The Culture Trap: Living in Loyalty to the Whole (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781954744349)

Being on the verge of self-destruction caused by man-made pollution and the global climate crisis, it behooves us to investigate the root causes of this catastrophe. Gary Gripp explores the deep cultural beliefs of which we are often not aware, attitudes that trap us on this suicidal journey. Believing that we have gone too far to turn back, Gary addresses those who might survive, though it is imperative for us to recognize these beliefs in order to correct our course and face the end of life as we have known it. Our modern civilization, our religious, educational, scientific, corporate, economic and political institutions act on beliefs that growth is desirable and without limit, that we can continually take from the Earth in our superiority and greed. Many think of the Earth as a commodity to be bought and sold rather than sacred, living, and interdependent, requiring our respect and reciprocity to sustain it. This self-destructive journey began about 10,000 years ago with the beginning of agriculture and controlling the Earth, a beginning later supported by the biblical proclamation that we have dominion over the Earth.

Our wise hunting and gathering ancestors lived differently. They knew the sacred Earth is alive and provides for us. They took from Her only what they needed and gave back in reciprocity. They lived in unity within the sacred interdependency of all that is of Nature. Some of these people are still among us and here to teach us how to live better again.