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Nature Worship
From CopperWiki
In spite of all the scientific explanations for their occurrence, we are still in awe of the forces which cause massive storms and earthquakes and volcanoes. The same awe at the mysteries of nature had formed the basis of earlier beliefs and primitive religion. Even philosophers of Egypt, Rome, Greece and other Mediterranean countries were inspired by the Mystery Rites of Dionysus for over 2000 years. The advent of Christianity dismissed these philosophies as “cults” and set out to destroy these beliefs
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[edit] Earliest Form of Worship
Nature worship sprang from the belief, which goes back to the earliest of times, that nature supports life and is, therefore, more powerful than humanity.
Nature worship is probably the earliest form of worship by humanity. It is worship in its primitive manifestation, before the evolution of religion. The objects of worship were things close at hand on the surface of the earth, the waters, and the sky. Since primitive man feared all manifestations of power, they worshipped every natural phenomenon such as storms, floods, earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, fire, heat, and cold. To the primitive mind there was no difference between fear and worship.
[edit] Nature Worship to Nature Religion
Nature religion evolved directly from nature worship. Many of our ancestors feared environmental disaster, which they interpreted as divine vengeance for their sins, and resorted to prayers and sacrifices to save themselves.
Nature religions honor the Divine as immanent in Nature. This was practiced by various native populations of the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, Polynesia, Europe, and elsewhere; religions of ancient Pagan cultures, such as Greek, Egyptian, Roman, Minoan, Assyrian, Celtic, Teutonic, and others; and contemporary Paganism.
Pantheism
Nature worship is based on the belief that gods can be found through natural objects. Pantheism considers the universe and nature as the starting point and finishing point. It considers nature to have a mind which can be moved by prayer. Pantheism reveres nature and considers the earth as the only paradise. The ancient pantheistic religions dominated the Egyptian, Babylonian, Grecian and Roman Empires.
Neo-Pagan religions
Neo-Pagan religions have deep respect for nature. This stems from the belief that God is immanent and not only above us. Their religion centers round the earth and its seasonal cycles.
Hinduism
Hinduism laid great emphasis on environmental ethics and never considered nature and earth as elements to be conquered, changed or improved upon. Hinduism, like Buddhism, speaks of an identity with nature. Rivers and trees are integral parts of Hindu religious practices.
[edit] Nature Worship in Hinduism
In Hindu mythology, Nature is considered as the Supreme Being, or the mother, and life consists of five elements - Agni or Fire, Jal or Water, Vayu or Wind, Marut/Prithvi or Earth and Byom or Space. Objects of worship include various trees and even animals like the snake, along with natural elements such as fire, water and the wind. As large trees like Banyan, Neem, Peepal, Bel support the communities in the villages, they are held in high regard and worshipped.
Worship of nature did not start because of ignorance or superstition. Hindu religion recognized the importance of natural conservation and the dangers of exploitation of natural resources.
[edit] Earliest Nature Worship
Primitive man began worship with stone. He was fascinated by the sudden appearances of stones on the surface of the earth, probably due to erosion of the soil. Shooting meteorites captivated their imagination and were believed to be the passage of a spirit on way to the earth.
Trees were worshipped because of their medical powers. The cult of tree worship was among the oldest. Most early marriages used to take place under trees. Trees were also feared as it was believed that spirits, both good and bad, inhabited them. The primitive races venerated springs and worshiped rivers and believed the spirits dwelt in the waters.
This veneration of the elements gradually developed into deification of the sun, moon, and stars. In many parts of the world, the stars were regarded as glorified souls of men who once inhabited the earth.
[edit] Departure from Nature Worship
The beliefs and traditions of earlier cultures in gods and supernatural beings closely associated with nature were all expressed in mythic forms. Today, though some of these myths form the basis of Judeo-Christian accounts, most of them are dismissed as myths of primitive category. These beliefs, nevertheless, form the basis of later cultures and religions. In most cases it is found that only the names of the gods change, but the beliefs are the same.
Semitic religions believed that they are God’s chosen people with Divine right over the earth and had the sanction to exploit it. Christianity perceived God as singularly superior and detached from the physical world. In their efforts to eradicate pagan practices, nature was robbed of its relevance and was meant to be conquered and not revered.
[edit] Controversies
Nature worship is dubbed as primitive by several religions. Complexities of nature are always debated as they are beyond human comprehension. Whether religious worship is right or wrong rests in the domain of faith. Certain sections see the root of the present environmental crisis to the Church taking the “ spirits” out of the trees, mountains and seas. This gave man the freedom to exploit nature, made it man’s monopoly and brought about the present crisis.
