right or wrong -- it offers data that human minds must interpret. But I was disappointed to see The Mind Unleashed, for example, in the bibliography. Same as with Mind Body Green (although I admit that I like some of their recipes and they do seem to be doing better based on a less-credulous article about feminine steaming. I still take MBG with a grain of salt and use it as more of a jumping-off point for deeper research.).
Where this book really shines above and beyond are in its companion journal and links to videos. I wish there were more video links! I love the companion journal, which is perfect for book clubs and personal reflection. I look forward to printing it out and going through the journal alongside the book. The questions really make you think about the information, what you believe, and helps you examine your beliefs.
The overall tone of the book is gentle and non-judgmental. It is evident that the author is passionate about respecting and loving those with whom humans share the earth. The very readable work resonated with me, and I look forward to doing more reflecting and pondering during the cold winter months ahead. Val Silver has written a book for our times, for our awakening as humanity, as we become more conscious and aware of our decisions and how they affect others and our planet. Overall, I recommend this book and I look forward to sharing it with my friends and family.
December 28, 2019
One Creation Under God is a well-researched, fascinating book! The author explores different cultures throughout history and their views on religion, spirituality, gods and goddesses, animals, the value and importance of all beings, and so much more.
My favorite sentences in the book are the following: “Through the ages, sages, prophets, and spiritual masters have preached a similar message. They explained that happiness, enlightenment, and the liberation of the soul is attained through nonviolence, righteous living, compassion for all beings, and a personal connection with the Divine.”
This book is a must read for those seeking personal growth, and an understanding of the diversity of our world.
Thought provoking. Beautifully written!
My favorite sentences in the book are the following: “Through the ages, sages, prophets, and spiritual masters have preached a similar message. They explained that happiness, enlightenment, and the liberation of the soul is attained through nonviolence, righteous living, compassion for all beings, and a personal connection with the Divine.”
This book is a must read for those seeking personal growth, and an understanding of the diversity of our world.
Thought provoking. Beautifully written!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews