Question 3

In today’s world, the idea of combining ethical and theological meaning to questions of religion are done in small ways. Take for example retreats where people go on trips to venture into nature to escape the world they feel is so busy and can now focus on their connection to God. While people are on retreats they will go on hikes or canoe and while these activities take place they spend time reflecting on their connection to their spirituality. Some maybe looking for answers in their religion that they feel could not be answered in their Church and must dedicate time to spending it in peaceful nature. This differs greatly from where Berry uses Roseau’s world and the idea that through the Church alone you receive a connection to spirituality and that nature is a dark corrupt place. But in today’s world nature has become a spiritual freedom for many Americans and they use this as an escape form what may be considered a dangerous world they live in now. The connection that nature must people’s religion is embedded in the American idea of religion and freedom. As Berry states once a person can free themselves of the distractions the world provides it is easier to see the connection between nature and religion.

Brett Ohler