If you have ever wondered what nature religion is, you're not alone. There are many people who believe nature is the embodiment or spiritual power, divinity, and sacredness. Many of these people believe in nature's ability to heal, cleanse, restore, and renew the soul. Although there are many types of nature religions, they all share certain commonalities.
Modern forms for nature religion
Many areas of American culture have modern forms of nature religion. While their rhetoric is positive and friendly, nature religions often have a tendency to want to control and master the natural world. 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 been the topic of much debate over the centuries.
Critics
Nature religion critics aren't limited to religion. To understand the psychological roots behind religious practices, they have worked in many disciplines, including philosophy and physical cosmology. Many of these people don't believe in God, and they reject the idea of a creator. They believe belief in a god can lead to violent and irrational behavior. They conclude that ridicule can be the best way to expose the absurdity 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 recognizes many gods and each one has its own unique needs and personalities. These gods have many roles in human affairs. These gods are seen as relevant and important to human life.
Shamanism
Shamanism, a religion that is focused on healing and nature, is called Shamanism. Its basic premise is that invisible forces exist in the visible world. These forces have a profound impact on the lives of all living creatures. The shaman, a spiritual healer, works to eliminate these forces and heal people by using physical and spiritual methods. For instance, a shaman may cure someone by banishing an infectious spirit.
Deep ecology
Deep ecology is a philosophy which combines philosophy and science to foster a holistic view of nature. It was influenced by Baruch De Spinoza, a Dutch philosopher, and Mohandas Gandhi the Indian spiritual leader. The philosophy is based upon the belief that everything is interconnected and that we are illusions of our separation. This ecological perspective is the basis of eco-philosophical, metaphysical interconnectedness.