User:Shelbystinnissen/sandbox

Ecospirituality and Jainism (Shelby)

Contemporary Jaina fatih is “inherently ecofriendly.” In terms of the ecological crisis, Jains are “quite self-conscious of the ecological implications of their core teachings.”

Jain teachings center on five vows that lead to the reverse the flow of or release karma. One of these vows is ahimsa or non-violence. Key Chapple explains that ahimsa “is said to contain the key to advancement alone the spiritual path (sreni). This requires abstaining from harm to any being that possess more than one sense” The principles of the Jaina tradition are rooted in environmental practices. The Jaina connection to nature is conducive to ecospirituality.

Ecological Crisis

This is what I have so far, I think the way it is currently written would work well with the intro. But if you guys want more scientific information about what the environmental crisis is, or any other information I can also do that. Let me know what you guys think!

Hey Chelsea! I think this is a good fit for the article. I think that describing what the ecological crisis entails would be helpful; climate change, water issues, resources etc etc) Shelbystinnissen (talk) 19:06, 28 November 2015 (UTC)

Ecospirituality formed due to a need for a reconceptualization of the human relationship with the environment. Terms such as environmental crisis, ecological crisis, climate change, global warming all refer to an ongoing global issue that needs to be addressed. Generally we are referring to the destruction of the earth’s ecosystem. What this encompasses is a highly controversial debate scientifically and politically. Globally we are faced with pollution of our basic needs (air, and water) as well as the depletion of important resources most notably food resources.

Annette Van Schalkwyk refers to the environmental crisis as “man-made”. It is arguably the result of a “mechanistic and capitalistic world view”. Whether it is man-made, or as some argue, a natural occurrence, human’s are not helping. Pollution and depletion of resources play a major role in the environmental crisis. Bringing religion into the ecological crisis is controversial due to the divide between religion and science. Ecospirituality is prepared to acknowledge science, and work in tandem with religion to frame the environment as a scared entity in need of protection.

Mary Evelyn Tucker notes the importance of religion and ecology connecting with sustainability. Due to the environmental crisis, perceptions of sustainability are changing. Religion and ecology, and the way people experience eco spirituality, could contribute to this changing definition of sustainability.

Shelbystinnissen (talk) 17:03, 29 November 2015 (UTC)

Origins (Allie)

Ecospirituality finds its history in the relationship between spirituality and the environment. Some schloars say it "flows from an understanding of cosmology or the story of the origin of the universe." There are multiple origin stories about how the spiritual relationship with people and the environment began. One stems from Native American philosophy, that discusses a Great Spirit that lives within the universe and the earth represents its presence. Ecospiriutality has also sprung from a reaction to the material focused Western world discussed by scholar Thomas Berry who refers to this as a "crisis of cosmology." Scholars have argued that, "the modern perspective is based on science and focused on the human self with everything else being outside, resulting in the demise of the metaphysical world and the disenchantment with the cosmos." Therefore, ecospirituality originates as a rebuttal to the emphasis on materials as well as Western separation from the environment.

DUPLICATED TO EDIT - EBANY

Ecospirituality finds its history in the relationship between spirituality and the environment. Some scholars say it "flows from an understanding of cosmology or the story of the origin of the universe." There are multiple origin stories about how the spiritual relationship between people and the environment began. One stems from Native American philosophy, that discusses a Great Spirit that lives within the universe and the earth represents its presence. Ecospiriutality has also sprung from a reaction to materialism in the West, as discussed by Thomas Berry, a scholar who refers to this issue as a "crisis of cosmology." Scholars have argued that, "the modern perspective is based on science and focused on the human self with everything else being outside. He argues that this has provoked the demise of the metaphysical world and disenchantment with the cosmos." Therefore, ecospirituality originates as a response to materialism as well as Western societies distancing from the environment.

THIS IS GREAT! In the last few sentences you go back and forth from referring to "Thomas Berry" and then to "scholars" and then "he."

