Bridges to Convergence in 21st Century Thought

" Bridges to Convergence in 21st Century Thought" confronts the struggles contributing to the fractures in today's society. It tackles the problems arising from this divergence of thought, most notably polarization, fragmentation, and depersonalization in Western society. Arguably, the fractures are the result of a failed three hundred year old experiment that has resulted in the leading philosophies of today's Western world being secular humanism and scientific determinism. In short, technology now masters mankind rather than serving it, leaving amoral Western man as a dispensable cog in the machine-a commodity more so than a sacred being-and a mass of cells relegated to evolve in a world with no hope or future, values or absolutes. Man has become a "something" rather than "someone." The evolving twenty-first century global society is now demanding a new thought that seeks values and connections but does not exclude the eighty-nine per cent of the world population that does not live in the West, or the eighty-five per cent of the world population that does believe in the religious and spiritual.

"Bridges to Convergence" argues that a new twenty-first century thought will be a matter of global design and input. This book offers first steps towards that thought through bridges to convergence between peoples, communities, societies, and nations, promoting common sensibilities, values, personhood, dignity, respect and hope.

A life-long student of theology, philosophy, ethics, and thanatology, Ken was nominated for an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by his peers for trans-denominational and transcultural contributions within local churches. In the broader community, Ken is also recognized for his contribution in developing province-wide basic and advanced life support services, most notably as project leader for the Manitoba Aeromedical Report and for operationalizing the Province of Manitoba Life Flight Air Ambulance program.

Ken is also lead advocate for Lavender Memorials, a non-profit volunteer initiative providing a family-proxy presence, a swaddling blanket and teddy bear for babies and children, a grave marker and point of connection for the abandoned. Ken is also lead advocate for Personhood and Dignity; Recovery of Natural Death and virtual websites for Spiritual Health and Thanatology. lavendermemorials.ca, kenknaggs.ca