Nexus - 0401 - New Times Magazine-pages

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REVIEWS Author Matthew Bille highlights two robbed humanity of freedom and dignity. dozen of these new global discoveries, but The episodes she covers include the early adds to his catalogue with an equally political manoeuvrings of the Church in lengthy rundown of animals presumed Rome; the irrational decisions made on extinct, but for which evidence for their con- _ dogma in the early centuries AD; the plunge tinued existence often resurfaces. These into the Dark Ages where education, sci- ‘lost’ animals include the Tasmanian tiger, ence, technology, medicine, history, art and the aye-aye lemur of Madagascar and the commerce were effectively wiped out; the Sinai leopard. Finally, Bille describes some Crusades and pogroms of the Middle Ages; of the mystery animals that are the stuff of the Inquisition; Catholic vs Protestant fac- legend or at least very rare sightings, e.g., a tion-fighting of the Reformation and giant gecko, a dolphin with two dorsal fins, Counter Reformation; witch-burnings; the and a giant octopus. One day, these and alienation of nature in the so-called Age of many more elusive creatures may be Enlightenment; and the enforcement of a described by zoologists. limited scientific paradigm upon human This book may not be big on illustrations thought and creativity in the ensuing period. for obvious reasons, but Bille has included The author contends that by ignoring the an extensive reference list to please the most ‘dark side’ of Christian history and not exam- ardent cryptozoology freak. ining the belief systems and ideologies which have promoted cruelty through the centuries, we perpetuate the idea that man has an inherently evil nature. Consequently, destructive patterns continue to alienate peo- ple from God, Nature and each other. SINE YOU CAN HAVE YOUR OF PERMACULTURE AND EAT IT TOO by Robin Clayfield CHRISTIAN Published by Earthcare Education (1996), Queensland, Australia HISTORY ISBN 0-646-28784-2 (257pp I/f s/c) Price: AUD$38.00 inc. p&h in Aust; overseas orders phone for p&h quote Available: Australia—Earthcare Education, 58 Crystal Waters, MS16, Maleny, Qld 4552, ph +61 (0)7 5494 4707. This is an inspiring, self-help manual for gardeners who like to cook, and cooks who like to garden. Author/teacher Robin Clayfield has an holistic, hands-on approach THE DARK SIDE OF CHRISTIAN to promoting permaculture principles and HISTORY self-sufficiency techniques for a healthier, by Helen Ellerbe more fulfilling, sustainable lifestyle. Published by Morningstar Books (1995), Step by step, Robin covers all the essential San Rafael, CA, USA elements of permaculture design, preparing, ISBN 0-9644873-4-9 (228pp s/c) planting, harvesting and seed-saving for all Price: AUD$26.00; USD$12.95 manner of foods—grains, vegetables, fruit Available: Aust—Cameron Books, ph/fax orchards, herbs—and even includes small (047) 58 7676; Sydney Esoteric animal husbandry in the scheme. In this Bookshop, ph (02) 9212 2225; USA— total approach, important considerations Morningstar Books, PO Box 4032, San such as biodiversity, biodynamics, energy Rafael, CA 94913, ph (415) 472 6000. efficiency, irrigation, mulching, natural pest While admittedly not a complete picture of control, seasonality, and more, are well cov- the history of the Christian Church, Helen ered. Ellerbe's book is a succinct account of the Robin's experience in teaching courses in dark legacy that permeates Western society _ permaculture design, gardening and cooking and has fostered (as it still does) sexism, holds her in good stead here, for (with a lit- racism, fear, war, competition, domination tle help from her Crystal Waters friends) she and environmental degradation for the last presents the information with easy-to-under- two millennia. By shedding light on this stand charts, diagrams and illustrations. She dark history, Ellerbe aims to show how the also includes contributions from colleagues Church has controlled the individual's direct specialising in the permaculture field. spiritual connection to the divine and has So, the reward for producing all this Author Matthew Bille highlights two dozen of these new global discoveries, but adds to his catalogue with an equally lengthy rundown of animals presumed extinct, but for which evidence for their con- tinued existence often resurfaces. These ‘lost’ animals include the Tasmanian tiger, the aye-aye lemur of Madagascar and the Sinai leopard. Finally, Bille describes some of the mystery animals that are the stuff of legend or at least very rare sightings, e.g., a giant gecko, a dolphin with two dorsal fins, and a giant octopus. One day, these and many more elusive creatures may be described by zoologists. This book may not be big on illustrations for obvious reasons, but Bille has included an extensive reference list to please the most ardent cryptozoology freak. OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY HELEN ELLERBE THE DARK SIDE OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY by Helen Ellerbe Published by Morningstar Books (1995), San Rafael, CA, USA ISBN 0-9644873-4-9 (228pp s/c) Price: AUD$26.00; USD$12.95 Available: Aust—Cameron Books, ph/fax (047) 58 7676; Sydney Esoteric Bookshop, ph (02) 9212 2225; USA— Morningstar Books, PO Box 4032, San Rafael, CA 94913, ph (415) 472 6000. While admittedly not a complete picture of the history of the Christian Church, Helen Ellerbe's book is a succinct account of the dark legacy that permeates Western society and has fostered (as it still does) sexism, racism, fear, war, competition, domination and environmental degradation for the last two millennia. By shedding light on this dark history, Ellerbe aims to show how the Church has controlled the individual's direct spiritual connection to the divine and has NEXUS -77 DECEMBER 1996 - JANUARY 1997