The author provides important insights into religion and ecology when illustrating the blend of ecology and religion. The Mistassini Cree is an example of this blend. Some of the major points the author makes are interdependence, special attention to the land, and respect. Interdependence is one of the central concepts for hunters of the area as their religious beliefs are built on that. They believe that everything is interconnected in the universe and try to protect the balance (Kinsley 6). They have guarded trees as they were important for animals and birds. They hunt responsibly as they kill only to provide supplies for their families. For me, interconnectedness is the way of living all people should adopt to enjoy a happy life in the natural world.
The other point is attention to the land. Hunters pay a lot of attention to the land, and they try to observe the changes which are taking place. Kinsley notes that the hunter pays special attention to “every detail of his natural surroundings” (10). This concept is connected with the previous one. People should be attentive to their environment to be able to help nature restore. Finally, showing respect is essential for hunters. For instance, they avoid stepping into animals’ footprints as this is disrespectful, and they try to keep silent to be respectful to the spirits while hunting (Kinsley 19). I believe people should also be more respectful to nature. Respect is not confined to seeing all creatures as equals (though it can also be important). Respect is being responsible and taking from nature the minimum a person needs.
I would like to focus on the idea of interconnectedness as I believe this is the most precise and correct view of the universe. This idea is not new to me or society as it has been considered for many years. There have been lots of films and books on the matter. There is a lasting debate on the way everything is interconnected in the universe. For me, it is clear that the universe is a system where the tiniest creature depends on another element and has an impact on other creatures or elements. Certain damage to one part of the system inevitably leads to the damage of other part or parts. Hunters of the Mistassini Cree understand this and try to keep the system as intact as possible.
I would like to make each person share this view since many people think that they are unique and have the right to be in charge of the planet with all its resources. More so, humanity (or its vast majority) has always been regarded as a supervising body by many religions. Thus, Christians have always thought that the world is created for them, and they can dispose of all gifts of nature as they want. However, indigenous people have been more thoughtful. They have managed to remain a part of the universe while western civilizations have had a significant impact on nature, and this effect was often negative. I believe people may solve numerous environmental as well as social issues as they start sharing the idea of interconnectedness. People can become more responsible and respectful. If they accept the universal truth that they are only a part of the system, they will be able to benefit from being interconnected.
Works Cited
Kinsley, David R. Ecology and Religion: Ecological Spirituality in Cross-Cultural Perspective. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1995. Print.