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To Love Judaism, Be Jewish in Nature-Based Community
"For thousands of years, the Jewish people didn’t have Jewish summer camps. We didn’t have Sunday school. We didn’t have day school. And yet, we transmitted our heritage, intact, from generation to generation.
What cultural elements were in place, in those times before modernity, that made it possible to so strongly maintain our tradition? Which of these elements can we best draw from now, in today’s increasingly complex world?
First, we lived directly off the land – we had an intimate, reciprocal relationship with our natural environment. Secondly, we lived in villages, in which each person was likely to feel a sense of purpose and role within the larger community." -
An Existential Analysis of Environmental Values and the Other
This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” examines nature and environmental values from a philosophical standpoint. The authors uses an existential standpoint to assess environmental ethics. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"Foremost, the existential doctrine is one of choice and freedom. This creates an interesting set of implications for the area of environmental ethics, as the existentialists believe we are responsible for everything we do. In fact, we are not only responsible for ourselves, but the world around us and the effects our actions have on it. Likewise, as with environmental issues, existentialism reveals the intimate relationship one has with others. Just as Sartre expresses, we are always with the other. Similarly, our environmental consequences affect every person in the world, in a multitude of ways. Furthermore, nature itself has been treated as an other and I argue that this is coherent with many existentialist notions. In this sense, I believe existentialism and environmental values share some important similarities which could illuminate how one should act. Moreover, the philosophy of existentialism is one that is deeply related to the human condition, especially as it questions the meaning of existence. For this reason, I will devote a brief portion of this endeavor to reflect on my own relationship with existential values and how they have influenced my worldview. Meanwhile, I provide a substantive comparison with David Loy and Buddhist thinking. In order to develop an understanding of existentialism, I will predominantly draw on the works of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Franz Fanon. Finally, I place this existential environmentalism in the context of multiple moral paradigms, including: an existential ethics, virtue ethics and social justice movements. Thus, existentialism provides a unique framework for understanding our relationship with 'the other' and nature, by defining the meaning of our actions. Therefore, I intend to show how this philosophy is particularly useful for directing environmental values, especially with the assistance of ethical theories which bridge the gap between reason and action." -
Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America
"Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America (EPREVA) is a student-written collaboration which explores the numerous, diverse ways in which religious, spiritual, and philosophical beliefs permeate into environmental topics." -
The Case for Animal Spirituality - Part 1: Conceptual Challenges, Methodological Considerations, and the Question of Animal Consciousness
This article, written by Paul Cunningham, explores the case for nonhuman animal spirituality. Spirituality goes beyond language, reflective consciousness, or conceptual thought. Animal spirituality and participation in religious phenomena are growing areas of research at the intersection of animal studies and religious studies, this article is a small but emerging subfield of the subfield. -
Embracing Mystery in the Search for Truth
This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores what truth really is, as well as the relationship between science and faith. To discuss this, the author addresses how people create and understand meaning and their spirituality. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"The evolution of the human brain over the course of history has permitted the mind to achieve consciousness—an awareness of ourselves and the universe that prompts humanity to question the mystery of our own experiences. The complex nature of the brain, according to author Diane Ackerman is 'to liken and learn, never resist a mystery, and question everything, even itself' (Ackerman, 2004). All forms of knowledge and discovery are ultimately based on unverifiable presuppositions, and an element of uncertainty is present whether it be in the field of scientific research, theological beliefs, or artistic expression. Perhaps then, just as multiple instruments and notes are woven together to form a complete sonata, multiple disciplines, perspectives, and ideas can provide a more holistic understanding of the world. There are certain mysterious qualities of the human experience that cannot be reduced to a single concrete understanding of truth. However, this does not imply that truth and morality are purely relative. One can appreciate multiple lenses when understanding the phenomena of our own existence, yet still recognize that truth and understanding are not purely subjective and some ideas hold more merit than others. There is beauty in the never-ending journey towards understanding ourselves and the world we live in—after all, the very process of science induces new discoveries and understandings that then lead to even bigger questions and mysteries." -
Groundhogs, Integral Ecology, and the Meaning of Life
