I originally came to study at a Christian seminary because I felt it was essential to learn, in part, the theological language of such a powerful world religion. My own spiritual connection with the divine is a love for nature. I consider myself a non-theistic nature mystic with a Pagan-based liturgical expression of faith. This expression draws upon traditions that have suffered damaging oppression by culturally dominant religious forces. I made a vocational promise long ago that I would endeavor to be a voice for the sacred immanent source of pantheistic inspiration. My desire to study a dominant theological language is based on a decision to seek dialogue concerning the, seemingly misunderstood, faith connection with nature. Within the dialogue I seek reconciliation; a form of ecumenical inclusivity which would act as a dominant culture validation for the long-oppressed spiritual expression of such ecological connection.
I arrived at seminary with this assumption: that many mainline faiths did not revere nature as religiously valuable; and that in being debased within an overtly transcendent faith perspective Earth suffered as a result of its dislocation from the theological realm of sacred. I reasoned that eco-abusive behavior of popular consumer culture was, in a subtle and long-standing somewhat insidious sense, endorsed by many mainline religious expressions which partnered with popular politics. I believed this partnership created leadership of a national market which is rapidly transforming into a global enterprise—fed by the rapacious use of these “profane” natural resources.
While many of my assumptions remain true some have been proven wrong. It has been a truly great privilege to attend United Theological Seminary. I am especially inspired by the strength of its mission to educate and promote faith and action concerning progressive social justice. I have been taught patiently to open and express my voice by representatives of a faith that I once considered more of an antagonist than a source of spiritual mentorship. I have been deeply humbled by the humanistic and religious commitment of Christians whom I have encountered at this seminary, and have been deeply impressed by the strength of the movement of Green Christianity which I hadn’t known existed. The program of study has had the affect of altering my perspective and refocusing the intended thesis with which I began this educational journey.
Previous to my enrollment I had practiced spiritual attunement, studied comparative theology, and created ceremony for many who are outside the church. I believed that engaging in a degree program would allow me to better communicate my spiritual perspective through learning the specificity of theological language. I was not fully aware of the powerful gift of guidance and insight that I would receive through the curriculum and community at United Theological Seminary.
At UTS I have been instructed in the ways of discerning my true voice; to decipher and create theological language that best expresses my deepest vocation. Mine has been a consistent calling to give voice to the expression of spirit on behalf of ecology. The ecological crisis we currently face, and the ways in which we can move into the future with hope and healing, depends in part upon our spiritual strength and consideration of Earth as sacred ground. I believe that diversity is absolutely essential in this growing global discourse, and the ethos of UTS encourages this critical inclusivity. It is my hope that the growth of ecologically based spiritual language will contribute to inspiring community involvement in the movement toward a greener communion with creation.
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