In this essay we have explored how life-system concepts impact our traditional theological positions, and I have emphasized those aspects which affirm the "radical immanence" of divine being. There is a caution, however. In recognizing the spiritual as well as material importance of the life system as a whole, it is important to Christian tradition not to loose sight of the transcendence of the Creator as Redeemer and Sustainer, or of divine purpose in creation. A modern understanding of the complexity of life process does expand the spiritual significance of the concept of the divine Logos incarnate in all things, but affirming the immanent does not deny the transcendent.
For expansion of the general ecological concepts, the reader is referred to any standard biology text. For a grand overview of general systems theory, see Bertalanffy's work cited below. Laszlo's work cited previously (Essay Four) is also pertinent.
For Lovelock's quotation see Gaia preface, page vii.
References
Ludwig von Bertalanffy. General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications. New York: George Braziler, 1968.
J. E. Lovelock. Gaia, A New Look at Life on Earth (1979). New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.
[ Exhibit 11. System control:
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[ Exhibit 12. Generic systems diagram ]
[ Exhibit 13. Levels of description ]
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