Shared principles Religious naturalism

biological classification

there several principles shared aforementioned varieties of religious naturalism:

all varieties of religious naturalism see humans interconnected, emergent part of nature.
accept primacy of science regard measurable via scientific method.
recognize science s limitations in accounting judgments of value , in providing full account of human experience. religious naturalism embraces nature s creativity, beauty , mystery , honors many aspects of artistic, cultural , religious traditions respond , attempt interpret nature in subjective ways.
approach matters of morality, ethics , value focus on how world works, deep concern fairness , welfare of humans regardless of station in life.
seek integrate these interpretative, spiritual , ethical responses in manner respects diverse religious , philosophical perspectives, while still subjecting them , rigorous scrutiny.
the focus on scientific standards of evidence imbues rn humility inherent in scientific inquiry , limited, albeit ever deepening, ability describe reality (see epistemology).
a strong environmental ethic welfare of planet earth , humanity.
belief in sacredness of life , evolutionary process

the concept of emergence has grown in popularity many religious naturalists. helps explain how complex universe , life self-organization have risen out of multiplicity of relatively simple elements , interactions. entire story of emergence related in epic of evolution – mythic scientific narrative used tell verifiable chronicle of evolutionary process universe. religious naturalist consider epic of evolution true story historic achievement of nature. epic of evolution 14 billion year narrative of cosmic, planetary, life, , cultural evolution—told in sacred ways. not bridge mainstream science , diversity of religious traditions; if skillfully told, makes science story memorable , meaningful, while enriching 1 s religious faith or secular outlook.

a number of naturalistic writers have used theme topic books using such synonyms as: cosmic evolution, s story, evolutionary epic, evolutionary universe, great story, new story, universal story. epic of evolution term that, within past 3 years(1998), has become theme , title of number of gatherings. seems have been first used harvard biologist edward o. wilson in 1978. evolutionary epic, wilson wrote in book on human nature, best myth ever have. myth falsehood not usage intended wilson in statement. rather, myth grand narrative provides people placement in time—a meaningful placement celebrates extraordinary moments of shared heritage. epic of evolution science translated meaningful story.

evolutionary evangelist minister michael dowd uses term present position science , religious faith not mutually exclusive (a premise of religious naturalism). preaches epic of cosmic, biological, , human evolution, revealed science, basis inspiring , meaningful view of our place in universe. evolution viewed spiritual process not meaningless blind chance. joined number of other theologians in position.