A Little Beyond the Stones: Moving from Nature to Creation through Pablo Neruda

Abstract

Norman Wirzba’s From Nature to Creation illustrates the problem of idolatry in distorting our ability to rightly perceive Creation. By engaging a close-reading of Pablo Neruda’s poem, “Aquí Vivimos,” this paper outlines the theological context of Wirzba’s project and then proposes Neruda’s text as a guide in reorienting our perception. The disciplined and gracious gaze that shines through Neruda’s text facilitates the reader’s perception and proclamation of Creation as gift.