Ecospirituality and Research (Allie)

Ecospirituality has been studied by academics in order to understand a clearer definition of what individuals label as ecospirituality and the framework in which they create this definition. One study focused on holistic nursing, who characterized their profession as having a fundamentally spiritual nature and a sense of the importance of the environment. ^[14] Researchers performed a phenomenological study where they assessed the nurses' ecospiritual consciousness. For the purpose of their study, they defined ecospiritual consciousness as "accessing a deep awareness of one's ecospiritual relationship."^[15] They then narrowed down their findings to the five principles of ecospiritual consciousness, which are: tending, dwelling, reverence, connectedness, and sentience.^[16]

1. Tending was defined as "being awake and conscious," with "deep, inner self-reflection."^[17]
2. Dwelling was defined as "a process of being with the seen and the unseen."^[18]
3. Reverence was defined as "rediscovering the mystery present present in all creation and is embodied sense of the sacred," focusing on the earth. ^[19]
4. Connectedness was defined as an "organic relationship with the universe." ^[20]
5. Sentience was defined as "a sense of knowing."^[21]

Another study looked at medical effects of ecospirituality by having patients with cardiovascular disease practice "environmental meditation" and log regular journal entries about their experiences.^[22] Researchers started out with the research question of, "What is the essence of the experience of ecospirituality meditation in patients with CVD?" CVD is an acronym for Cardiovascular Disease. ^[23] From analyzing journal entries of participants, researchers abstracted four major themes of ecospirituality meditation: entering a new time zone, environmental reawakening, finding a new rhythm, and the creation of a healing environment. ^[24]

1. Entering a new time zone was described by researchers as "the expansion of time during meditation." ^[25]
2. Environmental Reawakening was described by researchers as "opened participants’ eyes to vistas not previously noticed" ^[26]
3. Finding a new rhythm was described by the researchers as "enhanced relationships with their family, friends, coworkers, and even their pets." ^[27]
4. The creation of a healing environment was described by the researchers as "With raised consciousnesses, they became aware of the choices they had regarding what types of intentions and energy that wanted to put out in their environment" ^[28]

This research was driven by the goal of raising awareness among healthcare professionals about ecospirituality and the medical importance of both self and environmental consciousness. Anecdotal evidence showed a decrease in blood pressure.^[29] However, the psychological benefits of environmental meditation were the main focus for the researchers.

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DUPLICATED to EDIT - Ebany

Academics study Ecospirituality in order to develop a clearer definition of what it entails. One study focused on holistic nurses, due to their fundamentally spiritual nature and the sense of the environment they have, leading to the term ecospirituality. Academics performed a phenomenological study where they accessed the nurses’ ecospiritual consciousness. For the purpose of their study, they defined ecospiritual consciousness as, Accessing a deep awareness of one's ecospiritual relationship." They then narrowed down their findings to the five principles of ecospiritual consciousness, which are: tending, dwelling, reverence, connectedness, and sentience.

1. Tending was defined as, "being awake and conscious," with "deep, inner self-reflection."
2. Dwelling was defined as, "a process of being with the seen and the unseen."
3. Reverence is defined as, "rediscovering the mystery present present in all creation and is embodied sense of the sacred," focusing on the earth.
4. Connectedness is defined as, an "organic relationship with the universe."
5. Sentience is defined as, "a sense of knowing."

Another study looked at the effects of ecospirituality medically, in particular, environmental meditation done by those with cardiovascular disease. From analyzing journal articles of participants they were able to create the four major themes of ecospirituality meditation. These themes are: entering a new time zone, environmental reawakening, finding a new rhythm, and the creation of a healing environment. This research was driven by the goal of raising awareness of ecospirituality amongst healthcare professionals and the importance of both self and environmental consciousness in medicine. Anecdotal evidence showed a decrease in blood pressure. However, the psychological benefits of environmental meditation were the main focus for the researchers.

Dark Green Religion (Shelby)

Dark Green Religion is one way in which people, both secular and religious, connect with nature on a spiritual level. Bron Taylor defines Dark Green Religion as “religion that considers nature to be sacred, imbued by intrinsic value, and worthy of reverent care” in his book Dark Green Religion: Nature Spirituality and the Planetary Future.

Nature religion is an overarching term of which Dark Green Religion is a sect. A key part of Dark Green Religion is its “depth of its consideration of nature" and that the notions of Dark Green Religion are “embedded in worldviews and narratives.” This means that Dark Green Religion is experienced globally, and in different ways.

