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32 items

  • Magic Mushrooms in Religion and Alchemy

    This book discusses the roles that the fly agaric mushroom played in human perceptions of God through many religions. The same religious practices and stories present in some of the most prevalent religions of today can be explained by the beliefs held about Amanita muscaria. As it was thought to be eaten by the Gods, when humans consume it, they become closer to the divine.

  • A Glimpse at the Reality Existing After Ours through Near-Death Experiences

    This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores the phenomenon of near death experiences through several first-hand accounts. The author explores the spiritual aspect of these experiences and compares and contrasts each instance. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

    "Near-death experiences (NDEs) are gateways for the soul—a profound, transformative experience that has taken place for some who have kissed death and returned. It is estimated that NDEs affect 1 in 10 people (The European Academy of Neurology, 2019). At best, these experiences are dismissed as wild dreams or hallucinations, but we struggle to make sense of what they are. One way some scientists have been trying to explain the reality of near-death experiences is in the connection between psychedelics and psychology. Dr. Rick Strassman (2001), a psychologist who has done extensive research on the topic, is one among many hypothesizing that NDEs are a result of the hallucinogenic chemical dimethyltryptamine, or DMT for short. He suspects that DMT is produced in the pineal gland of the brain, which is an area of the brain we still know little about. Because of the pineal gland’s connection to light (what we do know is that it produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates both the reproductive system and the circadian rhythm), it has been spiritually associated with many ideas of a higher conscious and enlightenment such as the third-eye, crown chakra, and the seat of the soul. Strassman infers that DMT is produced in times of birth, near-death, death, and intense pain."

  • Humans as Part of Nature: The Benefits of Time Spent Outdoors for Mental Health

    This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores the impact of connecting with nature and the environment on mental health. The author describes their own experiences with mental health problems and healing through activities in nature to frame this issue. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

    "In the summer of 2019, I was a high-school junior going to be a senior the coming year, going on a SCUBA trip out of state with my specialized environmental science class so that I could finish up my certification. This time in life at the end of high school but before college is widely regarded as the most fun and free time for a young person. A time where you’re so close to the end of the life that your parents and the state have laid out for you and still far from the stresses of choosing for yourself in life and dealing with the repercussions of those choices. This expectation was far from where I was at that point in my life."

  • Near Death Experiences and their Implications for the Afterlife

    This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores the science as well as the spirituality behind near-death experiences. The author assesses hypotheses behind this phenomenon and describes some examples of them occurring. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

    "What happens after death is a mystery that humans all over the world have speculated on since the beginning of time. In many religions, there is a sense of certainty among the followers regarding what to expect when they pass, as promised by God or a higher power they worship. Although no one really knows for sure, the closest we have come to proving the reality of the afterlife are the stories told by people who have had near death experiences, or even died temporarily and came back to life. Spiritual revelations during these incidents are a cross-cultural phenomenon felt all over the world, with details that overlap and hint at the answer to this unsolved mystery."

  • An Insight into Wilderness Therapy

    This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores the benefits of nature and being in the wild for mental health. The author uses research on wilderness therapy as well as her own experiences to discuss this relationship. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.

    "Nature has so many captivating qualities. Whether it be the rustle of summer green leaves, the indescribable blue of the sky on a clear day, or the countless creatures that scurry across the earth’s floor, I always find myself amazed by its peculiar yet familiar structure. Nature is something that is often taken for granted. Yes, individuals are constantly reminded of its presence, but do we often think of its value? For me, the wilderness has been a place of refuge and comfort. Somewhere that I look to when I am feeling lost and confused."

  • Creation Care Tips Summer 2019

    This Creation Care bulletin insert provides quotes from Pope Francis, encouraging Christians to utilize their talents, while drawing upon their culture and experiences to care for the environment. It also provides ways to support Pope Francis's message to care for the Earth, such as reading the Laudato Si' encyclical, encouraging children to go outside, and hosting creation care events and retreats.

  • Creation Care Tips Autumn 2019

    This creation Care bulletin insert provides benefits of changing over to energy-efficient LED bulbs. It also provides additional cost saving suggestions such as turning off unnecessary lights, where to set your thermostat, and purchasing the most efficient appliances.