Eco-Alchemy by Dan McKanan - ePub + PDF - University of California Press

About the Book

For nearly a century, the worldwide anthroposophical movement has been a catalyst for environmental activism, helping to bring to life many modern ecological practices such as organic farming, community-supported agriculture, and green banking. Yet the spiritual practice of anthroposophy remains unknown to most environmentalists. A historical and ethnographic study of the environmental movement, Eco-Alchemy uncovers for the first time the profound influences of anthroposophy and its founder, Rudolf Steiner, whose holistic worldview, rooted in esoteric spirituality, inspired the movement. Dan McKanan shows that environmentalism is itself a complex ecosystem and that it would not be as diverse or as transformative without the contributions of anthroposophy.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Ecology of Environmentalism

Seed
Rudolf Steiner’s Holistic Vision

Roots
Biodynamics and the Origins of Organic Agriculture

Branches
Anthroposophical Initiatives and the Growing Environmental Movement

Flowers
New Economies for Environmentalism

Fruit
The Broader Ecology of Camphill

Ecology
The Boundaries of Anthroposophy

Evolution
Anthroposophy’s Gifts to the Environmental Movement

Notes
Index

Reviews

Eco-Alchemy makes a solid case for the importance of anthroposophist initiatives to the evolution of modern environmentalism. . . . It deserves a wide readership among those interested in esoteric spirituality, environmental politics, and the controversial interaction between religion and public affairs.
“An especially timely book. . . . A valuable resource for students of new religions, environmentalism, agrarianism, organics, the western esoteric tradition, and, of course, Steiner’s unique addition to the world’s religious ecology. It is an important addition to scholarship on new religions. . . . A fine primer on the religion itself.”
— Reading Religion

Eco-Alchemy makes a solid case for the importance of anthroposophist initiatives to the evolution of modern environmentalism. . . . It deserves a wide readership among those interested in esoteric spirituality, environmental politics, and the controversial interaction between religion and public affairs.
— Reading Religion

"As its name suggests Eco-Alchemy describes an intermixing and re-constituting of ideas and good intentions that have been emerging and manifesting themselves over the last hundred years. [...] The analysis offered in Eco-Alchemy presents a very respectful and balanced picture of anthroposophy and yet does not shy away from describing the shortcomings and errors which have occurred over the years, nor the need to change, transform itself and learn from other progressive movements. It is an important work that should be widely available particularly to those undertaking a study of environmental philosophy."
— Camphill Pages

"Eco-Alchemy is a welcome contribution to the study of esotericism and the history of environmentalism, both for its unique insights and for his attention to the influence of esoteric thought and practice on popular culture."
— Journal for the Study of Esotericism

"This is an exemplary book and a cause for celebration: a judicious, balanced, and well-informed discussion of Rudolf Steiner’s work."
— Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture

“An especially timely book. . . . A valuable resource for students of new religions, environmentalism, agrarianism, organics, the western esoteric tradition, and, of course, Steiner’s unique addition to the world’s religious ecology. It is an important addition to scholarship on new religions. . . . A fine primer on the religion itself.”
— Novo Religio

“Throughout Eco-Alchemy, Dan McKanan’s sound judgment is evident. Without simplifying or exaggerating, but he gives space and respect to competing perspectives before offering a sensible middle position. All would be better if anthroposophists and ecologists would follow his wise opinions and recommendations.”—Robert McDermott, Professor of Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness, California Institute of Integral Studies

“Eco-Alchemy makes an important contribution to our understanding of the environmental movement and, more specifically, the role of agriculture within that movement. In this well-written and informative book, Dan McKanan demonstrates that Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy are critical to the evolution of contemporary environmentalism.”—Whitney Sanford, Professor of Religion, University of Florida

About the Book

About the Author

Table of Contents

Reviews