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Quote:

Originally posted by K.A. Rutledge
Fred,

I think you may be equating "different" with "differently" with regard to the relative responses of a Shintoist and a Christian to seeing a beautiful potted tree. Surely someone who holds Shinto beliefs will likely view and respond to a bonsai differently than would a Christian, but the respect, adoration, etc... would, I believe be roughly the same. After all, Christians do not hold some ideal that nature is not special, not beautiful, not a testament to God's unfathomable power and majesty. Just as does a Shintoist, Christians perceive majesty and spirituality (to a point) in nature just as Shintoist do. It's just that the kind of qualities that are perceived are different.

So, I'd say that a Shintoist and a Christian view nature differently, not not necessarily "different." (if that makes any sense).

BTW, we're venturing into the realm of speculation and faith - from which debate can render little. ;-)

Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
zone 8, Texas

Andy:
I can’t go into too much detail about Shintoism since I don’t know much about it other than that there is a deep respect for nature. However, 17 years of ordained ministry should qualify me to talk about Christianity. In terms of a Christian view of nature, there isn’t a unified view. The mainline Protestant denominations have in the last couple of decades developed a theology of ecology, emphasizing the importance of treating the earth with respect. Historically, Christianity does not have a very good track record in terms of viewing nature, seeing the earth as a commodity to be exploited rather than a gift to be treated and used with respect. This view of the earth as a commodity, I believe, is at the foundation of the more utilitarian view of nature in Western culture.

Rev. Craig Cowing