What is "religious naturalism"

n. An approach to spirituality that is devoid of supernaturalism and supernaturalist assumptions.

Religious naturalism (RN) combines a naturalist worldview with perceptions and values commonly associated with religions. In this “religious” is understood in general terms, separate from established traditions, in designating feelings and concerns (e.g. gratitude, wonder, humility, compassion) that are often described as spiritual or religious and “naturalism” refers to a view that the natural world is all we have substantiated reason to believe exists and there is no substantiated reason to believe that anything, including deities, exists or may act in ways that are independent of the natural order.

Areas of inquiry include attempts to understand the natural world and the spiritual and moral implications of naturalist views. Understanding is based in knowledge obtained through scientific inquiry and insights from the humanities and the arts. Religious naturalists use these perspectives in responding to personal and social challenges (e.g. finding purpose, seeking justice, coming to terms with mortality) and in relating to the natural world.