The Naturalist Religion - What's Old Is New Again

[MineralMan]

At one time, human religions were naturalistic in nature. The Sun, Moon, and other natural things were regarded as deities. Even in more modern times the Sun was still worshiped in Egypt, and such worshipers were mentioned in the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah.

All that's gone now, or is it? There's a glimmer of revival of religious naturalism out there. It doesn't believe that supernatural deities exist. There's no need for them. Nature is deity enough for its followers. The more that is learned about naturalistic deities by science, the more power they gain.

Perhaps a return to naturalistic religion is the next step for humanity. Or perhaps not. But, if you're interested, here's a link:

http://religious-naturalist-association.org/

The folks there are talking about it. It may present opportunities for some who are seeking answers. I don't know. I just thought I'd mention it. I'm not involved. I don't have a need to worship anything, but if I did, the real world is full of wonder and amazement.

There's also a sister site to the one above, that includes a discussion forum and writings that might be of interest:

https://religiousnaturalism.org/

Who knew?

[mitch96]

1. Just so long as they don't say

That their religion is better than other religions and if you don't join their club and follow their rules they will kill you... On that note I'll check them out, thanks
m

[MineralMan]

2. In my brief exploration of the site, I saw nothing of that sort, there.

It's rather interesting, though. I suspect that it might actually appeal to some people here who might not expect such a site to have appeal. If religion is the goal, it offers an alternative that at least is interesting.

[cilla4progress]

3. Some time ago I

realized that I found divinity in nature. This is how I articulate it; very simply.

I also explored and studied paganism - typically polytheistic, which is considered a nature-based religion, predating monotheism.

Unitarian Universalism is the only mainline religion that formally recognizes nature-
based religious sources and followers among their members.

[MineralMan]

4. Well, I don't worship stuff, so a religion based on natural

things isn't something I'm particularly looking for. I study such things. I marvel at such things. I try to understand them as best I can. But worshiping isn't my thing. However, it might well be just the ticket for some, who could worship real things, rather than focus on things that have no evidence of existence.

I just found it interesting today, after a brief search that was inspired by another post.

[cilla4progress]

6. Im not sure where the concept or

Assumption of worship came into the conversation?

Are you equating it with divinity?

Maybe some description will help:

- the sense of purity and peace in a deep forest
- the transcendent beauty of a brilliant sunset over a luminous ocean
- the magic of an interaction with the wild - locking eyes with a feral deer; watching salmon in their mating dance; trading calls with an owl
- and yes, the sacred space of a place where few humans have trod, and those who do get a tangible sense of perspective and their place in the scheme.. rather insignificant, in fact!

Divine!

Much is definitional.

[mitch96]

7. "But worshiping isn't my thing"

Agreed and some people need that stuff. If that works for them, I say go for it... I kinda sorta like the cosmic perspective on the world we live in. Man has too much input on the definition of religion.... Nature laughs..
m

[voteearlyvoteoften]

5. Check out the Brights

If naturalism appeals.🐬

[MineralMan]

8. It's not my thing.

I just mentioned it to point out its existence.