<p> The purpose of this study was to look at the role of Conscious Evolution as a catalyst for community building. The work of the researcher was to take an in depth look at Conscious Evolution in relation to the success and growth of a service oriented nonprofit organization that works in the area of integrated health care. The scientific and theological perspectives of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, 20<sup>th</sup> Century Jesuit priest and paleontologist, provided the theoretical framework that guided the study. His understanding of Conscious Evolution, simply described, is the emergence of humans’ ability to reflect on existence through means of discernment.</p><p> Teilhard’s framework fit with the methodological approach of hermeneutic phenomenology that was used to inform this study. The phenomenon of Conscious Evolution was examined with ten participants from a community center that works with integrative health and wellness. Each participant took part in three extensive interviews that inquired about experiences prior to involvement with the organization, since they became involved, and what their involvement means for them. Four themes arose (community, spirituality, service, and belonging) that affirmed the research questions and promote an opportunity for further study of Conscious Evolution as catalyst for community building.</p><p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:10606785 |
| Date | 30 September 2017 |
| Creators | Wuolle, Victoria R. |
| Publisher | Marian University |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
Page generated in 0.0018 seconds