MurphOnMillerAve wrote:My theory is that when we give ourselves those "back-to-Nature" moments, we are returning to our roots, whether it be standing at the edge of an ocean, immersing ourselves deep inside a forest, standing among a Winter's storm, smelling earth that has been newly plowed open, or even bringing a conifer temporarily into our homes for a Holiday treat, we breathe deeply, enjoy the contact, and hopefully learn something , or at least are nourished a bit.
To me, those are authentic "religious" moments, Rufus. They do not have to be explained or written down in a book. The truth of them depends on one's heart and soul, on a personal ability to see and feel Light.
Tree worship?
From the Catholic Bible (NRSVCE):
Jeremiah 10:1-5
Idolatry Has Brought Ruin on Israel
10 Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. 2 Thus says the Lord:
Do not learn the way of the nations,
or be dismayed at the signs of the heavens;
for the nations are dismayed at them.
3 For the customs of the peoples are false:
a tree from the forest is cut down,
and worked with an ax by the hands of an artisan;
4 people deck it with silver and gold;
they fasten it with hammer and nails
so that it cannot move.
5 Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field,
and they cannot speak;
they have to be carried,
for they cannot walk.
Do not be afraid of them,
for they cannot do evil,
nor is it in them to do good.
Edit 1: The source--Jeremiah 10:1-5 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)