Abstract

A naturalistic view should make us appreciate the rich possibilities of nature. This naturalistic point of departure, as formulated by Willem B. Drees, invites reflection on the relationship between nature and spirituality. Today, the concept of sustainability occupies a key role in what has come to be the greatest challenge ever that humankind has faced together at the same moment in history. Usually, sustainability is described as a three-dimensional term: ecological, economic and social sustainability. The concept of sustainability has been critiqued because it seems to build on continuity instead of calling for radical change, discontinuity and conversion. I argue that the concept should be expanded rather than dismissed. Spiritual sustainability is introduced as a fourth dimension. It can contribute in multiple ways to identity, habit, mood, method, content and attitude. Referring to the biblical story of the Canaanite women (Matthew 15) this article describes a spirituality of resilience, co-existence and hope that surpasses notions of optimism and pessimism.