Nature Based Religion

You sound like you'd like the Transcendentalists of early America, people such as Emerson and Thoreau. They were very much a Spiritualist, and very rooted in Nature. And they were very much into social reform, which seems to come from those who have a clear understanding of Nature. My husband was told years ago by a dear friend that he reminded him of a Student of Life. The term wasn't coined by my dear husband, but he did work it into our paradigm. I grew up Roman Catholic, married my first husband and became a Baptist, and after I left that abusive marriage I went on the hunt for something that didn't condone abuse. The first Pagan religion I came across was Wicca but it wasn't for me for many reasons. I then met my husband and began studying many mystery traditions, as well as other religions such as Buddism and Hinduism. It's how I came to be initiated into the Student of Life paradigm. Several years ago I was initiated as a High Priestess, and I do hold for legal reasons ordination as a minister through the ULC. I'm a mother, yet for many years, almost 10 I've been treated as the "Wise Woman" by most who come to me, so I'm just now getting comfortable with that position in my life's journey. I have studied my Wolf Medicine and do quite a bit with it as well. I suppose over all, this life of Nature and being one with her sometimes is best had when we don't limit ourselves to a title, denomination, etc. If that makes sense. Some of the best lessons are learned without dogma and doctrine. And yes, I think that we have a great deal to learn from Nature, as she's selective about who can hear her, and who is willing to listen. Namaste-Anora

I think the band Skyclad said it best so a quote: "I a human, I was meant to be the ultimate machine. With the power at my fingertips to realise my dreams. Homosapien, the master race, nature's pride and joy. Taking all the world will give me and what it won't I shall destroy" I think that pretty much sums it up.

I definitely agree with a more nature based religion than I do the religions that separate themselves from nature. We are practically animals after all. We are a part of nature and to fight to take ourselves away from nature is pretty stupid. Abortion, now I can't say I agree with it entirely, but I do think in extreme cases, abortion should be an option. I don't see how that conflicts much with a nature based religion. However, everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

Paganism doesn't have a general stance on abortion. I'm sure every Pagan has an opinion one way or the other, but it's not because of their religion but because of their personal beliefs about the subject. so to say that as a Pagan you should agree with abortion is just plain stupid. was the person that said this Christian, perhaps? only there seems to be the general Christian stance against abortion, and also a general perspective from Christianity that if they think something is bad, then the Pagans must be all for it.

I consider myself a Christian But I agree with what you are saying. God put man on this earth to live hand in hand with nature. In fact God set everything up where Mother Nature will always have the last word. A study of the Animal Kingdom will tell you a lot about the things we are doing wrong. Man is nothing more than a more intelligent animal. (Some of us at least). The very same rules that govern the animal world also rules mankind. The Animals are just a lot better at sticking to God's plan for them than man is. If we held Mother Nature's hand, and God's, as we walked through this life we wouldn't have nearly the problems we do now. We would eat more of what we are supposed to and we would live longer with a lot less sickness. In man's mind he has always known a lot more about what he should do than Nature or God. This is just one of our many huge problems. Art

While I agree with you fundamentally (and likewise, Pagans in general), I do not think you are taking into account the entire essence of "nature." Nature is not simply trees, wind, water, and similar elements; but essentially a piece of everything (the "spirit" of everything). I think some people could justify abortion because it is human nature to defend their own well being (and understandably, a child at the wrong time could practically destroy the mothers life on so many levels). I think any "religion" can support and not support any thing, all depending on what scripture or ideas cross a persons mind.

I think that may happen sometimes, as I have some native beliefs I think sometimes like that.

One thing you can look into is called Spiritual Humanist. It's nature science based. It also allows you to believe as you feel in most respects. It works for some and doesn't for others and like other "faiths" it has different views with in it's self. I am a pagan because I am not a traditional Christin. I follow a nature based faith. I am an ordained S.H. but no longer attend my local services because there were to many political conflicts that didn't fit with my faith.