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Religious Naturalism

  • Rick Bonetti
  • Mar 25
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 25



Wikipedia defines "religious naturalism" as a "framework for religious orientation in which a naturalist worldview is used to respond to types of questions and aspirations that are parts of many religions. It has been described as "a perspective that finds religious meaning in the natural world." Religious Naturalism is an orientation grounded in the sciences, humanities, and arts


Ursula Goodenough is President of the Religious Naturalist Association (RNA) (pun intended) - "a worldwide community of people interested in exploring or expressing support for the religious naturalist orientation... RNA members participate in events and engage in activities that matter to them and that support and promote a more sustainable and compassionate world."


“Religious”, as it is used in the Religious Naturalism website, "is not based on belief in a deity or involvement with an organized religion. It refers to personal attitudes, values, and ways of living that reflect a deep reverence for life, a sense of awe at the wonder of nature, and a desire to act in ways that reflect this."


Naturalism is a view that all that exists and all that occurs is due to natural processes.


The central story of the RNA is the "modern story of our origins, via the “Big Bang” and evolution which offers" ways of understanding ourselves and our world; the recognition that all life exists in interconnected ecosystems which has profound implications. We are amazed and moved by the wonders of our lives and our world.

Ursula Goodenough describes eco-spirituals as "everybody's story." She shares this eco-spiritual prayer:


The Mother Nature Prayer

Our Mother who art within us,

hallowed by they name.

Thy ways evolve.

Thy will calls forth this earth

that is now our heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and fill us with tenderness

as we repair our trespasses.

And lead us forth into communion

and deliver us from dominion.

For thine is our wellsprings,

and our grounding,

and our glory,

for ever and ever.

May it be so,


Religious Naturalists Unitarian Universalist (RNUU) "is a space for Unitarian Universalists seeking to cultivate depth and connection with the more-than-human world and it's various ecologies with the ultimate ends of discovering and engaging with the saving grace of awe and wonder resplindent in this majestic cosmos to which we are intimately connected."


Religious naturalism draws inspiration from various sources including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Wendell Berry, Thomas Berry, Mary Oliver, Eco-spiritual humanists and others. Find out more at the Ecospritual Hub.


Here are a few books on religious naturalism:





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