Wakan Tanka - John Bennett

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Résumé :
Where did we come from? Why are we here? Is there a god? In our modern world, many people yearn for answers to these most fundamental of life's questions, having become disillusioned with trite explanations and troubled by narratives that deny their intuitive spirituality. Beginning with some of our most ancient ancestors, Wakan Tanka traces the evolution of humanity through the ages. Citing paleontological and archaeological discoveries, along with recent genetic evidence, it recounts how mankind evolved from the earliest mammals into anatomically and behaviourally modern humans. Wakan Tanka describes how human culture and spirituality evolved in concert with anatomy. Showing how humankind has, since very ancient times, had an instinctual, moral sense, it discusses how our spirituality has given us an appreciation for both the aesthetic and divine aspects of life as reflected in our cultures and artistic endeavours. By comparing philosophical and religious views of creation with modern scientific theory, Wakan Tanka reaches the conclusion that, rather than conflicting, these views are remarkably similar and equally valid ways of describing the same reality. Indeed, our scientific knowledge and spiritual beliefs can be harmonized, providing us with a deeper understanding of ourselves, of creation and of life's purpose.

Biographie:
John L. Bennett is a professor of business and behavioral science and director of graduate programs at the
McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte. In addition, he holds the Wayland H. Cato, Jr.
Chair of Leadership. In addition, he is president of Lawton Associates a management consulting and executive
coaching firm focused on helping individuals and organizations prepare for, excel through and improve from
change. Dr. Bennett was the principal investigator for the research project that informed this report. He holds
an MPA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and MA and Ph.D. degrees in human and
organizational systems from Fielding Graduate University.
Peg Aldridge In 2008, Peg Aldridge co-founded Passion in Partnership Ministries (PIP) with Rev. Beth
Hood of the North Carolina Conference of the UMC. The ministry's programs and processes strengthen
behaviors that lead to deeper capacity for Christ-centered leadership. Peg is one of the chief designers of these
innovative programs. As of 2020, over 950 clergy and laity in eight United Methodist conferences have worked
with trained clergy and laity in the development of Christ-centered leaders in all levels of leadership.
The influence of these engagements can be seen in the Emerging Leader Initiative, designed in
collaboration with Bishop Paul Leeland and reflected in this book. Peg has a Master's Degree in Organizational
Communication, Coaching Certification from Queens University of Charlotte, and a Bachelor's Degree from
Purdue University.
Trish Archer is a United Methodist Church ordained clergy, works with Passion in Partnership Ministries
in coaching and leadership development. She served local churches for 25 years prior to extension ministry. She
has a Bachelor of Science in Science Teaching and Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Masters of Divinity from the Duke Divinity School. She has served the NC
Conference in various leadership positions and currently serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry. Trish enjoys
teaching, leading retreats, and writing. She lives in Wilmington, NC with her husband.
Steve James is a coach and consultant with Passion in Partnership and GoSeeLove. His specialty is
developing the capacity of clergy, laity, denominational leaders and churches to thrive in their calling and more
fully accomplish their mission in the world.