Dark Green Religion differs from Green Religion. Green religion claims that it is a religious obligation to be environmental stewards, while Dark Green Religion is a movement that simply holds nature as valuable and sacred.

Spiritual types of Dark Green religion include Naturalistic and Supernaturalistic forms of Animism and of Gaianism. The diversity within Dark Green Religion is not without the connection that the earth is sacred and worthy of care.

The concept of Dark Green religion has the capability for change. Predictions of such include positive and negative possibilties involved with the emergence of reverent care for the earth. For example, Taylor labels the term with the word 'Dark' partially for this reason. It is important to note that Dark Green Religion has possibility to “inspire the emergence of a global, civic, earth religion.”

Ecofeminism and Spirituality (Lauren)

Ecospirituality is an umbrella term for ecofeminism. Ecofeminism is a feminist theology. The term ecofeminism was first coined by the French writer Françoise D’Eaubonne in her book, Le Féminisme ou la Mort in order to name the connection between the patriarchal subjugation of women and the destruction of nature. Women have different ways of seeing and relating to the world than men. These differences offer alternative insights on interactions between humans and the natural world. The suppression and control of woman and the natural world are connected. Women are controlled because they are thought to be closer to primitive nature. By understanding the connection and exploring feminine ways of seeing and relating, humanity can realize positive ways of interacting with the natural world and with each other.

Ecofeminism, Christianity and the Ecological Crisis (Lauren)

A significant figure in Christian ecofeminism is Rosemary Radford Ruether. Ruether argues that feminism and ecology share a common vision, even though they use different languages. In her work, Gaia and God: An Ecofeminist Theology of Earth Healing Ruether provides three recommendations on ways to move forward with repairing and "healing" the ecological crisis. The first recommendation is that "the ecological crisis needs to be seen not just as a crisis in the health of nonhuman ecosystems, polluted water, contaminated skies, threatened climate change, deforestation, extinction of species, important as all these realities are. Rather one needs to see the interconnections between the impoverishment of the earth and the impoverishment of human groups, even as others are enriching themselves to excess."  The second recommendation is that "a healed ecosystem – humans, animals, land, air, and water together – needs to be understood as requiring a new way of life, not just a few adjustments here and there."  The third and final recommendation is that the need for a new vision is necessary: "one needs to nurture the emergence of a new planetary vision and communal ethic that can knit together people across religions and cultures. There is rightly much dismay at the role that religions are playing in right-wing politics and even internecine violence today. But we need also to recognize the emergence of new configurations of inter-religious relations."  

Ecofeminism and Christianity in Liberation Theology (Lauren)

According to Ivone Gebara, in Latin America, particularly in Christian Churches in Brazil, it is difficult to be a feminist, but more difficult to be an ecofeminist.  Gebara explains ecology as one of the "deepest concerns of feminism and ecology as having a deep resonance or a political and anthropolocial consequence from a feminist perspective."  Gebara believes that it is the task of different groups of Latin American women to "provide a new order of meaning including marginalized people."  This task is both challenging and political. Gebara says: "We can choose the life of the planet and the respect of all living beings or we choose to die by our own bad decisions." 

Hi Lauren & Ecospirituality Group, I (Emily) made a few changes to the sections Ecofeminism and Christianity and Ecofeminism, Christianity and Liberation Theology for grammar. In terms of other suggestions at this point I know it's all work-in-progress and you've probably considered much of what I am about to haphazardly list: For Ecofeminism and Christianity the content is entirely about Rosemary Radford Ruether, but the heading is broad - you could include a more broad introductory paragraph and have a subheading for RRR or potentially change the title to reflect the content as is; In Ecofeminism, Christianity, and Liberation Theology I noticed that the title, is not reflected (obviously to the outside viewer) in the content, perhaps mentioning liberation theology and how that occurs in Brazilian churches would be helpful in advance of looking at the phenomena of ecofeminism within that? Another possibility would be to adjust the title here. Overall this looks amazing, and I'm so impressed! Keep it up!

---

[1] Elizabeth A Johnson on

Ecofeminism (Burke Lecture: An Ecological Inquiry – Jesus and the Cosmos) University of California Television, 2010.

[2] Clifford, Anne. Introducing Feminist Theology. Marknoll: Orbis Books: 2001.

