You are not the only one who has ever wondered about nature religion. Many are now a part of this growing movement that believe in nature as the embodiments of spiritual power and divinity. Many believe in the healing, cleansing, and restoration of the soul by nature. Although there are many nature religions out there, they all have some common features.
Modern forms of Nature Religion
Modern forms of nature religion can be found in many areas of American culture. Although they have positive and friendly rhetoric, nature religions are often linked to a desire control and master nature. Some academics believe that even the rationalistic deism of early America has its roots in a desire to control and master nature.
Historical development
The term "nature religion" has been used often in both academic and popular venues to describe the phenomena of nature as sacred religious belief since the 1970s. Nature religion has long been a controversial topic that has been debated for centuries.
Critics
Critics of nature religion are not confined to religion itself. They have worked across disciplines, from philosophy to physical cosmology, to study the psychological roots of religious practices. These people reject the idea that there is a creator and believe only in a God. They believe belief in a god can lead to violent and irrational behavior. They believe ridicule is the best way of exposing the absurdity and inexplicability of religion.
Anastasianism
Anastasianism can be described as a nature-based religion where the individual seeks communication with the divine through natural phenomena. 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. To commune with nature one can experience esoteric knowledge and communicate with God. Anastasians believe that nature is the best way to see and experience the natural world.
Polytheism
Polytheism is a religious belief that recognizes many different gods, each with their own needs and personalities. These gods, rather than being a single supreme god, participate in human affairs. This is often done through rituals. As such, they are frequently considered relevant and important for human life.
Shamanism
Shamanism, a religion that is focused on healing and nature, is called Shamanism. It posits that the visible world is made up of invisible forces. These forces impact the lives all living beings. The shaman (a spiritual healer) works to remove these forces and heal individuals by using spiritual and physical methods. For example, a shaman could cure someone by banishing an infective spirit.
Deep ecology
The concept of deep ecology is a philosophy that draws on the ideas of science and philosophy to promote a more holistic understanding of nature. The philosophy is influenced, among other things, by Baruch de Spinoza (Dutch philosopher) and Mohandas Gandhi (Indian spiritual leader). It is based on the belief that all things are connected and that separation is an illusion. This ecological perspective will lead to a metaphysical and ecophilosophical view of interconnectedness.