If you ever wondered what nature religion was, you aren't alone. This growing movement has many adherents who believe that nature is the embodiment of spiritual power, divinity, and sacredness. Many believe in the healing, cleansing, and restoration of the soul by nature. There are many kinds of nature religions. However, all share some common elements.
Modern forms of Nature Religion
American culture is home to many forms of modern nature religion. Nature religions can be described as friendly and positive in their rhetoric, but they are often associated with the desire to control and master natural phenomena. Some academics believe that even the early rationalistic deism of America had its roots in a desire control and master nature.
Historical development
The term nature religion has been used in popular and academic venues since the 1970s to refer to the phenomenon of nature as sacred faith. Nature religion has been the topic of much debate over the centuries.
Critics
Critics of religion are not limited to religion. They have worked across disciplines, from philosophy to physical cosmology, to study the psychological roots of religious practices. Many of these individuals believe in no God and reject the idea of a creator. Many believe belief in a god causes violent and irrational behaviour. They believe ridicule is the best way of exposing the absurdity and inexplicability of religion.
Anastasianism
Anastasianism is a nature-based religion in which the individual seeks to communicate with the divine through nature. According to this belief, all life on earth is the product of the thoughts of God. Therefore, the creation of trees, grass, and animals is a manifestation of the divine. Individuals can gain spiritual knowledge and communion with God by connecting with nature. Anastasians believe the natural world is an entirely new way to look at and experience it.
Polytheism
Polytheism, a religious belief, recognizes many gods. Each god has their own needs and personalities. These gods do not have one supreme God. Instead, they participate in human affairs and are motivated often by rituals. As such, they are frequently considered relevant and important for human life.
Shamanism
Shamanism is a religion that focuses on healing and nature. It posits that all of the visible and invisible worlds contain hidden forces. These forces have a profound impact on the lives of all living creatures. The shaman (a spiritual healer) works to remove these forces and heal individuals by using spiritual and physical methods. For instance, a shaman may cure someone by banishing an infectious spirit.
Deep ecology
Deep ecology is an idea that integrates science and philosophy in order to encourage a deeper understanding of the natural world. It was inspired by the work of Baruch, a Dutch philosopher, as well as Mohandas Gandhi in India. It is based on the belief that all things are connected and that separation is an illusion. This ecological perspective allows for an eco-philosophical as well as metaphysical view of interconnectedness.