[3] Does the Spirit Move You? Environmental Spirituality – Annie L. Booth, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies University of Northern British Columbia, Environmental Values Vol. 8, 1999.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

Religions and Ecospirituality

Wicca/ Paganism (Chelsea): Paganism is a nature based religion that exists in a multitude of forms (Davy, Barbara Jane. Introduction to Pagan Studies. 2006). There is no official doctrine, or sacred text that structures its practice (Ibid.). Due to its lack of structure, many Pagans believe that it should be used as a tool to combat the current ecological crisis (Colins, Harper. Sacred Ecology. 1994). Eco-spirituality advocates contend that an ecological based religion that focuses on the nurturing and healing of the earth as something necessary in modernity (Van Schalkwyk, Annalet. Sacredness and Sustainability: Searching for a Practical Eco-Spirituality. 2011). As Paganism is already based in nature worship, many believe it would be a useful starting point for ecospirituality. In fact, neopaganism has seen the emergence of Pagan communities that are more earth focused and surround their rituals with advocacy for a sustainable lifestyle, and complete interconnectedness with the earth (Colins, Harper. Sacred Ecology. 1994).Paganism understands divine figures to exist not as transcendent beings, but as immanent beings in the present realm (Davy, Barbara Jane. Introduction to Pagan Studies. 2006). Meaning that their divine figures exist within each of us, and within nature (Ibid.). Many pagan’s believe in interconnectedness between all living beings which allows them to foster moments of self reflection before acting (Ibid.). These Pagan ideals coincide with eco-spirituality because Pagan’s understand the environment to be part of the divine realm and part of their inner self, therefore harming the environment directly affects their wellbeing (DeWaay, Bob. Neo-paganism and Environmental Ethics. 1995). Pagans have already recognized the importance of incorporating environmental ideologies with their own religious beliefs. The Dragon Environmental Network is a Pagan community based in the UK. They are committed to practicing "eco-magic" with the intention of recognizing the earth as sacred and divine. Their four goals are as follows:

1. • 1. Increase general awareness of the sacredness of the Earth.
   • 2. Encourage Pagans to become involved in conservation work.
   • 3. Encourage Pagans to become involved in environmental campaigns.
   • 4. Develop the principles and practice of magical and Spiritual action for the environment.  

They combine religion with environmental activism, they organize protests, campaigns, and petitions with the environment in mind while staying true to their religious beliefs.  Bron Taylor, argues that their core Pagan beliefs greatly improves their environmental activism. Additionally the Pagan community has recently released a statement on the ecological crisis following the Popes statement. It explains that Pagans lead lives that foster “harmony with the rhythms of our great Earth" and that they view the Earth as their equal in stating “we are neither above nor separate from the rest of nature”. It states that we are part of a web of life, and are fully interconnected with the biosphere. This connection to all living beings is seen as spiritual and sacred. And in turn it provides a framework that Pagans can use to combine their religious beliefs with environmental activism. It calls for a return to ancient understandings of the earth by listening to ancient wisdom. It asks Pagans to practice their religion in all aspects of their lives in order to give the Earth room to heal. The statement concludes by stating “building a truly sustainable culture means transforming the systems of domination and exploitation that threaten our future into systems of symbiotic partnership that support our ecosystems”. 

Ecospirituality and Christianity (Lauren):

