Emily Anstett (11/13) How Nature Impacts Religion Reflection

 https://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2015/08/20/432911010/nature-may-have-a-profound-effect-on-our-religiosity

This article examined how proximity to natural amenities, like national parks and hiking trails, impacts the level of religiosity in the surrounding communities.  The study discussed, found that in areas close to natural amenities the level of religiosity in the community decreased.  The researchers relate this to the “time competition effect” where on a Sunday people may have to choose between going to church or going outdoors.  This could be because of how some people have spiritual experiences when they are in nature.  Therefore, going outdoors serves as a spiritual experience for many people.  However, the article argues that there is a difference in the type of spiritual experience that people have in nature versus in a church or established religious practice.  For instance, religious experiences outdoors are more personal and subjective whereas religious experiences in churches or established religions are institutionalized and highly mediated.  This illustrates how different spiritual needs can be and that there are different ways to meet those needs.  For example, some people may be spiritually fulfilled by practicing Christianity while others may be spritually fulfilled by being outdoors.  This article illustrates how important nature is.  Not only does it support human existence but it supports many people spiritually and provides something intangible.  However, I also think that nature can bring something spiritual to everyone regardless of their religion.  It offers a unifying aspect for all of humanity.  This is another reason why it is critical to protect nature and better understand it outside of the realm of human interpretation.  Nature has value regardless of its value brought to humans.  Therefore, it needs to be given autonomy outside of the realm of human value systems.  


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