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THE ECOZOIC WAY in Religion, Ethics and Law

Understanding & Applying the Essential Teachings of THOMAS BERRY

with Herman Greene, JD, DMin

Eight Week Course
Mondays: March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22  (7:00 – 9:00 PM ET)

Scroll down for discounts and to register, or click here!

Sixteen PD hours for teachers!  AMS approved!

The present urgency is to begin thinking within

the context of the whole planet, the integral Earth community.

— Thomas Berry, The Great Work

Explore a New Story Perspective on the Ecozioc Way

This course involves an in-depth study of Thomas Berry’s work. Thomas was a synthetic writer and teacher. Beneath his interdisciplinary and multi-modal work there are patterns that provide crucial guidance for our time. His work has turned thousands of people around and given them guidance. As was once written about him, “We need Thomas to help us understand what is going on; to give us eyes to see, ears to hear, passion to feel, courage to act; to give us ways to explain what has happened; and to give us knowledge of what we authentically may rely on, hope for, and move toward if we are to create a viable future in this dawning new millennium.”

Herman Greene, a close friend and leading scholar of Thomas Berry, will lead this course.

Herman met Thomas in the early 1980s and in the last fourteen years of his life Herman met with him monthly. As founder and president of the Center for Ecozoic Studies he has edited hundreds of papers on Thomas’s work, including 151 tributes at the time of his death and a collection of his key teachings. Herman serves as Thomas Berry Scholar-in-Residence of the Earth Law Center where he has applied and is applying Thomas’s teaching to ecological governance and law. He has also provided leadership in a variety of settings in ecology and religion.
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He was a Prophet, Visionary,

and Earth Saint.

Who was Thomas Berry ?

Thomas Berry (1914-2009) was a cultural historian, philosopher, human ecologist, and a self-described geologian. He was among the first to observe that the effects of human activity have become so great that Earth is undergoing a change in geo-biological eras. He identified the “Great Work” of our time as the task of moving on from a terminal Cenozoic era to an emerging Ecozoic era . . . a task in which everyone is involved and no one is exempt, and one that is more difficult and complex than any ever before undertaken.
He gave an assessment that Earth’s life systems are in grave peril and that ecological integrity provides the overarching context for meaningful action in the 21st century. He provided a historical analysis of how the present crisis arose. He offered a cultural critique of the globalized Western civilization. And he set forth a vision of a viable future for humans and nature, guidelines for cultural and institutional reform, a new mythic story for people to understand their places in the cosmos and to guide their activities in meaningful ways, and an understanding of the spirituality of Earth.
Watch “Thomas Berry Speaks” short version, long version.
Watch “Thomas Berry recite his “Earth’s Desire” poem.
Watch Thomas Berry speak on “The Historic Mission of our Time.”

Session Descriptions

(Sessions are live with Herman Greene.  Recordings of all sessions will be accessible inside the course space for up to one year.  You may participate in online discussions between sessions.)

Session 1: Thomas Berry:  The Man, His Times, and Influences on His Thought

Session 2: The Ecozoic Era:  Moving on from a Terminal Cenozoic to an Ecozoic Era 

Session 3: The Great Work:  Moving from our Modern Industrial Civilization with its Devastating Impact to that of Benign Presence

Session 4: Reinventing the Human at the Species Level.

Session 5: The New Cosmology

Session 6: Call for Ecozoic Societies

Session 7: Essential Understandings for the Great Work

Session 8: Applying Thomas Berry’s Teachings: Reform of Religion and Law

Green Mountain Monastery and Thomas Berry Sanctuary, Greensboro, Vermont

Reading Materials

To see readings for each session,

click here! 

You can watch

recordings of sessions which will be posted in the course space for up to one year.

Key Learnings:

1) Who Thomas Berry was, influences on his life and thought, how he affected people, and his importance today.

2) Key patterns and teachings in his work, including the “Ecozoic era,” the “Great Work” of our time, reinventing our human species, and the story of the universe as science and mythic narrative.

 

3) Understandings in Earth history, ecology, philosophy, economics, and geopolitics that Herman has found essential in applying Thomas Berry’s teachings.

4) Instruction in how Herman has applied Berry’s teachings to the reform in law and religion and how this relates to reform of other institutions.

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Thomas Berry, A Biography by Mary Evelyn Tucker, John Grim, and Andrew Angyal

Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim are the co-founders of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology. They are, also, trustees of the Thomas Berry Foundation, which has established a website on Thomas Berry’s work, thomasberry.org. This will be valuable to participants as it contains biographical materials about him, articles by and about him, and audio and video presentations by him.        

