The Keepers of the land
- Frantisek Strouhal
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 16
The creation stories in Genesis, much like numerous Indigenous creation stories, encourage humans to view the broader natural world as an extension of the same “family tree of the heavens and the earth.”
The significance of the narrative lies in its encompassing nature, not limited to humans alone. It extends to the animal realm, the plant kingdom, the water bodies, the sky, and all other elements. Our theology finds its roots in the land, acknowledging its fundamental role.
It is our obligation as humans to act as keepers of the land, including all ecosystems and human systems. This responsibility holds great significance to us during our time on earth. It is through understanding our role that any place on this planet can achieve harmony.
When land is lost, a history is ended. It takes land to make history. Humanity is in direct relationship with the land and all creation. Our obligation to embody the “goodness” is our innate entitlement.
In both ecological and Universal contexts, goodness resides within the community and the interconnectedness of the biosphere. All living beings are engaged in a never-ending process of giving and receiving within their environment. Living in isolation is impossible for any creature, be it human or otherwise. Despite the sophistication and complexity of our institutions, our reliance on the earth is no different from that of earthworms. Our own happiness is intrinsically linked to the health and wellbeing of the broader earth ecosystem and the common good.
Creation is not the outcome of destruction, but rather the result of the overflow of Universal goodness. If we envision creation as a simplistic utopia where nothing ever goes wrong, we belittle the beauty and harmony depicted in the Genesis stories.
A more suitable perspective on creation would be not attaining perfection but realizing potential. The world was intricately designed by God to evolve and operate in a specific manner, while also allowing creation to freely explore its potential. The concept of potential serves as a reminder that goodness is both a starting point and a destination. It is bestowed upon us as a gift, but it is also presented as a calling.
Mother’s Divine Nest
Once we discover our visceral connection with Nature,
the Universe turns into our divine haven
and everyone becomes part of our family.
A family that was and will always be.
My treasure and wealth are the burning sky at twilight,
the sapphire halo of the ascending moon,
the comforting fragrance of the wildflowers, and the twitter of the birds.
Indeed, these are my home,
the calmness and warmth in which my heart rests peacefully.
Let’s not blame one another
but reflect on ourselves at every breath,
as Nature’s perseverance is limitless.
It is She that is our true home.
So that, at every moment of the day,
we find rest in our Mother’s divine nest.
by Frantisek Strouhal and Chantal Robert,
Poem from Inspirations: Art Embracing Awareness 2
Cover image © Steve Johnson
The Keepers of the Land.
Indigenous Creation stories and Colonialist Accumulation stories seemed to be inescapable during a recent month of travel in Eastern Australia and around the islands of New Zealand. It seemed to me that a much healthier balance had been achieved between the stories of New Zealand, when compared with those of Australia.
[The Land of Australia seemed much too close to my Colonial home stories.]
I'm hoping that Frantisek & Chantal find an opportunity to share their understandings of inter-connected ecosystems with Nelson's Suzanne Simard.