Summary:
In this sermon, Ursula Goodenough defines the concept of religious naturalism, an orientation that finds sacred meaning in scientific understandings of the universe rather than supernatural myths. She describes how this perspective views the natural world with deep reverence, using the works of poets like Mary Oliver and Wendell Berry as examples of modern, secular prayer. Central to her message is the idea that spiritual responses such as awe and humility are essential to our biological and cultural existence. Goodenough also details her collaborative effort to reconstruct the Lord’s Prayer into a non-theistic version addressed to “Mother Nature.” This revised prayer emphasizes environmental stewardship and human interconnectedness, replacing traditional notions of divine dominion with a commitment to communal care for the earth. Ultimately, the sermon illustrates a shift toward an ecospiritual framework that celebrates the material world as our true home.