The Limitations on Religion/Environment Interactions

Abstract

The main limitation on the impact of religious activity on the environment is probably the incompleteness of religious observance. This results from socio-economic pressures, political climate, available leisure and the occurrence of disease. Many people neglect dietary laws under pressure of local circumstances. The Bible, inter alia, condemns the consumption of pork and certain seafoods. This prohibition is observed by Orthodox Jews but neglected by practising Christians. It also condemns excessive wine drinking but Christians are probably both its greatest producers and consumers. All religions condemn theft but it is common everywhere. Pastoral people include cattle in many of their religious rituals but there is widespread cattle rustling among them for wealth and to enhance social prestige.