Nature Calls - Emily Dickinson

1830–86

You’ll sometimes hear people say, “I’m not very religious, but I am very spiritual.” Often those people have had a negative church experience. They equate “religion” with the church but “spirituality” with their faith.

The poet Emily Dickinson may not have said those exact words, but they could be used to describe her. Raised in the church, she had experienced much of the religious revival that swept through New England in the mid-1800s, but at some point during her adult life she stopped attending formal religious gatherings. In her poem “Some keep the Sabbath going to Church,” she explains that she does church at home, probably outside in nature.

She says her chorister, what we would call a choir member, is a small blackbird called a bobolink. An orchard is her worship space. Emily, it seems, was enjoying a worship service in nature. Not that she was worshiping nature; rather, she found nature a perfect place to commune with and learn about God. The poem goes on to say that God is the preacher in her outdoor service—and he is “a noted clergyman.”

Church is good. Listening to and joining with choirs who sing praise to God is good. Hearing sermons from pastors who have studied God’s Word and have a desire to teach others is good. Worshiping with other Christians is an essential part of the Christian life (see Hebrews 10:25). But sometimes, sitting out in nature and listening for God’s voice is good too.

There may be a time in your life, whether it’s for just one week or an extended period, that you find yourself not attending regular church services. That doesn’t mean you’ve abandoned your faith or you’re out of touch with God. God uses many methods to speak to those who are listening.

When church isn’t happening for you, learning about God and worshiping him doesn’t have to stop happening. Find a quiet, natural spot to listen to the “noted clergyman” who speaks through his human servants and through all creation. Let him call you back to worship with others.

Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you.

Job 12:7