Thriving in the Crosscurrent: Clarity and Hope in a Time of Cultural Sea Change
Thriving in the Crosscurrent: Clarity and Hope in a Time of Cultural Sea Change by James Kenney. Quest. 2010. 253 pages. $16.95.
A cultural sea change is under way across the globe, says interfaith activist Jim Kenney in Thriving in the Crosscurrent. He sees in the present time a crashing together of old beliefs with new beliefs. The end result will be the prevalence of cultural values that are better attuned to current realities.
Ethnocentric values—sexism, racism, war, materialism, greed, and exploitation of the environment—are receding. And world-centered values—gender partnership, intercultural dialogue, religious pluralism, nonviolence, spiritual awareness, social justice, and environmental justice—are taking their place.
At least three such sea changes have taken place in human history: the rise of agriculture, the emergence of the major eastern and western religious traditions, and the Copernican realization that the earth is not the center of the universe. Each one signified a profound shift in human understanding and an affirmation of interdependence and creative complexity.
Kenney points out concrete examples of the sea change in academia, the nonprofit world, contemporary politics, and other areas of life. He also describes current reactionary forces opposing change. Finally, he argues for optimism that the new values will ultimately prevail.
Readers who worry about humanity’s future will find in Thriving in the Crosscurrent a compelling case for hope.
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