Abstract

ABSTRACT

A Divine Milieu for a Naufrage: Teilhard’s Sacred Ontology as Spirituality for the 21st Century in Quebec and Other Secular Societies

Diane Wood

The 21st century sees rising interest in ‘spirituality’ in response to a sense of emptiness in technology-driven, consumer-oriented, secular cultures. Analyzing Teilhard’s writings and current scholars’ research, I argue that his sacred ‘story’ of ongoing creation, a scientific-Christian synthesis, is relevant to today’s global challenges. This evolutionary Christian ontology is based on the belief that all of creation contains the divine spark and that each individual contributes to the increasing complexity and consciousness of the whole, drawn to greater love and union through the transcendent God. Teilhard’s concept of the divinization of human action and his model of differentiating creative union may provide purpose and hope to secular and increasingly pluralistic societies. I use Guillaume Tremblay’s 2014 documentary, L’Heureux naufrage: l’ère du vide d’une société post-chrétienne, as a point of departure to explore the perception of a spiritual void in Quebec, a society that experienced a rapid shift toward secularization in the 1960s. Analysis of the history of the Catholic Church and its ties to the Quiet Revolution, as well as the work of journalists, historians, theologians, sociologists, artists, and filmmakers demonstrates that Teilhard’s ressourcement theology speaks to Quebec’s cultural heritage and its context in the 21st century. Understanding and practice of Teilhard’s ontological thought can be cultivated through culturally appropriate readings, discussion groups, and simple spiritual exercises.