Most Christian theology has centered on doctrine of creation. This has led, in Christianity, to growing ecological awareness. Since God created the world freely, then it has an intrinsic value and is worthy of our respect and care. The Doctrine’s of Christ that Christians follow have the potential for ecological spirituality. According to Elizabeth Johnson, Jesus’ view of the kingdom of God included earthly well being. In 1990, Pope John Paul II wrote a letter on ecological issue. He concluded the letter with a discussion of Christian belief and how it should lead to ethical care of the earth. He ended the letter principle “respect for life and the dignity of human person must extend also to the rest of creation.”  Based on the current ecological crisis, it is evident Christians have not listened to this teaching. Christians recognize a need for Earth Ethic. According to Thomas Berry, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, leader of the Greek Orthodox Church, has organized major religion and science symposia on water issues across Europe, the Amazon River and Greenland. He has issued statements – including a joint statement with John Paul II in 2002 – calling destruction of the environment “ecological sin.” Berry cites Bishop Malone, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops: “The Church stands in need of a new symbolic and affective system through which to proclaim the Gospel to the modern world.” Christians often fail to realize that both their social and religious well-being depend on the well-being of Earth. Earth provides sustenance for physical, imaginative and emotions, and religious well-being. In Thomas Berry’s view, the Christian future will depend on the ability of Christians to assume their responsibility for Earth’s fate. Christian concern for Earth has led to a remarkable movement, namely, the founding of an association called “Sisters of Earth” made up of nuns and laywomen. This network of women from diverse religious communities and beyond is a significant venture, both for the movement of general concern for the natural world and for the religious life within its Christian context. ---- [1] Elizabeth A Johnson on Ecofeminism (Burke Lecture: An Ecological Inquiry – Jesus and the Cosmos) University of California Television, 2010. [2] Ibid. [3] Ibid. [4] Ibid. [5] Ibid. [6] Ibid. [7] Ibid. [8] Berry, Thomas. The Christian Future and the Fate of Earth. Orbis Books: New York, 2009. [9] Ibid. [10] Ibid. [11] Thomas Berry, “Christian Cosmology.” The Christian Future and the Fate of Earth, 1985, page 26. [12] Ibid. [13] Ibid. [14] Thomas Berry, “The Christian Future and the Fate of Earth,” The Christian Future and the Fate of Earth 1989, page 35. [15] Thomas Berry, “Women Religious: Voices of Earth,” The Christian Future and the Fate of Earth, 1994, page 78. [16] Ibid.

Hinduism and Ecospirituality (Allie)

Many teachings in Hinduism are intertwined with the ethics of ecospirituality through its stress of environmental well-being. Looking at Hindu texts, the Taittariya Upanishad refers to creation as offspring of the Supreme Power, paramatman. Thus, the environment is related to something that is divine and yields respect. After the period of mass industrialization, India instituted administrative policies to deal with environmental conservation rooted in the ways that the Hindu religion is tied to the land. In the Hindu text Vajur Veda (32.10), God is described as someone who is present in all living things, leading to further respect for creation. It is passages such as this that lead some Hindus to becoming vegetarians, but also reflects onto the environment. This spiritual connection within the environment seen through Hinduism reflects a type of ecospiritual connection to the Earth. Vishnu Purana 3.8.15. states that, "God, Kesava, is pleased with a person who does not harm or destroy other non-speaking creatures or animals." This notion is tied in with the Hindu concept of karma, knowing that the pain caused to other living things will come back to you through the process of reincarnation.

Ecospirituality is also seen in the Prithivi Sukta which is a "Hymn to Mother Earth." With this text, the Earth is humanized into a spiritual being that humans have familial ties to. Through ecospirituality, the notion of praising and viewing the Earth in this way draws connections to the ethics preached in Hinduism to separate nature religion.

Ecospirituality and Islam (Allie)

Some scholars argue that while looking at the scriptural sources of Islam, you can see its an ecologically orientated religion. Looking at textual sources of Islam, the shari'a preach a number of environmentally focused guidelines to push environmentalism, in particular, "maintenance of preserves, distribution of water, and the development of virgin lands." Much of Muslim environmentalism is a result of the Qur'anic stress of stewardship which is explained through the Arabic concept khilafa. A quote translated from the hadith states, "verily, this world is sweet and appealing, and Allah placed you as vice-regents thereinl he will see what you do." As within the Islamic faith, there is a set importance to following the messages set forth in scripture, the environmentalism spoken through them has led to a spirituality around the environment. This spirituality can also be seen with Qur'anic concept of tawhid, which translates to unity. Many Muslim environmentalists see this meaning spiritually as "all-inclusive" when in relation to the Earth.

A majority of Muslim writers draw attention to the environmental crisis as a direct result of social injustice. Many argue that the problem is not that, "humans as a species are destroying the balance of nation, but rather that some humans are taking more than their share." Muslim environmentalists such as Fazlun Khalid, Yasin Dutton, Omar Vadillo, and Hashim Dockrat have drawn a correlation between the capitalist nature of the global economy to being un-Islamic and essentiality leading to ecological crisis.

