26 The Hellenist approach to nature was one of intellectual...

26 The Hellenist approach to nature was one of intellectual thought and understanding, but was restricted by the limitations of empiricism. Western Christianity saw the Hellenists’ pagan-like understanding of the world as an obstacle to their potential realization of God.

Thus, according to Schuon, in lieu of intellect of this world as a path to God, Western Christianity emphasized love as the path to Him.27 Consequently, the distinction between the natural and the supernatural became so strict that it deprived most people a proper understanding of nature’s spiritual qualities.28 The focus on nominal theology, and moreover the influence of doctrines like rationalism on this type of theology, later contributed to a European revolt against Christianity.29 In turn, this aided to a mentality of secularization that permeated the scientific arena and finalized the separation of science and sacred tradition.

With that said, there are peripheral exceptions to this, as evidenced by annual speeches given at the Gifford Lectures since 1888, the general field of natural theology and the beliefs of creationist scientists. In regards to this Western Christian movement, it is important to note that it does not represent all of Christianity.

The movement came about as a Christian response to a world of empirical naturalism; however, some of its principles seem at great odds with the actions and beliefs of others within the religion. On one hand, with an array of examples quite widely ranging from Saint Francis of Assisi to the contemporary Evangelical Climate Initiative,30 it seems that there have always been Christians who recognized the human role of stewardship towards nature.

On the other hand, studies of metaphysics can be found in the writings of Western Christian figures throughout the ages, with thinkers such as Origen, Erigena, Dante and Jacob Böhme providing prominent examples.