Pinchot and Religion (topic of choice)

Gifford Pinchot was a conservationist and forester who was apparently a protestant and taught Sunday School frequently. After college, his love of the outdoors became more important, although he did remain in the church. However, one does not see the same "preserving the world for God's glory" that is present in Muir. This is likely because he found his utilitarianism ideology to be more of a basis for the country's environmentalist perspective than his own religious views. While this is not anything against Muir, it is just a different way of attempting to get the public involved in the environment. Muir seemed to find it easier to use religious language, and as America has a history of being majorly Christian, using God as a reason to protect the environment seems to be a good place to start. Pinchot seems to believe that the best way to reach the majority of people is to argue for their future and their children. Neither conservationism or preservationism can really be argued to be the one "true" way to protect the environment, so there can't really be a right answer here. I personally think a healthy combination, finding a balance, is the best place to be.

“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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