What we are dealing with is epic in its dimensions beyond anything thus far expressed under this term.  Mitigation of the present ruinous situation, the recycling of materials, the diminishment of consumption, the healing of damaged ecosystems—all this will be in vain if we do these things to make the present industrial systems acceptable. They must all be done, but in order to build a new order of things. 

— Thomas Berry, “The Determining Features of the Ecozoic Era”

Why This Course Is Important?

Thomas Berry was a “seminal” thinker. Seminal means “containing or contributing the seeds of later development : CREATIVE, ORIGINAL.” This adjective accurately describes how Thomas planted seeds for later development. He was not the end but the beginning of a way of knowing, doing, and being in the world. His ideas both invite and demand additional development and, especially, application. Because his writing was synthetic—taking and combining insights from many sources and weaving them together—it is difficult to break down and apply. It’s “all that stuff behind” his work that needs understanding to be able to develop and apply it well. The benefit of undertaking this in-depth study of Thomas’s work is that it can then also be applied synthetically by being woven into and combined with wide fields of endeavor from personal to civilizational to bring about change.There are three existential threats to the future of humanity: weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons, the ecological crisis, and technology gone awry. Only one of these challenges—the ecological crisis—provides the basis for reforming human civilization.

Concerning the breadth of what is involved in the ecological crisis and how it can be addressed, Thomas Berry is the master teacher.

Who Is This Course For?

This is a course for people who:
  • have heard about Thomas Berry and wish to study his work.
  • know Thomas Berry’s work and want to have a deeper understanding of how to apply it to personal-to-civilizational change.
  • are unfamiliar with Thomas Berry and, based on the description of this course, would like to know about him, his work, and how it may be applied.
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Bio of Herman Greene

Herman Greene is the founder and president of the Center for Ecozoic Studies in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a thought, imagination, dialogue, and action center for an ecological age. He is Thomas Berry Scholar-in-Residence of the Earth Law Center and is co-author and co-editor of the legal textbook Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law—A Guide for Practitioners. He is a retired business lawyer and holds graduate degrees in law (University of North Carolina-JD), theology (University of Chicago-MTh & MDiv, and United Theological Seminary-DMin), and political science (Stanford University-MA).
For a more complete bio, click here.

A Personal Invitation from Herman Greene:

I remember the day forty years ago when I read Thomas Berry’s “The Spirituality of the Earth.”
My life has never been the same. Thirty years ago I read The Dream of the Earth when my life
was in turmoil. Then I knew what my vocation was.

Someone once told me that my gift was being able to take in huge amounts of information and
organize it. I think that is true. 

Herman Greene on The Ecozoic Way

I don’t know if in this course I will dazzle and inspire you. The point is to undertake a deep study of Thomas Berry’s thought and learn practical ways to apply it. There is a fair amount of suggested readings for this course and those who do the readings will benefit from doing so.

The Great Work is difficult, there is no way around this. As ecological and social conditions worsen, it will become even more difficult. Then we will need the guidance of Thomas Berry even more.

I will do my best offer to teach you Thomas Berry’s essential thoughts as I understand them and how to apply them. I look forward to learning from you as well.

Will you join us?

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We feel so at home in the Deeptime Network courses.  This community is unique. 

— Elizabeth Carranza & John Leydon, Philippines

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What people are saying about the Deeptime Network . . .

" Thank you for last night’s cosmic enlightenment!  I appreciate your preparation and enrichment.  We are a lively community. Receiver.  Amplifier.  Insulator.  All in one. I love how we each go on our expeditions of Universe unfolding and return to our campfire to share and learn. "

" Plus, remembering joy amidst the sorrow around us.   A bit of play"
-  Lisa Verni

" It is so supportive to have a whole community, from around the world, working together to embody and live out a deep connection to the new cosmology in its ethical and spiritual dimensions. We are the Universe emerging. "
- M.J. Zimmerman

" After 20 years of living into the Universe Story, I was reawakened to how truly empowering it is through what is emerging for others on parallel paths from around the globe. "
— Penny Andrews

" If you're seeking a meaningful story that explains our place in our Universe and in Nature, and like-minded global citizens, this course may be your next step on that journey. " - David Morton Rintoul

" Everything I have known in life is being integrated into unifying perspectives and connectedness which come like seeds being nourished from a deep space of love, abundance, and creativity "
— Marides "Madett" Virola-Gardiola, Philippines

Deeptime courses are not just about learning new ideas, they are a way to commune together to help each other spiral upwards to new heights of wisdom and awakening. "
— Sarbmeet Kanwal

" I am co-creating a space for children older than 7 years old and this course has been granting me a deeper understanding of how I want to position myself and act in this space while deep listening to children. " — Joana Benetton, Brazil

" Being around so many talented and confident people has helped me with developing a children’s book for Montessori Sunday school. " — Nancee Cline

It is all and more than I expected – I am not new to the material though have certainly learned and gained new insights into the wonderful planet we call “home”. 