The issues of environmental degradation are especially important to Muslims as majority of Muslims live in developing countries where they see the effects of the ecological crisis on a daily basis. This has led to conferences discussing Islam and the environment to take place in Iran and Saudi Arabia as well as the introduction of environmental nongovernmental organizations.

Ecospirituality and Buddhism (Allie)

Buddhism has been around for hundreds of years, however with the modern knowledge on topics such as global warming, many Buddhist scholars have looked back at how Buddhist teaching would respond to the environmental crisis and created what is called Green Buddhism. One of the key players in this introduction was Gary Snyder who brought to light where Buddhist practice and ecological thinking intertwine. Green Buddhism made waves in the 1980s when they publicly address the ecological crisis to create awareness and in 1989 when the Dalai Lama won a Noble Peace Prize for the proposed introduction of Tibet as an ecological reserve. Buddhism has been open to working with other world religions to combat the environment crisis seen at an international conference for Buddhist-Christian studies that addressed the environment. Although Green Buddhism has not commented much on technical issues such as air and water pollution, they use their spirituality to focus heavily on "rich resources for immediate application in food ethics, animal rights, and consumerism."

END OF REVIEW

1. Jainism (Shelby)
2. Daoism/Hinduism
3. Indigenous traditions?
4. Animism

[Condense for powerpoint; meet Monday 9th after 201] Shelbystinnissen (talk) 17:52, 3 November 2015 (UTC)

Next Steps: Condense for powerpoint to create online with each other. Meet monday Nov 17th to practice powerpoint. Move into article and peer review others

Lead Section (RELATE TO ECO SPIRITUALITY)

• Add origin if possible
• Climate Change?

• Study of Eco Spirituality; Studies (Allie)

"Spirituality is coextensive with religion and it is not incompatible with or opposed to science or the scientific outlook. Naturalized spirituality is spirituality without any need for the “other‐worldly.” Spirituality is one of the goals, perhaps the ultimate goal, of philosophy."(Solomon 8)

Spirituality for the Skeptic: The Thoughtful Love of life
by Robert C. Solomon

BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Print publication date: 2002 Print ISBN-13: 9780195134674 Published to Oxford Scholarship Online: November 2003 DOI:10.1093/0195134672.001.0001

"embodies its ideals in actual daily living"

“ A specific eco- spirituality is therefore a smaller (micro) story of the conscious and practical togetherness of a human being with the rest of the “communion of living beings” and with the Divine.” (Annalet van Shalkwyk 83)

Shelbystinnissen (talk) 17:36, 26 October 2015 (UTC)

"Spirituality is coextensive with religion and it is not incompatible with or opposed to science or the scientific outlook. Naturalized spirituality is spirituality without any need for the “other‐worldly.” Spirituality is one of the goals, perhaps the ultimate goal, of philosophy."(Solomon 8)

Spirituality for the Skeptic: The Thoughtful Love of life
by Robert C. Solomon

BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Print publication date: 2002 Print ISBN-13: 9780195134674 Published to Oxford Scholarship Online: November 2003 DOI:10.1093/0195134672.001.0001

Ecospirituality has been defined as, "a manifestation of the spiritual connection between human beings and the environment." The new millennium and the modern ecological crisis has created a need for environmentally based religion and spirituality. Ecospirituality has been a known result of people wanting to free themselves from a consumeristic materialism based society. Ecospirituality has been critiqued for being an umbrella term for concepts such as deep ecology, ecofeminism, and nature religion.

Laurenfroud (talk) 19:09, 5 December 2015 (UTC) ==See Also:== - Deep Ecology - Dark Green Religion - Ecofeminism - Paganism - Christianity - Hinduism - Islam

Laurenfroud (talk) 19:12, 5 December 2015 (UTC) ===Further Research=== - More research should be done into various other religious traditions we did not get around to including such as Judaism and Indigenous Spirituality.

- Deep Ecology - Dark Green Religion - Ecofeminism - Study with Holistic Nurses - Ecospirituality and water (maybe agriculture) - History

“ A specific eco- spirituality is therefore a smaller (micro) story of the conscious and practical togetherness of a human being with the rest of the “communion of living beings” and with the Divine.” (Annalet van Shalkwyk 83)