Rivers hold a revered place across cultures, serving as more than just water sources. Sacred Rivers explores the religious significance of these waterways throughout history, revealing their roles in spiritual cleansing, renewal, and as symbols of divine power. The book investigates how rivers have shaped religious practices and beliefs worldwide. For example, the Ganges in Hinduism is not merely a river but a goddess, and its waters are believed to purify sins.
The book progresses by first introducing the concept of sacred spaces and the role of rivers in various religious traditions. It then delves into specific case studies such as the Ganges, the Jordan River in Christianity, and the Nile in ancient Egyptian religion, analyzing their mythological, ritualistic, and ethical dimensions. These rivers are central to foundational religious narratives.
Approaching the topic with a multidisciplinary lens, Sacred Rivers integrates religious studies with environmental ethics, highlighting the need for environmental conservation.
The book concludes by examining contemporary challenges facing sacred rivers, such as pollution and climate change, and how religious traditions can contribute to their preservation.
