Religion and Nature in North America: An Introduction

This book explores the relationship between religion and nature in North America, featuring a range of scholars and over 95 images. It examines the impacts of European colonialism, enslavement, and intersectional environmentalisms on human-nature relations, and explores religious and spiritual values and sentiments that shape human engagement with the natural world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive book offers a thorough exploration of the multifaceted relationship between religion and nature in the North American context. Drawing upon the expertise of a diverse range of scholars in the field of religion and ecology, it presents over 95 captivating images and a comprehensive glossary of key terms to enhance the reader's understanding.

The book serves as a valuable resource for students seeking to gain insights into the ways in which religions have shaped our understanding of the natural world and influenced the socio-political and ecological landscapes of North America. It delves into the profound impacts of European colonialism on indigenous peoples and the enslavement of black peoples, which continue to resonate in contemporary issues of environmental justice and climate change. Moreover, the book highlights the breadth of intersectional environmentalisms that encompass race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and place, recognizing the diverse perspectives and experiences of individuals and communities.

Contributing authors also delve into the rich tapestry of religious and spiritual values and sentiments that shape human engagement with the more-than-human natural worlds. They explore the diverse range of religious traditions, practices, and beliefs that exist in North America, including indigenous languages and ecology, Asian religions, petrocultures, and Christianity. The chapters in this book were originally published in the digital collection Bloomsbury Religion in North America, a trusted and peer-reviewed platform that provides reliable and accessible articles and ebooks for students and instructors.

The book is organized into three distinct parts: Traditions, Embodiments, and Identities. Each part offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the relationship between religion and nature, enabling readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The first part, Traditions, explores the historical and cultural roots of various religious traditions in North America, highlighting their beliefs, practices, and rituals related to the natural world. The second part, Embodiments, examines the physical and spiritual connections between humans and the natural environment, exploring topics such as animals and religion, indigenous language and ecology, and the role of religion in environmental activism and advocacy. The third part, Identities, delves into the ways in which religious identities and practices shape individual and collective attitudes towards nature, exploring themes such as eco-spirituality, environmental justice, and the role of religion in shaping sustainable futures.

In addition to its academic value, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the spiritual and ecological dimensions of human existence. It offers insights into the ways in which religions can inspire and guide individuals and communities toward a more sustainable and just relationship with the natural world. By highlighting the diversity of religious traditions and perspectives, the book encourages readers to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life and to work towards creating a more harmonious and sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

In conclusion, this comprehensive book provides a rich and insightful exploration of the multifaceted relationship between religion and nature in the North American context. It offers a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the spiritual and ecological dimensions of human existence. By highlighting the impacts of historical events, the breadth of intersectional environmentalisms, and the diverse range of religious traditions and practices, the book encourages readers to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life and to work towards creating a more sustainable and just future for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 449g
Dimension: 244 x 169 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350406605