Three Early Church Leaders who Sought Encouragement in Nature

One gift that science offers us is insight into the positive effects of nature on humans. There are handfuls of scientific studies confirming that contact with nature has positive effects on human well-being. One article describes how there is “consensus across the natural, social, and health sciences on the impacts of nature experience on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and other dimensions of mental health.” The positive effects of nature on human well-being is not only for those with a love of the outdoors. Nature has positive impacts on children and teenagers, and even those confined to office work settings.

From biology to physics to psychology, the different fields of science can provide us with valuable insights into not only the workings of the world but profound insights into the nature and character of God.

While science continues to provide evidence of the positive benefits of nature, the church has known and used this truth for a long time. Many of the early church leaders saw the importance of studying the natural world and integrating scientific knowledge into their teachings. I consider a few of them below.

1. St. Gregory Nazianzus

One of the most notable figures was St. Gregory Nazianzus, a bishop who lived in the 4th century. St. Gregory advocated for scientific investigation of nature believing that scientific knowledge could help Christians better appreciate the wonder and complexity of God’s creation. In his work, “Panegyrics on Saint Basil and Saint Athanasios,” Gregory writes:

“For as we ought not to neglect the heavens, and earth, and air, and all such things, because some have wrongly seized upon them, and honour God’s works instead of God: but to reap what advantage we can from them for our life and enjoyment . . . from the works of nature apprehending the Worker . . . so from secular literature we have received principles of enquiry and speculation.”

As pastors, our ministry circumstances can sometimes lead us into discouragement, and discouragement robs us from enjoying life. But in following St. Gregory’s advice, we can look at nature and discern the person and work of God, and thereby restore joy to our lives. All we need do is look.

2. St. Augustine of Hippo

Another influential early church leader was St. Augustine of Hippo. A prolific writer and theologian who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries, Augustine believed that the study of nature was a way to better understand God and his creation. In his work, “The Literal Meaning of Genesis,” Augustine writes:

“Usually, even a non-Christian knows something about the earth, the heavens, and the other elements of this world, about the motion and orbit of the stars and even their size and relative positions, about the predictable eclipses of the sun and moon, the cycles of the years and the seasons, about the kinds of animals, shrubs, stones, and so forth, and this knowledge he holds to as being certain from reason and experience. Now, it is a disgraceful and dangerous thing for an infidel to hear a Christian, presumably giving the meaning of Holy Scripture, talking nonsense on these topics; and we should take all means to prevent such an embarrassing situation, in which people show up vast ignorance in a Christian and laugh it to scorn.”

 Augustine did not expect pastors to be scientists or have their level of understanding about nature, but he did expect us not to be ignorant on scientific matters. Our ignorance about nature and science hurts our credibility as pastors. If we do not know about what God created, how can we claim to know the creator himself? Knowing science and nature is important because it helps us avoid disgracing the name of Christ.

3. St. Hildegard of Bingen

It is not enough for a Christian to simply know the Scriptures in order to know God, but remain ignorant of the things that God has created. By investigating nature, we can come to know God in a deeper way, and appreciate the wonder and complexity of the world that he has made. Experiencing such wonder is tantamount to overcoming discouragement. In fact, St. Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th century abbess, believed that  nature is essential to our survival. She wrote:

“Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think. What delight God gives to humankind with all these things…All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without we cannot survive.” 

Being connected to nature could be the key to finding your way out of discouragement. If we are facing discouragement, a place to be encouraged is right in the middle of what God has made. God made creation, and is present in it. It is advisable, therefore, for us to take advantage of the creation as a way to connect with God and find encouragement. Or to adapt Jesus’ words: creation was made for man, not man for creation.

The Need for Wonder

Are you a pastor and facing discouragement? Let me tell you the same thing I told my friend, Pastor Rick. You need some wonder in your life. Have you thought about taking a science class? Learn something about nature that will lead you to wonder at God.

That vacation you’re thinking about taking? Take it. And include a healthy dose of nature. That retreat you’ve been planning for years? Book a house near the beach. Then park yourself on the shore, without your cellphone, and consider the slow rhythmic cycles of the tides, or the phases of the moon. That daily exercise routine you’re trying to work into your schedule? Add it. Take a simple walk in the woods, or around your church campus. Listen to the birds chirping, and note the greenness of grass, or the colorful changing of leaves. Walk around a small lake or through a local nature preserve. Whatever it looks like, get into nature.

Are you a pastor and facing discouragement?…You need some wonder in your life…Get out of your office and away from the fluorescent lights. Contemplate the creativity and wonder of God. It’s time to get into nature and get encouraged.