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Title
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The Sacredness of Water
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Description
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This chapter from the student-written book “Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America” explores the importance of water across religious traditions and modern life. It explores the importance of water for survival but also as a gift that frequently acts as a spiritual symbol. Below is the first paragraph of the chapter to introduce the discussion.
"Pick up any religious text and you are likely to find at least one reference to water. Whether it is used to cleanse, bathe, heal, restore, replenish, or purify: water is one of the most prolific symbols in major world religions, stretching through time, place, and culture. As human beings, this may come as no surprise seeing how our bodies are composed mostly of water, and we rely on it for our very survival – a truth that continues to become more resonant as the effects of climate change take hold in the forms of drought, rising temperatures, and natural disasters. Like many religious symbols, water appears in scripture, ritual and tradition through its simplicity and use in everyday life. In examining a variety of major world religions, namely Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Christianity, connections between water as a common resource, and water as a sacred and holy gift become apparent. Drawing from these unique and similar understandings of water, we can begin to consider the spiritual motivations one might have in engaging in water conservation efforts. Furthermore, in exploring these religions specifically, we can identify some beliefs about water that may provide helpful wisdom in the face of more rational conversations surrounding water conservation. Because these religions have such strong relationships with water and large followings worldwide, there is hope that these connections between scripture and our contemporary crisis may be brought to life to move toward a more secure and just future."
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Date Created
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05/17/2021
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Creator(s)
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Hallie Stelzle
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Audience
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All audiences/General public
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Rights
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This photo and text were accessed on 06/10/2023 at https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/enr3470studentbook/chapter/the-sacredness-of-water-2/.
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Issues
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Water
