Question 2

In chapter three, Berry discusses the evolution of the interpretation of nature as a sacred space. He specifically focuses on the mountain and Marjorie Hope Nicholson’s Mountain Gloom and Mountain Glory.  Nicholson describes “Mountain Gloom” as primarily coming from the early Middle Ages and centered around the idea of the mountain as dangerous and disfigurements of the earth.  During this time, mountain climbing was seen as an arrogant and prideful attempt for humans to get closer to heaven. By the late Middle Ages, biblical ideas about mountains regained popularity.  Throughout the Bible, mountains were often used as the setting for significant events, such as Mount Ararat and Mount Sinai in the Old Testament and Mount Tabor and the Mount of Olives in the New Testament. The presence of a mountain in the Bible often represents a new covenant or a transformation. America also experienced a Mountain Gloom and Mountain Glory-type paradigm shift in the nineteenth century.  Prior to the closing of the west, nature, and especially mountains, was depicted as the villain waiting to be conquered by the hero, America and manifest destiny.  As Americans reached the west coast, nature was no longer regarded as a villain, but as a way to reconnect and revitalize their spirituality outside of urban society. Mountains and forests were seen as sacred and a way to connect to God, and because of the abundance of mountains and forests, America was seen as spiritually rich.

Berry connects this shift towards nature, especially in America, to Protestantism.  Nature writers used Greek, Roman, and Native American ideas in their writing but often within the framework and using the vocabulary of Protestantism.  The environmentalism preached today, although seemingly much less connected to past religious traditions, still uses the same Protestant framework and vocabulary used in the nineteenth century.  Just like their predecessors, modern environmentalists describe nature as a pure and sacred place in need of protection.  Outdoor activities are still seen as a way to reconnect and revitalize one’s spirit.  Although environmentalism is no longer as obviously connected to Protestantism and spirituality, it still retains the religious connections.