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: Paperback / softback
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 on 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 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 traditions, embodiments, and identities that shape this relationship, including animals and religion, indigenous language and ecology, Asian religions, petrocultures, and Christianity. Each chapter offers a rich and nuanced perspective, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between religion and nature in North America.

To facilitate further exploration, the book is organized into three distinct parts: Traditions, Embodiments, and Identities. These sections provide a structured framework for understanding the various aspects of the relationship between religion and nature. The first part, Traditions, explores the historical and cultural roots of religious beliefs and practices in North America, highlighting the diverse religious traditions that have emerged and influenced the region. The second part, Embodiments, examines the physical and ecological dimensions of this relationship, exploring how religious practices and beliefs intersect with the natural world and impact human well-being and environmental sustainability. The third part, Identities, delves into the social and cultural constructions of religion and nature, examining how individuals and communities negotiate their identities and relationships with the natural world.

In addition to its insightful content, the book includes comprehensive guidance for further reading accompanying each chapter. This resource is designed to assist students in deepening their understanding of the topics covered and exploring the rich literature and scholarship in the field.

This book is an essential addition to the literature on religion and nature, providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective that will appeal to students, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the complex interplay between religion and the natural world.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 244 x 169 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350406612