This chapter from the student-written book "Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America" explores the values that guide our morality through the framework of the 1993 film Groundhog Day. It discusses ideas of rebirth, hope, and living by virtues. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"Every year, my family hosts a celebration that emphasizes hope, freedom from depression, and a love of Creation. This celebration is so intense and widespread that there is not a soul who has known my family for a full year who doesn’t know of it. Most calendars name this holiday on February second Groundhog Day. We have erroneously called it 'Groundhog’s Day' since we began celebrating it over 15 years ago, which is likely a Freudian slip to show that the day belongs to the rodents, not to us. Many people are surprised when they step into my house in the month of January, as they find a groundhog flag, a dozen groundhog plushies, Bible verses about hope hung on the walls, live plants with twinkle lights, and hundreds of cupcakes and cookies decorated to look like groundhogs. Often, the movie Groundhog Day (Ramis, 1993) will be playing on the TV. This is not simply because the movie is about groundhogs, but because it represents many of the values my family celebrates: overcoming the depression of a selfish lifestyle, embracing our creative leanings, and finding worth and pleasure in doing good for others. February second reminds us that by abandoning ideals of egoistic hedonism and embracing a life of virtue, we will not only see our own lives grow richer and more joyful, but the social and ecological world around us will flourish as well." -
The Spirituality of Art: Finding God at the End of a Paintbrush
This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” discusses how exploring the arts and your passions can help connect to yourself, nature, and your spirituality. The author discusses her personal experience with creating art in nature and how this can make one feel more connected to their surroundings. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"What did I get myself into? These were the first thoughts in my head as I squinted to get a better look at the glacier I was supposed to hike up to… almost too far away to see. With a group of other artists, I was supposed to trek up the steep side of a mountain to Lake Louise and the receding glacier behind it around 8,000 feet above sea level. Here in the Wind River Range in Central Wyoming, the nearest town was a couple hours away so there was no turning back now. We gathered our tripods, panels, brushes, and paint and hoisted our art supplies onto our backs and strapped bear spray to our fronts for easy reach. It was my first ‘advanced’ Plein Air hike, and I was about to discover just how difficult this art form was!" -
Shifting Focus: Meditative Reflection on the Self and Connectedness
This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores how connecting with the environment and the self can improve mindfulness and meditation. Additionally, it discusses how meditation and mindfulness can improve one's connection with nature and the self. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"In the beginning of a meditation, focusing on breathing provides rhythm and a connection between body and mind. My experiences in both guided and solitary meditation begin this way to ground myself and clear my mind, accepting any thoughts that may come through but not dwelling on them. From this awareness of breath, attention is then shifted throughout the body, gradually working from the feet to the forehead. Now that I have pushed up against the boundaries of my body, the next step is to reach out just past myself and focus on the space around me. But what are these boundaries? Meditation practices have roots in various religious ideologies, which analyze these boundaries and deconstruct the notion of the self. While I usually avoid having an end goal in my own meditation, learning about the dissolution of the self has changed my perspectives and techniques when meditating, as well as how I think about myself and my place in the world in general. Meditation now serves as a way of opening my mind and breaking down the perceived barriers around me, in a way that allows me to grow and ground myself." -
The Meaning of Music
This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores how music and the arts can help connect you with the environment and your spirituality. The author discusses his personal relationship with music and how it has impacted his spirituality and connection to the world around him. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"From a young age there have only been a few constant presences in my life: school, sports, and music. The importance of school was instilled in me at a very young age, and while I hope to graduate one day and make a career out of something I love, the reality is that school is more of a job than it is an interest. What about sports? I have participated in and watched sporting events all of my life, however, now that I am no longer playing in officially organized sports, the love for them has shifted more to spectating rather than participating. So what is left, music? Music is weird, where all other things have seemingly lost some significance or taken on more serious responsibility, music is just as interesting now as it was when I was younger. Having become far more interested in self-evaluation and exploration as of late, I have taken a serious interest in attempting to understand why music has not only remained important in my life but is actually becoming more and more so. Music has been around for roughly fifty thousand years, so it is no wonder that it has become almost a universal language of the world." -
