Recent decades have witnessed a surge of literature and activism from religious
leaders and thinkers on the natural environment. Religions and Environments: A
Reader in Religion, Nature and Ecology brings together some of the most thoughtprovoking
examples of such writings from the nineteenth century up to today, spanning a
variety of methodological approaches and religious traditions, viewpoints and locations.
Religions and Environments: A Reader in Religion, Nature and Ecology depicts some of
the diverse ways that religious narratives and practices have helped people connect to
the physical world around them. To do so, it is divided into three parts: the wilderness,
the garden, and the city. Traditions represented include nature spiritualities, Asian
traditions, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and indigenous traditions.Reflecting the most
current scholarship in the study of religion and nature, as well as providing important
historical essays, it draws on a range of perspectives and methodologies, including
historical, theological,
philosophical and literary methods.
Each part contains a critical introduction by the editor which provides an overview of
issues and guides students to key ideas. Section introductions also provide an overview
of the specific issues which arise the readings in each section. Each part also includes
suggestions for further reading and resources on the topics, making this the ideal
resource for courses on religion and the environment, religion and ecology, and religion
and nature.