Watch Thomas Berry: The Great Story

Thomas Berry: The Great Story is a documentary film that explores the life and ideas of Thomas Berry, a renowned cultural historian, religious scholar and eco-theologian. The film, directed by Lou Niznik, combines interviews with Berry's family members, colleagues, and followers, as well as historical footage and stunning imagery of nature, to create a powerful and thought-provoking portrait of a man who dedicated his life to creating a new story of the universe.

The movie begins with the voice of Thomas Berry himself, as he talks about the importance of a new cosmology and the role of humans in the universe. The film then takes us on a journey through Berry's life and work, touching on some of his key concepts and ideas. Berry was deeply concerned about the ecological crisis that humanity is facing and was convinced that a new story of the universe was needed to help us understand and respond to the challenges of our time.

One of the main themes of the film is Berry's vision of the universe as a sacred community, where all beings are interconnected and interdependent. Berry believed that humans have a unique role to play in the universe, as the only beings capable of understanding and celebrating this community. However, he also recognized that humans have been responsible for many of the ecological problems that we now face, and he called for a new kind of human-earth relationship based on reverence, respect and responsibility.

We learn about Berry's childhood in rural North Carolina, where he developed a deep connection to nature and a sense of wonder about the universe. After studying literature and philosophy at different universities, he became a Catholic priest and a professor of religious studies. In the 1960s, he became involved in the environmental movement and started to develop his own ideas about the universe.

One of the most fascinating parts of the film is the exploration of Berry's relationship with indigenous cultures and their wisdom. Berry was deeply influenced by the traditional stories and practices of different indigenous groups and saw them as valuable sources of knowledge and inspiration. He believed that we need to learn from their relationship with the earth and integrate it into our own worldviews.

The film also touches on Berry's collaboration with physicist Brian Swimme, with whom he wrote the book The Universe Story. The book tells the story of the universe from the Big Bang to the present day, and presents a new vision of humans as part of an evolving universe. Berry believed that this story could help us develop a new relationship with the earth and with each other, based on compassion, creativity and celebration.

Overall, Thomas Berry: The Great Story is a fascinating and inspiring film that invites us to reflect on some of the most pressing issues of our time. It offers a vision of the universe that is both scientific and spiritual, and that challenges us to rethink our place in the world. The film is beautifully crafted, with stunning visuals and a moving soundtrack that complements the ideas and themes explored. It is a must-see for anyone interested in ecology, spirituality, and the future of humanity.