nature

Young people define ‘sacred moments’ broadly: From God to nature to relationships

By Adelle M. Banks — November 7, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Inviting young people beyond the traditional and typical provides room for them to experience something beyond the ordinary,’ a Springtide Research Institute report states.

What ancient Greek stories of humans transformed into plants can teach us about fragility and resilience

By Marie-Claire Beaulieu — October 9, 2023
(The Conversation) — Stories in Greek mythology on the cycle of nature showing youth, death and rejuvenation can have lessons for us today on how grief changes over time and transforms who we are as people.

Studies suggest spiritual practices may prompt people to get off the mat and engage

By Yonat Shimron — August 18, 2022
(RNS) — Criticism of spirituality as inherently selfish may be overblown, according to two new studies that suggest people who are spiritual but not religious are civically and politically engaged.

Wiccan celebration of summer solstice is a reminder that change, as expressed in nature, is inevitable

By Helen A. Berger — June 17, 2022
(The Conversation) — For Wiccans, midsummer, with the maximum hours of sunlight, is the time for celebrating new life.

The scientific meltdown over a controversial discovery of ‘biblical Sodom’

By Jerry Pattengale — April 20, 2022
(RNS) — The remains of a city’s fiery demise near the Dead Sea have archaeologists at odds.

Are religious communities reviving the revival? Outdoor worship is a US tradition

By Jeffrey Wheatley — June 10, 2020
(RNS) — While white evangelicals have been some of the more vocal protesters of government restrictions on houses of worship during coronavirus, they have a long history of embracing outdoor worship.

Quarantine cooking gone hipster is a sign of hope

By Tara Isabella Burton — May 6, 2020
(RNS) — It’s understandable to respond to the pandemic by discovering a connection to real food and getting in touch with nature. It might even put us back in touch with the humanity of others.

Episcopalian pilgrims bring Spain’s Camino de Santiago to the Appalachian Trail

By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 28, 2019
ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL, Pa. (RNS) — Inspired by Spain's popular pilgrimage, hikers from the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania are making their own "Appalachian Camino" this week on the piece of the Appalachian Trail winding through the diocese.

Christian camps get creative to attract youth in a tech-distracted age

By Steve Rabey — July 30, 2018
(RNS) — Nearly half of the estimated 14 million Americans going to camp this summer will be attending Christian camps.

Church goes ‘wild’ as believers and seekers head for the trees

By Yonat Shimron — July 3, 2018
OJAI, Calif. (RNS) — On a recent Sunday, 12 people walked silently among resilient, reborn wildflowers and then shared their thoughts, sang and prayed in a circle of blankets under an oak tree.

The roots of the Christmas tree: Pagans celebrate Yule

By Mikala Compton — December 19, 2017
BOONVILLE, Mo. (RNS) — This winter celebration featuring trees, candles and wreaths predates Christianity.

Christians find God in US national parks

By Kelsey Dallas — June 21, 2017
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Utah (Deseret News) From Memorial Day to Labor Day each summer, hundreds of Christians live and work in more than 25 national and state parks across the country. The goal is to be there for people who may come to the park for fun but experience a spiritual awakening.

Is it pretty outside? Then you’re less likely to go to church

By Sara Weissman — August 6, 2015
(RNS) U.S. counties with nicer weather and prettier natural surroundings see lower rates of religious affiliation, according to a new Baylor University study.

Inspired by St. Francis, young adults look to emulate his bond with nature

By Renée K. Gadoua — February 24, 2014
(RNS) The national ecumenical program encourages young adults, aged 18 to 35, to connect social and environmental justice activities with Franciscan teachings that stress the interconnectedness of creation.

Why is Prince Charles so attracted to Islam?

By Omid Safi — March 15, 2013
Prince Charles seems most drawn to Islam in terms of its teachings which connect the integration of humanity and the sacred with living harmoniously with the natural realm.
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