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  • 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."

  • EPN Breakfast: Recognition of historical injustices in agriculture and the importance of environmental experiences for racial healing

    "This program, on the 8th annual National Day of Racial Healing, addresses land access and explores the human connection to the environment through farming, gardening and other active outdoor activities and the ability for agricultural experiences and acknowledgement of historical injustices to serve as healing towards racial equity. The National Day of Racial Healing, part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial, Healing & Transformation efforts, is a time to contemplate our shared values and create the blueprint together for #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism. Launched on Jan. 17, 2017, National Day of Racial Healing is an opportunity to bring ALL people together in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world."

    1/16/2024, 7:15-9:30 a.m.
    Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4H Center
    Columbus, OH

    $25 for non-students, $5 for students, free for virtual participants

  • How to Decolonize Your Thanksgiving Dinner

    "If your favorite meats, legumes, vegetables, and fruits could talk to you this Thanksgiving, they would probably tell you all about the historical traumas that they've endured as they traveled and evolved through the Old World, New World, and finally as components in your favorite dish.

    Welcome to the world of decolonial cuisine, a culinary movement with the goal of getting people with indigenous roots to honor their heritage through their dietary choices. In addition, the movement aims to simply allow people to become more conscious of where their food comes from and how it got there."

  • Mid-Winter Stroll on a Pier

    "A mid-winter stroll on a pier in beautiful Lake Erie. This lake is the most valued fishery in all of the Great Lakes. Keeping this lake clean is important for the human and non-human residents that depend on this water source. A resource that sustains all life." Taken by Gabriel Sanchez. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.

  • Locally Grown

    "Selling food grown locally at a farmers market." Taken by Aayushi Soni. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Contest.

  • Backpackers

    "Backpackers hike through green woods in this peaceful mountain setting, with a soft gray sky overhead. Cows graze in the area nearby, blending in perfectly with the quiet surroundings. This harmonious existence is a representation of sustainable life, in which people and animals coexist on the land with appreciation and respect. We guarantee the protection of this natural sanctuary so that future generations can continue to appreciate its unspoiled beauty through ethical exploration and efforts to conserve." Taken by Eszter Horompoli-Toth. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.

  • Family Farm

    "This photo was taken as my father took us around what used to be the family farm. It was sold in 2016 as excessive banana farming dried up the rivers nearby and became unsustainable. As of now, livestock has begun to thrive again as the cessation of banana farming on the land has allowed for the land to return to what it was before." Taken by Cristian Vallecillo. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.

  • My Flock

    "Pictured is a chick I am raising for my flock. The chickens are raised with sustainable feeding methods, including grazing for worms, bugs, and plants outside. Their waste is used as fertilizer for my summer garden!" Taken by Reily Jacobs Bell. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.

  • Panama Fair Trade Coffee

    "Panama Fair Trade Coffee". Taken by Lia Van Wees. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.

  • Growing Starters

    "Growing starters with the whole family builds appreciation for the growing process and how our food comes to be. I especially love that the labels were drawn by my 10yo daughter." Taken by Kimberly Winslow. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Contest.

  • Herb Garden

    "Marinara jars filled with dirt being used to start and herb garden. This reuses the glass jars, and the grown herbs can be used in cooking." Taken by Hannah Herrmann. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.

  • Entangled Tomato

    "Entangled Tomato: Demonstrating adaptation, growth, and commitment to sustainable food systems amidst the obstacles of an urban environment." Taken by Prabhjot Singh. Submitted to the RESTORExchange Sustainability Photo Contest.

  • Greening the Parish - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

    Greening the Parish is an initiative started by the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecunemical and Interfaith relations. It was inspired by the work of Patriarch Bartholomew, who is more commonly known as the Green Patriarch. On this website, there are initiatives, practices, and educational materials that teach environmental stewardship.