User:JaredLynch/sandbox
This is a practice
[edit]The term Earth Religion encompasses any religion that worships the Earth, nature or fertility gods or goddesses. There is an array of groups and beliefs that fall under Earth Religion, such as Paganism, which is a polytheistic, nature based religion; Animism, which is the worldview that all living entities (plants, animals, humans) possess a spirit; Wicca, who hold the concept of an Earth Mother Goddess, as well as practice ritual magic; Druidism, which equates divinity with the natural world.
Another perspective of earth religion to consider is Pantheism, which takes a varied approach to the importance and purpose of the Earth, and man's relationship with the planet. Several of their core statements deal with the connectivity humans share with the planet, declaring that "all matter, energy, and life are an interconnected unity of which we are an inseparable part" and “we are an integral part of Nature, which we should cherish, revere and preserve in all its magnificent beauty and diversity. We should strive to live in harmony with Nature locally and globally” [1] .
The Earth also plays a vital role to many Voltaic peoples, many of whom “consider the Earth to be Heaven’s wife” [2], such as the Konkomba of northern Ghana, whose economic, social and religious life is heavily influenced by the earth. It is also important to consider various Native American religions, such as Peyote Religion, Longhouse Religion, and Earth Lodge Religion.
Notes
[edit]- ^ "WPM Statement of Principles". World Pantheism. Retrieved 19 March 2013.
- ^ Zimoń, Henryk (2003). "The Sacredness of the Earth Among the Konkomba of Northern Ghana". Anthropos. 98 (2): 421–443.