My Spiritual Journey: Dissolving Barriers through a Conscious Connection with Nature
This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores the author's experience with nature and gaining new perspectives. She discusses how doing service and building a connection with nature and other people helped shape her identity and grow as a person. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"I am constantly inspired by nature and the idea that taking care of myself means taking care of the environment. Whether I realized it or not, religion has always shaped my beliefs about personal identity and responsibility in the world. I went to Catholic school my entire K-12 career, but never truly resonated with the beliefs taught to me. It was not until high school that I became more connected to a higher power. A service retreat to Louisville, Kentucky, sparked this spiritual awakening. That was nearly four years ago, and today I am still exploring topics like animal welfare, environmental ethics, death, the need to control, and unselfing." -
The Gardener’s Ethic: Countering Alienation from Nature
This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores Michael Pollan's idea of a gardener's ethic and compares it to the wilderness ethic. It assesses texts and philosophies concerning how humans interact with the environment, as well as incorporating the author's thoughts on these ethics. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"In my first reading of Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education, Michael Pollan challenged the environmental ethic that I have unconsciously held for as long as I can remember. His chapter, 'Nature Abhors a Garden,' particularly sparked this evaluation. In this chapter, Pollan states that, 'gardening quickly teaches you to distrust…absolutes, to frame the question a little differently' (p. 49). To me, the broader absolute Pollan challenges is that many Americans have grown up with a ‘wilderness ethic’ but do not know exactly how they came to hold it, or the implications that come along with it." -
Nature as the Compass of the Heart: A Poetic Autobiography
This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” uses a collection of the author's poetry to explore his relationship to nature and religion. It explores self-expression and how the arts can help motivate environmental action. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the piece.
"Dear Reader, How shall you live today? Will you watch the sunrise? The sunset? Will you drive your car with the windows down, sticking your hand out the window to catch the fresh air passing through your outstretched fingers? Maybe cook a meal with a friend in a kitchen filled with delicious smells and sounds? Or will you call a loved one? Hear their voices, their stories." -
Finding Waters: Spirit of Fly Fishing
This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores the practice of fly fishing and pursuing your passions as a way to connect with the environment. The author shares his own experiences with fly fishing and how it affected his relationship with nature to frame the discussion. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"One of my greatest memories is from a trip up to the northern region of Michigan. It was mid-October and in the prime of fall. The leaves were fluorescent oranges, yellows, and browns. Water clearer than the Bahamas. There were king salmon free-swimming up and down taunting me to throw a fly at one. But I just had to sit back and embrace this moment of true peace between the fish and their home habitat. I just could not throw a line in without admiring the beauty that was painted on a natural canvas in front of my own eyes. These are moments that stay with you and make you rethink your place on this Earth. Fly fishing has given me many different moments just like this one. Fly fishing is not just a hobby for me, but it is an escape from the concrete jungle of everyday life. When you fly fish, it gives you a form of peace within your life and a sense of spiritual solitude that stays with you. Sometimes, the beauty of nature simply awes us, and lifts us up; at the same time, there is a lot of history and technique that make fly fishing such a worthwhile pursuit." -
Pilgrim’s Progress: A Spiritual Journey Along the Appalachian Trail
This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores the Appalachian Trail and the experiences of those who hike it. The author describes his own experience on the trail and how it created further connections to his environment and a spiritual experience. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"The Appalachian Trail meanders 2,190 miles through the forest between Springer Mountain, Georgia and Mount Katahdin, Maine. Of the more than one-thousand hikers that attempt to walk the entirety of the trail in one year, known as thru hikers, only about a quarter will complete their trek. Despite the grim odds of success, every person that attempts a thru hike—whether they finish or not— comes away from the experience changed. Time in the wilderness, particularly on long adventures such as a thru hike, is spiritually impactful and life changing. The changes aren’t always readily apparent, but it is impossible to embark on a thru hike and not walk away a different person. Hikers may view these changes through a religious or spiritual lens, or they might not notice them at all, but regardless, Appalachian Trail thru hikers partake in a spiritually transformative experience during their four- to six- month crusade." -
Man and Nature: The Spiritual Crisis in Modern Man
Written by a man considered to be one of the founders of the discussion on Islamic environmentalism, this book explores the relationship of man and nature in relation to religious traditions.