The Earth is our Temple

another essay for my Contemporary Enviro class

 

          It seems that lately everyone is talking about becoming more environmentally aware. It is on the news, in schools, workplaces, and now, it is even being preached in churches. But is everyone really advocating the same values? Scientists are saying that we need to reduce our ecological impact on the planet by reducing carbon emissions and recycling, and so on, lest we destroy the only place we can survive. Religions like Catholicism say we must because it is our responsibility to care for all of God’s creations. These are all very new approaches created to combat climate change and global warming… Aren’t they? In all the fuss about becoming more ecologically friendly, those who have been saying that the Earth is to be respected all along have been ignored. These people practice Wicca, or are people who hold fast to traditional Indigenous beliefs.

          Wicca is a new-aged adaptation of ancient beliefs originating in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. It is a very peaceful, harmonious, and balanced way of life which promotes oneness with the divine and all that which exists. The main facet of this religion is a deep reverence for the Earth and all Her creations.

          Indigenous beliefs are that humans are inseparable from the greater scheme of life. The Spirit World and Physical World are interwoven, and thus, everything has a spirit. Indigenous beliefs also explain that while it is natural to use the environment to sustain oneself or one’s kin, it must be done with reverence and appreciation.

          Environmentalists explain that people must become more environmentally aware so that future generations may thrive as previous generations have. However, Indigenous peoples have already known this for centuries. Their belief system acknowledges a profound connection with both the past and future. Therefore, we are accountable to our elders, and we are also responsible for the decisions we make today, as they invariably affect future generations.

          Of course, there are several individuals who do not necessarily practice either of these belief-systems who still have similar ideals. Individuals with bio-centric or eco-feminist views would greatly appreciate Wiccan or traditional indigenous morals, simply because they hold similar ideological principals. For instance, Wiccans believe in the existence of a matriarchal deity. She is the divine; She personifies it and giving “life” to those of a physical nature. Essentially, She is Mother Earth. To Wiccans, every inch of the Earth is sacred, because it embodies their primordial deity.

 

          Alternatively, eco-feminists believe that environmental care and health can be fostered through embracing feminine attributes such as inclusiveness, cooperation and maternal care. They think humankind and the environment will suffer, unless humankind ceases its patriarchal, androcentric need to dominate, exploit and control. Both support the principle that a feminine approach would benefit the environment. Therefore, I think that secular and religious ideas can come together, and that they are not necessarily fundamentally inconsistent.

          But for all this newfound interest in environmental advocacy from scientists and religious organizations, is the message really getting through to people? After all, one person could not possibly have that much impact on the Earth, especially when so many others are ignoring the warnings. The economy is still so terrible too; most people cannot afford the extra $5000.00 or so for a hybrid car on top of regular pricing. Even the stuff in the supermarket is a rip-off; those organic vegetables taste exactly like the regular ones, and they are about $3 more expensive per pound.

          Excuses like these are rampant, especially among North Americans. They are spurred by economic concerns, misinformation, and apathy. This means, unfortunately, that simply sharing an ideal or religious belief will probably will not make people keener on helping protect the environment.

          Therefore, I am convinced that there will have to be political reform before a mass-effort will take place. Alone, religious and secular ideals such as eco-feminism will not spur complete motivation to preserve; people need extrinsic motivation. Unless people have an incentive to “go green,” such as avoiding fines, or acquiring yearly tax-rebates, the apathy and inactivity will persist, and the world will continue perpetuating sacrilegious ecological practices. However, sorting recyclables from trash, buying eco-friendly appliances, or even simply walking to work will aid in healing and preserving the world around us. The Earth is our temple. We must remember that.