natural religion

Definitions

1. 1

   Religion that arises from human reason and experience, as opposed to that which is based…

   Religion that arises from human reason and experience, as opposed to that which is based on miraculous or supernatural revelation.

   • I own indeed that most who have evinced the truth of reveal religion, have said something of the weakness of natural religion.
   • But this natural religion of mankind has, in every country, become encrusted over by many accretions which are artificial.
   • The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason brought about an elevation of natural religion in New England thought as Calvinist ideals declined in the 1700s.
2. 2

   Religion that sees God and spirituality as a part of nature, and not as something…

   Religion that sees God and spirituality as a part of nature, and not as something supernatural.

   • Man is the most exalted manifestation of Nature, and thus the highest object of reverence to him, who is imbued with natural religion.
   • Nay, further, positive religion presupposes natural religion, for the recognition of God in nature enables man to understand and accept the divine dealings in revelation and history.

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