The
"Credo" represents the core, or heart, of Amaterra.
It expresses
a set of ideals based upon an ecologically
responsible model of our relationship
with the Earth.
Credo
"I
believe in the sanctity and goodness
of
the Whole Earth and all that dwell therein,
and
in the One Web of Life
in
which all are mutually sustained
and
through which all shall find purpose.
And
I believe that
within
the household of the Earth
where
brokenness exists, it is my brokenness;
where
estrangement exists, it is my estrangement;
where
imperfection exists, it is my imperfection.
And
I therefore acknowledge
that
the destiny of my life
and
the destiny of all other life
are
one and inseparable:
and
I seek a future
in
which the broken shall be restored,
the
estranged shall be reconciled,
and
the imperfect shall find perfection,
for
myself and all other members
of
the Household of the Earth."
- Roger Irwin, Amaterra 1982
At
first glimpse, the Amaterra logo looks somewhat like the traditional Chinese Yin-Yang
symbol which expresses a balance between opposing forces.
A closer inspection, however, reveals an asymmetry that results from introducing
the heart. The heart has its own logic and seeks its own path through the
universe. This heart represents not only the human heart but also the Heart
of the Earth, both dynamically engaged in a great work of reconciliation, moving
together toward ultimate wholeness.
The Amaterra logo has the power to speak directly to the human psyche of restoration, reconciliation, and perfection. It is our gift to you, and all people, for the promotion of love for the whole Earth.
The spiritual side of ecology
Throughout it's history, Amaterra has sought to increase public awareness of spiritual paths that, as part of their core beliefs and practices, promote a sensitivity to the protection of the Earth. Currently, we provide web hotlinks to some of these sites. We believe that spiritual paths impacting the environment in a positive fashion encourage a deeper human connection to the Earth. A fine example from the Jewish faith is The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL). One of their goals is to, "Explore nature from a Jewish perspective and rekindle connections between nature, spirituality and Judaism." Two excellent resources for Christians concerned about the environment and Christian approaches to ecology are the Fund for Christian Ecology and The Christian Ecology Link. A Buddhist resource is Karida Buddhist Sangha.