Religion-environment relationships in the teachings, beliefs and practices of Hindus and Christians in Los Banos, Laguna (Philippines)

The general objective of the study was to examine religion and environment relationships in the teachings, beliefs, and practices of Hindus and Christians in Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to: 1) analyze the Hindu and Christian religious teachings that bear on human-nature/environment relationships, 2) analyze how belief in Hindu and Christian religious teachings is correlated with the respondents' values, commitment, and environmental practices, and 3) analyze the implications of religious-based environmental practices to overall conservation and protection of the environment. Informed by the Phenomenological approach, the study used the theory of planned behavior. A combination of textual analysis, Focus Group Discussions, and survey of Hindu and Christian respondents were employed as research methods. In the Christian tradition, the bible is the word applied to sacred scriptures, while the source of the Hindu teachings is the Vedic Hymns, both of which reflect creation and human's responsibility over it. The texts provide strong grounds for respect for nature and its creatures and for living in ways that preserve and protect them. Aware of the present state of the environment and the role and contribution of religion, both the Hindu and Christian survey respondents' values, commitment, and practices with regards to nurturing the environment were said to be guided by their song beliefs in their religious traditions. People's actions are grounded on their belief system and religion. In general, the respondents believe that religion indeed can contribute to reversing the trend of the present ecological problem. The study affirmed both the utility of phenomenology and the theory of planned action and the merits of using multiple research methods.