Sacred Seed: A Collection of Essays

The ecological and spiritual ramification of the genetic modification of seeds is the concern of this collection of interfaith writings. “When culture is eroded, biodiversity is eroded,” writes physicist Shiva in her introduction. “When control over seeds becomes big business, diversity disappears forever.” One of the most prominent themes appearing throughout the selections is the importance of biological diversity, which is threatened by the artificial homogenization of seeds that drives out local varieties. An anticorporate sentiment recurs through the book, but because of the brevity of the essays and diversity of approaches, it is not fully explored as a topic for faith-based activism. Cultural inclusiveness is recognized; more than a dozen faiths and almost 20 different nationalities are represented in 34 contributors from a wide diversity of vocational backgrounds. Perspectives come from Judaism, Taoism, Armenian Orthodox, Sufism, Native American spiritual traditions, and more; contributors come from a diverse array of countries, including Kenya, China, Lebanon, England, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and others. More than an essay collection, this is a call for worldwide action. (Nov.)