Nature's cathedrals: Faiths have different views on worship in 'great outdoors'

Can a person truly or appropriately worship God in the "great outdoors," or does it require a structured religious service in a man-made building?

Can the awe-inspiring red rocks of southern Utah, the serene and peaceful Wasatch National Forest or the exaggerated grandeur of the Grand Canyon move one closer to the divine and take the place of an organized church?

Long before man created church buildings, nature had its own. For example, anyone who has visited Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef National Park knows the reverence the monuments there can foster.

Yosemite and aptly-named Zion National Park boast huge rock monoliths that stretch toward heaven. Canyonlands National Park and others have similar features.

And the outdoors has been used for special spiritual retreats in the past, according to the Bible. For example, Jesus Christ went in the wilderness to fast for 40 days and nights and to be tempted of the devil prior to beginning his ministry. Moses climbed Horeb, the "Mountain of God," and that's where the Lord appeared to him at the burning bush.

But what do today's churches think of worship in nature?

Catholics believe that they should worship and give thanks to God in Holy Mass. The Catholic Conservation Center, conservation.catholic.org, urges: "Contemplate the wonders of God's creation in the woods, by the sea, in a park, on a mountain, on a farm, or in a garden. Many people can sense the presence of the Lord in the midst of nature."

"Faced with the glory of the Trinity in creation, we must contemplate, sing and rediscover awe," Pope John Paul II said.

"To be aware of God in nature should also lead us to praise the Lord in worship at Mass. And our experience in Mass should make us more aware of God in nature. The relationship between experiencing God in nature and in worship is truly of mutual benefit!"

The Rev. Steve Goodier, pastor of Salt Lake's Christ United Methodist Church, said it is not a sin if a United Methodist fails to attend church services. However, he stressed that "by not attending, you are missing community, the people. ... We need people to grow," he said.

The Rev. Goodier said when a person usually mentions going to nature instead of church, it's just an excuse — they are simply not interested in attending services.

"Jesus founded a church," the Rev. Goodier said, adding that people need a spiritual family.