Abbey and religion (topic of choice)

My final environmentalist that I chose to look at through the lens of religion was Edward Abbey. He was the least religious person I chose, and had been said to be an atheist in some places. In a recorded quote, Abbey argued that monotheism was a setback for human life and said if there is such a thing as divinity then he must be a pantheist. It was interesting to read such a blatant statement of religious views, but from the reading I did, it appears that he was proud to call himself an anarchist and so this does align with that. While I can't use his religious views to place him in either preservationism or conservationism, his environmental terrorist acts as they can be called are definitely preservationist.  If one is willing to spike trees and rip up railroad marks I can't possibly imagine them arguing for selective and careful use of our resources. Abbey is definitely more Muir or perhaps Whitman-esque in the way that he thinks man should go out into nature and bask in it. His work as a park ranger seemed to be a great place for him, despite his dislike of the tourists that came to visit.

“Website for the Academic Study of Religion and Nature & Religion and Ecology.” Website for the Academic Study of Religion and Nature & Religion and Ecology, www.religionandnature.com/.

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