The assignments are doable, interesting, and inviting.  I am enjoying the course very much.

Am loving it. The small groups are wonderful. It is such a marvelous group of participants. The networking is fabulous.  Love the opening and thoughtful reflections.

I look forward to every session.

I had to miss two weeks and was aware there was something missing in my life, so I know I am finding it really useful and challenging.  Also good to make connections.

I am feeling inspired, energized, and more-connected-than ever!  I am also enjoying the arc of the course, the meditations, quote sharing, and especially the content. 

Our Learning Management System

We use Sensei integrated with Buddypress so that participants can engage in asynchronous course discussions, and share resources, profiles, and information about their organizations.  We’ve had experience using this technology with people of all levels of technical capability.  If you have any questions, we’re right there to help you.  All meetings are recorded.  The course will remain open for one year so you can view recordings, stay in touch and continue to share thoughts and resources with others sharing the journey with you.  Our fearless developer, Mohit Sharma, stands at the ready to solve any tech problems that might crop up a long the way.

 Sign Me Up!

Log in first before making your purchase.  If you’re not a member yet, sign up for free before purchasing this course.  Paid membership discounts will appear after you log in.

  • Premium members receive a 10% discount.  Become a premium member before purchasing this course and save.
  • Check out the installment plan by clicking on payment plan and then “View” to see individual payments.
  • Do you need scholarship support?  We have some scholarship funds available.  Write to hello@dtnetwork.org. 

MAKE YOUR SELECTION HERE!

(“PD hours” are Professional Development Hours.)

 

Questions?   Write to us at hello@dtnetwork.org.

 

 

Anthony Robert Zelle, Esq., Tony is an Earth lawyer. While serving as Chair and President of the Earth Law Center, following 30 years in private practice trying cases and arguing appeals, he served as lead editor and author of the only comprehensive book on the subject: Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law-A Guide for Practitioners. Developed for law school curricula, and now part of developing LLM programs internationally, the book has also become the primary reference source for practitioners.

The focus of Tony's current work is developing Earth law in practice and creating revenue-generating opportunities for Earth lawyers.

Learn more about Tony’s journey from a recent Boston College Law School Magazine profile.https://lawmagazine.bc.edu/2025/02/voice-for-the-earth/

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Maisie Paddon, Maisie is spearheading the advancement of Earth Law by integrating its principles into transformative policies and business strategies that resonate with Earth-centric practices and Nature's patterns. At the helm of Project 2040, she seeks to revolutionize financial systems, foster circular economies, and develop regenerative food systems. Her extensive experience in top-tier management consulting, with roles at Ernst & Young and Capgemini, showcases her ability to lead complex innovation programs and engage with C-suite leaders. With a solid foundation in Philosophy and Climate Science, Maisie is deeply committed to beneficial systemic change. She champions the inclusion of Nature's voice in discussions that tackle the multifaceted crises of today's modern world, while aligning her efforts with global frameworks like UN SDGs, ESG principles, and ISO standards. Her holistic and emotionally intelligent approach underscores her pursuit of sustainable and equitable solutions.

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Kerry Hudson, Hudson works as an activist and public interest lawyer with a focus on social justice, and an academic and employment history addressing heirs' property reform and protections of the Florida aquifer. He served as co-founder and manager for a medical practice that focused on Environmentally Acquired Diseases, and the effects of that most macro of human phenomenon—climate change, on the most granular, personal issues—individual health and the chronic and intractable maladies brought on by changing climate. He has served as Education Director for Rights of Nature and eco-centric education, creating informational content addressing topics such as environmental protections and property law, and the Public Trust Doctrine, and creating supplemental educational content for the law school textbook Earth Law: A Practitioner’s Guide. He holds an MFA in writing, has a publication history with both fiction and non-fiction, and has authored funded grants examining strategies to mitigate generational heirs' property abuses. He holds a J.D. with a focus on Environmental Justice, social equity, and restorative justice and has created informational and educational content addressing the intersection of environmental and legal issues such as the one-percenters' climate change preparations. Currently based in London, He works on a long-form manuscript addressing the importance of property law, social justice, and the climate change crisis.

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April Elizabeth Finlayson, April Elizabeth Finlayson is an “Edu-neer” dedicated to designing holistic and transformational learning experiences. She has a fervent commitment to reimagining education, promoting lifelong learning and creating uniquely curated, humanizing educational experiences for youth, and the young at heart. This has led to the development of nearly a dozen innovative schools and numerous educational programs in the K-12, after-school learning, adult development and Higher-Ed spaces.

