Abstract
Bron Taylor defines dark green religion as follows: ‘…a deep sense of belonging to and
connectedness in nature, while perceiving the earth and its living systems to be sacred and
interconnected’. Can Psalm 104, with its conspicuous focus on nature, also be described as an
expression of dark green religion? Utilising especially the dark green values of belonging,
interconnectedness and sacredness, it was found that the psalm aptly confirms Earth as home,
illustrates a deep-seated kinship with other living creatures and acknowledges nature as
intrinsically worthy/sacred through its close association with God. Of the four kinds of dark
green religion, Gaian Naturalism and Natural Animism (‘Darwinist’, naturalist view), Gaian
Spirituality and Spiritual Animism (supernaturalist view), the psalm belongs to the lastmentioned,
acknowledging Yahweh as upholding and ‘permeating’ the harmonious whole of
creation. The poet is, however, also well-informed of ‘natural’ knowledge of his environment
(for his time obviously). The psalm’s joy, awe, astonishment, humility and fear (to a limited
extent), being almost overwhelmed by awesome nature, are emotions that can also be shared
by adherers to the naturalist view, those who doubt if there is some spiritual world running
parallel to the natural world. The religious-like experience of naturalists provides common
ground with the religious, and enhances a much-needed change of view of respect towards
nature.