In chapter two of Devoted to Nature, the author Evan Barry discusses how American society has created these social practices where humans connect with nature for both one’s pleasurable hobbies or for spiritual reasonings. He also discusses the rise of awareness of the magnitudes of human impacts on the environments. When we began to realize these impacts in the 19th and 20th centuries, organizations were created to protect the environment such as in National Parks. In more recent generations, outdoor activities have become more popular resulting in more awareness and protection of the environment from more and more people. The members of the Mountaineers who were mentioned Devoted to Nature, “voiced their appreciation of nature by the deeply spiritual discourse” (86). The Mountaineers make references to Psalms and many other scriptural references and quotations. They also use terms such as “spirit” to describe the capacity nature. Religious views and environmentalist views which resemble science do not necessarily coincide. In the 21st century a large debate of climate change is whether to believe it is occurring or not. Many haven’t admitted it is existing, but religiously many have been told or believe that it is a hoax. The question that some raise is if one believes in God then how they could believe in climate change or why would God do that to his creation? Others have said that God has given humans this earth, so one must protect it. Politically, some conservatives disregard to the idea of climate change while some liberals would agree that it is occurring. For instance, Barack Obama a democratic president put many efforts into protecting the environment such as in the Clean Power Plan. President Donald Trump has once said he doesn’t believe in manmade global warming which is why he wanted to loosen the restrictions for fossil fuel, coal, and oil companies to have them produce their products here in the US. Trump also withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement. Not that is was for a religious reason but politically he is more on the mindset that it isn’t created by humans which most environmentalists would disagree with. Religion (especially Christianity) must coincide with the environment because God created this environment for humans. The question is if humans are spiritually connected to nature. Berry wrote in his book that it is a small percent who would likely describe a spiritual affinity for nature as a connection to their beliefs and practices. Although, we do have groups like the Mountaineers who connect nature and spirituality, it seems to come down to ones one belief and experience with both nature and religion.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Whither Religion?
In chapter two of Devoted to Nature, the author Evan Barry discusses how American society has created these social practices where humans connect with nature for both one’s pleasurable hobbies or for spiritual reasonings. He also discusses the rise of awareness of the magnitudes of human impacts on the environments. When we began to realize these impacts in the 19th and 20th centuries, organizations were created to protect the environment such as in National Parks. In more recent generations, outdoor activities have become more popular resulting in more awareness and protection of the environment from more and more people. The members of the Mountaineers who were mentioned Devoted to Nature, “voiced their appreciation of nature by the deeply spiritual discourse” (86). The Mountaineers make references to Psalms and many other scriptural references and quotations. They also use terms such as “spirit” to describe the capacity nature. Religious views and environmentalist views which resemble science do not necessarily coincide. In the 21st century a large debate of climate change is whether to believe it is occurring or not. Many haven’t admitted it is existing, but religiously many have been told or believe that it is a hoax. The question that some raise is if one believes in God then how they could believe in climate change or why would God do that to his creation? Others have said that God has given humans this earth, so one must protect it. Politically, some conservatives disregard to the idea of climate change while some liberals would agree that it is occurring. For instance, Barack Obama a democratic president put many efforts into protecting the environment such as in the Clean Power Plan. President Donald Trump has once said he doesn’t believe in manmade global warming which is why he wanted to loosen the restrictions for fossil fuel, coal, and oil companies to have them produce their products here in the US. Trump also withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement. Not that is was for a religious reason but politically he is more on the mindset that it isn’t created by humans which most environmentalists would disagree with. Religion (especially Christianity) must coincide with the environment because God created this environment for humans. The question is if humans are spiritually connected to nature. Berry wrote in his book that it is a small percent who would likely describe a spiritual affinity for nature as a connection to their beliefs and practices. Although, we do have groups like the Mountaineers who connect nature and spirituality, it seems to come down to ones one belief and experience with both nature and religion.
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