April’s style of leadership and service is rooted in making space for learner voice, agency and empowerment. She believes that the best teaching and learning is reciprocal, interwoven and interchangeable. April asserts that “if a learner knows that they are seen, affirmed, “in-powered” and protected while learning, they will feel loved, and will henceforth thrive!”

April's students and graduates have gone on to international and national renown in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, professional athletics, entertainment, and being great, enjoyable people. April was cross culturally raised and educated between The Bahamas, the USA and Canada. She completed her undergraduate degree in International Development Studies, Political Science and Management from McGill University, and earned both her Master's Degree in Mind, Brain and Education and her Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

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Tara A. Pierce, Tara holds degrees in painting, the humanities, a J.D., and an LL.M. in Oceans, Environment, & Sustainability. This transdisciplinary background enriched her legal studies and contributed to the successful publication of several papers on Earth Law and Restorative Ocean Farming. Her latest thesis synthesised her entire academic and hands-on experiences into an approach to transforming the law into a healing practice. Tara regularly guest lectures on Ocean & Coastal Law developments for various institutions in the United States and Europe.

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Cat Haas, Cat Haas is the Director of the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor (EJM), where she oversees the research and development of the world’s most comprehensive database of ecological jurisprudence initiatives globally. Since 2022, she has led efforts to document and analyze the global evolution of Earth-centered law, with a particular focus on the Rights of Nature movement, ecological law, and Indigenous ontologies. Cat holds an M.A. in Global Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where her research explored the influence of Indigenous cosmologies and pluriversal ontologies on the development and globalization of the Rights of Nature movement.
She also serves on the Steering Committee of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) Academic Hub, an interdisciplinary network of scholars specializing in ecological law and governance.
With a background in environmental education, Cat is passionate about fostering awareness and advocacy for sustainable, equitable legal frameworks that address the climate crisis and center ecological well-being

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Ava Roche, Ava is currently a pre-law focused senior at Columbia University studying Political Ecology, conducting her senior thesis on the socio-political effects of deep-sea mining in the Cook Islands. She is attending Columbia University’s Climate School next fall, and aspires to be an earth lawyer, with experience as the student director of the Earth Law Centers, “Earth Law: Emerging Ecocentric Law- a Guide for Practitioners” course last summer. She is an avid scuba diver who is passionate about protecting earths vital oceanic ecosystems, and is interning at Columbia Law Schools, "Sabin Center for Climate Change Law” this coming summer under Michael Gerrard. Above all, she can’t wait to TA with Earth Law Practice and work in such an impactful environment.

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Aurélie Rodzynek, advances Earth Law by uniting global advocacy, legal strategy, and community-led action. As Communications, Marketing, and Strategy Lead for the Earth Law Alliance, she works to embed Rights of Nature principles into governance systems worldwide. She has held leadership and coordination roles across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, guiding water governance initiatives, supporting international advocacy campaigns, and developing education programs on climate resilience and biodiversity. Leveraging her expertise, Aurélie has contributed to major UN-based gatherings and COP, promoting a holistic legal approach to protecting nature.

Holding an MPA in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University and a BA in International Relations, she works at the nexus of law, science, and community priorities to help restore ecological integrity and strengthen the relationship between people and the planet.

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Janet Marley is completing an MA in Ecopsychology at Naropa University. She is currently researching styles of governance in traditional indigenous societies of Turtle Island and how such wisdom ways can positively influence modern ecocentric regenerative residential communities and bioregional initiatives. She has a BA in Religious Studies from Brown University. Janet is a community organizer with an abiding interest in designing and co-creating intentional living and learning centers that model and teach connection, communication, and reciprocity with the natural world. Her gifts and roles include Teacher, Naturalist, Healer, Event Producer, and Facilitator of ceremony, council, rites of passage, vision quests, ecotherapy, and trauma integration work. She is a Montessori-trained educator and mom of two young children. She currently serves as a board member for The Circle for Change Initiative and is the Director of Programming and Events at the Manitoulin Eco Park, an indigenous-led nature connection facility in Ontario, Canada.

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Urwa Hameed, is a final year law student at Boston College Law School. She is a graduate of Boston College with degrees in International Studies and Political Science and has taught a course in Environmental Law at her alma mater. Urwa is the author of two published books, including her most recent, Hosting Earth: Facing the Climate Emergency (Routledge, 2024), which examines the environment through a philosophical and theological lens, framing humans as both hosts and guests of the Earth. Her work blends academic rigor with a deep commitment to exploring humanity’s moral and spiritual responsibilities toward the planet.

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