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Project NatureConnect
Institute of Global Education
Special NGO consultant to United Nations Economic and Social Council

Integrity 101: The Remarkable Benefits of Thinking and Learning with Nature (return to start of course)

 

 

Conflict, Natural Attractions and God .

 

NSTP attraction energy reasoning recognizes that issues and differences between various beliefs regarding God are today, as through the ages, a major source of human conflict, death and suffering as well as joy. Each person or group is so fiercely attracted to their God that many are occassionally willing to argue, fight, shed their life or take the lives of others to honor this relationship. From this and the many passionate forms of worship people practice it may be seen that one of God's qualities is attractiveness. God is naturally very attractive.

Since natural attractions are an observed essence of the materials and energies in the natural systems of our universe, nature, earth and ourselves, NSTP goes out on a limb. It suggests that this is not an accident , that it is reasonable to assume God created this Universe from His/Her attractiveness. He/She may have made other universes from His/Her vast knowledge or power but if we are to trust our senses, rationality and experiences, our universe is obviously constructed of His/Her attraction energies.

"Wherever you may go, the least plant may bring you clear remembrance of the Creator."

...........- St. Basil

 

In nature we don't observe some parts of nature fighting over God with other parts of nature. We learn from contact with nature the value in this and the means to gain it so we do likewise. Thus we find it reasonable, by consent, to relate to and through natural attractions we experience in people and places without referring to them as God. People who experience natural attractions as God are applauded for their wise observation. They are equally applauded for their natural attraction to promote nature's peace by not making others accept this observation, to honor that nature does not place words or labels on itself.

Some find it helpful to call nature their Higher Power.

"The name that can be named is not the eternal name. The Nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth.."

     ..    - Lao Tzu circa 600 B.C.

 

Some NSTP participants recognize that Jesus is reported to have shaped his ministry from 40 days in the wilderness and that Moses had a similar experience leading to the Ten Commandments.

Many NSTP participants celebrate that wholeness and holiness are the same word, as are sanctified and sanctuary. Some revere St. John of Yosemite and St. Henry of Walden. Many are attracted to three quotes with respect to nature and God:

One is from St. Francis of Assisi to the effect that the natural attractions we seek are what is doing the seeking. Another is Kahlil Gibran to the effect that Nature is God gazing at himself in a mirror

"I believe in God but I spell it N A T U R E."

     ..    - Frank Lloyd Wright

 

 

 

 

Learn More: CONTINUE TO SECTION FOUR

 

APPLIED ECOPSYCHOLOGY / INTEGRATED ECOLOGY

Department Chair Office
Dr. Michael J. Cohen, Lead Faculty
Applied Ecopsychology Director
Greenwich University, IUPS, NEEF, PSU

Post Office Box 1605,
Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
(360) 378-6313
nature@interisland.net

Dr. Cohen is the director of
PROJECT NATURECONNECT
at the
Institute of Global Education