Religions and environments

By Richard Bohannon

Book Description

In an era where environmental consciousness intersects with spiritual seeking, this comprehensive anthology explores how religious wisdom traditions have long understood humanity's sacred relationship with the natural world. Richard Bohannon presents a carefully curated collection of writings that span from the nineteenth century to contemporary times, offering readers a rich tapestry of perspectives on how faith and ecology intertwine.

The book organizes its exploration through three meaningful landscapes: wilderness, garden, and city. Each setting reveals different dimensions of how spiritual communities have engaged with their physical surroundings, from finding the divine in untamed nature to cultivating sacred spaces in urban environments. Readers will encounter voices from diverse traditions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Asian spiritual paths, indigenous wisdom keepers, and nature-based spiritualities.

What makes this collection particularly valuable is its methodological breadth, drawing from historical analysis, theological reflection, philosophical inquiry, and literary expression. Rather than presenting a single viewpoint, the anthology demonstrates the remarkable variety of ways religious thought has addressed environmental concerns across cultures and centuries.

Each section includes thoughtful introductions that help readers navigate key concepts and contemporary relevance. The book serves both as an educational resource and an invitation for personal reflection on how spiritual practice can deepen one's connection to the earth and inform environmental consciousness in daily life.