Exploring the Role of Spiritual Beliefs in Shaping Environmental Ethics: A Phenomenological Study of Religious Communities

Abstract

Environmental ethics within religious contexts have been explored primarily through practical frameworks, but there remains a limited understanding of how individuals from religious communities experience and engage with environmental issues on a personal, spiritual level. While religious teachings often emphasize ecological responsibility, little research has focused on the subjective, lived experiences of individuals within these communities. This gap in knowledge raises the question: How do spiritual beliefs shape individuals' perceptions and actions toward environmental ethics, particularly in the context of climate change?

Here we show that a phenomenological approach, focusing on the lived experiences of religious individuals, can provide a deeper understanding of this relationship by capturing the emotional, spiritual, and moral dimensions of environmental stewardship. Using in-depth interviews with 20 participants from various religious traditions, we identified key themes related to the spiritual connection with nature, climate change as a moral crisis, and the role of religious teachings in shaping environmental actions. The findings reveal that participants view environmental responsibility as both a spiritual and ethical practice, deeply embedded in their religious beliefs.

These results contribute to the broader discussion on sustainability by demonstrating the critical role of spiritual beliefs in shaping individual environmental behaviors. By highlighting the deep connection between faith and ecological responsibility, this study calls for integrating spiritual perspectives into policy-making and environmental strategies. The findings not only underscore the significance of faith-based frameworks in environmental ethics but also suggest new avenues for future research on the impact of religious beliefs on sustainable practices.