Nature, as mortal man understands it, presents the underlying foundation and fundamental background of immutable laws modified by local conditions. [1] Contemplating nature reveals a God of motion, as it exhibits only matter, motion, and life. [2] Nature is imperfect, but perfection is in each individual life, modified by the actions and mistakes of creatures. [3] The flaws in nature are simply pauses in the eternal display of God's perfection. [4] Nature is the physical habit of God, adapted to contribute to the evolutionary unfolding of the universe. [5] Jesus emphasized the value of using nature parables to teach truth, highlighting the analogy between the natural world and spirit realities. [6]
Primitives believed nature was directly under control of supernatural beings, as they viewed all natural phenomena as the product of spiritual beings and supernatural forces. [7]
Primitive cultures elevated nature spirits to gods, distinct from ghost gods, evolving a pantheon that influenced each other and resulted in a dual concept of deity seen in figures like Thor. [8]
Man's concepts of nature worship envisioned a division of labor in the supermortal world beyond religion's evolved roots of spirit origin. [9] Nature, despite being imperfect and marred by rebellion, is pervaded by God and a phase of divine power, not to be worshipped. [10] Nature worship among certain tribes led to belief in charms indwelt by some spirit, turning plants and fruits into taboo fetishes. [11]
Nature provides life and a world to live in, but confers no rights on man, leaving him dependent on society for security and justice. [12] War is the natural state and heritage of evolving man, as violence is the law of nature. [13] Nature, indifferent to morals, insists solely on the reproduction of the species, leaving societal issues to be resolved by mankind. [14]
Nature's indifference to human welfare is evident in the unequal burdens placed on women in childbirth, highlighting the slow progress of men's sex standards compared to that demanded by civilization. [15] You may fall victim to the accidents of nature, understanding that they are not prearranged by spiritual forces. [16]
Nature demands survival, while the arts of civilization enhance the pleasures of marriage and family life. [17]
The contemplation of nature points towards intelligent guidance, but does not reveal a personal God; instead, it is in the soul where one first finds this divine presence. [18] God is not personally present in nature, as it is a flawed representation of his infinite and unfathomable nature. [19]
Jesus taught the value of worshiping God in the midst of nature, emphasizing the importance of beauty in leading to spiritual communion and urging simplicity and naturelike beauty in places of worship. [20] Contemplating nature reveals a God of motion, with no detectable survival of individual personality. [21]