Naturalistic Paganism
[The Dionysian Naturalist] “Our Universe Is A Sacred Living System, Part 1” by Wayne Martin Melliinger, Ph.D.
The relationship between humans and our natural world is enshrined and encapsulated in interpretive schemes and manners of conceptualization. Our conceptions of nature act as resources which guide our everyday practices and give us a sense of possibility. Given our current ecological crisis, enflamed as it is by global climate change and numerous other issues, we must critically scrutinize our current conceptualization of our natural world, figure out if it is contributing to our problems and consider potential alternatives that might be able to guide us to a more sustainable way of living. I first review the conceptions of the natural world found among our archaic ancestors, Part 1. In Part 2, I address our modern image of nature. In Part 3, I conclude by arguing that we need a new way of thinking about nature as a “sacred living system.”
“The Wisdom of the Earth”
Close examination of the conceptions of the natural world found among archaic foraging societies across the globe reveals a set of cultural framings that I call the “Wisdom of the Earth.” These people, who lived very close to their natural worlds, deeply understood the interconnectedness of the universe. They had intimate relationships with their natural surroundings, sustainable cultural practices and earth-centered spiritualities grounded in rich ceremonies and rituals. Read More
Our Newest Column: The Dionysian Naturalist by Wayne Martin Mellinger, Ph.D.
We are please to announce our newest columnist, Wayne Martin Mellinger, P.D. His column is called The Dionysian Naturalist.
The Dionysian Naturalist will explore Nature Religions in contemporary North America, including shamanistic practices, reclaimed Paganism, but most specifically Religious Naturalism — a recent religious approach at the cutting edge of science and religion. Drawing upon the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche, I continue developing a Dionysian Naturalism with a central role for ecstasy and the sacramental use of entheogens. Creating rituals and ceremonies to re-sacralize our natural world are particularly important in this time of ecological crisis. I find particular religious significance in the scientific story of evolution and develop liturgy around these themes.
Wayne Martin Mellinger, Ph.D. is a Santa Barbara-based social justice activist, writer, and educator who uses spiritual practices to create a better world. Specifically, Wayne is very active in helping our neighbors of the streets transition into permanent housing and environmental issues. He has taught at the Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Berkeley campus of the University of California, Ventura College, the Fielding Graduate University and Antioch University Santa Barbara.
We did it! 200% of our funding goal for Godless Paganism: Voices of Non-Theistic Pagans
Thank you everyone! This has been our best fundraising campaign to date! We collected over 200% of our fundraising goal. As a result, we are able to fund the initial printing run for the anthology. This will enable us to compensate the authors with free copies of the book and to donate copies of the book to lending libraries. We were also able to contribute $500 to the Wild Hunt’s fall funding campaign. As a result, a graphical ad for Godless Paganism: Voices of Non-Theistic Pagans will appear on the WildHunt.org site.
Thank you to everyone who contributed!
The following contributors will receive an acknowledgement in the anthology itself:
Denise A. LeGendre
Jon Cleland Host
Mark Green
Fantasia Crystals
Evan and Sara Robinson
The following contributors will also have a graphical ad placed on the bar to the right of this site:
Contributors who claimed the acknowledgement and/or graphical ad perks, will be receiving an email shortly to verify the details.
(If you believe you have been left off this list by mistake, please contact the editor immediately at humanisticpaganism[at]gmail[dot]com.)
The Dilemma of Thanksgiving Grace for Religious Naturalists
Ah, those warm, comforting memories of Thanksgivings spent with family. … Or, are they sometimes not so blissful? Like when the family meal starts with a request that we all pray about Jesus’ blood? If that sounds familiar, you may enjoy this short video by John Cleland Host. Have a great Thanksgiving! Read More
One Pagan is Putting His Money Where His Drinking Water Comes From
Pagan author, Dr. Brendan Myers, has been prompted to put his money where his mouth by pledging to donate the profits from the November sales of these books to a community group called Save Our Water. This comes after a recent move by corporate giant, Nestle, to extract and bottle the water from an aquifer supplying the idyllic small town of Elora, which is both Myers’ hometown and the inspiration for Fellwater, the setting in his fantasy novel series “The Hidden Houses.” The profits from November books sales will be used to help cover the costs involved in fighting Nestle’s extraction plan.
Buy Godless Paganism (paperback)
Buy Godless Paganism (ebook)
Pagan Coming Out Day – May 2nd
Naturalistic Paganism 