sacred nature

[syo]

what i like about polytheistic paganism is that it views nature as sacred. i think it's high time to view nature as god so that we can protect the environment and live a balanced life. my question is, how sacred is nature in the abrahamic religions? does christianity have to learn from paganism to treat nature as sacred?

 

[Quintessence]

I'm not sure the important question is whether or not Abrahamic traditions (Christianity or otherwise) have to learn from Paganisms. Their traditions grew out of Pagan foundations, and I can't say I believe that viewing nature as sacred is an idea "owned" by anybody, much less Pagan religions. There are already currents within Christianity that have an environmentalist or nature-centered bent. Franciscans, for one. On the whole, Christian traditions have much more organizational pull to do things for environmental causes as well. The only "nature spirituality" center in my state is run by Christians, not Pagans. Who needs to learn what from who?

 

[Guy Threepwood]

what i like about polytheistic paganism is that it views nature as sacred. i think it's high time to view nature as god so that we can protect the environment and live a balanced life. my question is, how sacred is nature in the abrahamic religions? does christianity have to learn from paganism to treat nature as sacred?

I can't speak for all Christians but I'd say "Nature is the executor of God's laws" Gallileo: We are given dominion over nature, it is there for our use and designed that way. You don't do nature any favors by letting what is provided go to waste. I think Christianity was explicit about moving us beyond worshiping inanimate objects, and appreciating the larger more nuanced perspective.

 

[Whitestone]

Teaching our kids to pick up after themselves and not leave a mess has nothing to do with religion, pretty sure... However that being said, there isn't to be found a more compassionate sharing and conserving "group" of people anywhere on the planet close to Christians in close proximity with and in the preserving of the earth. After all, Christians are the Children of God, who created the earth, and have a closer connection to all Life than any other "group".