A naturalist writer is one who write about nature and/or various elements that can be proven through scientific observation. Their writings focuses on human relationships and their surroundings. A few famous naturalist writers include: Jack London, Stephen Crane, Edith Wharton, and Frank Norris. These writers have all looked objectively at nature and the forces that affect human beings. Naturalism suggest that humans are governed by their instincts and desires. It can be argued that religion and naturalism are completely irrelevant, but I believe the two are comparable. I believe naturalism and religion both focus on human desires and instincts.
[ http://www.online-literature.com/periods/naturalism.php ]
According to Webster's New Dictionary of the English Language, naturalism is defined 1. as action or thought based only on natural desires or instinct, 2. a doctrine that denies a supernatural explanation of the origin or development of the universe and holds that scientific laws account for all of nature. This definition can clearly be seen in Jack London's short story "To Build a Fire". "To Build a Fire" is about a man traveling the Yukon Trail in harsh weather and the challenges he encounter. The short story shows naturalism in that it depicts how our desires and instincts can determine our fate.
Religion is defined as a set of beliefs or practices. The Bible can be compared to the works of naturalist writers, in that it retells the stories of many people and the challenges they encounter. Obviously, the two differ in that naturalism relies on science and religion is believing in the unforeseen. The two are comparable in that they focus on human interaction, instincts, and desires. The Bible is a collection of several books containing numerous styles of writing consisting of poetry, history and prophecy. It is the foundation to Christianity. Naturalism is understanding humanity's place in the world. Religion teaches how to find one's place in the world through traditions and faith, to ultimately reach salvation. Naturalism is based on reason as much as religion is based on faith.
[ http://carm.org/what-bible ]
[ http://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/natural.htm ]
[ http://www.naturalisms.org/ ]
Naturalist and Biblical Writings:
Stephen Crane's novel Maggie: A Girl on the Streets, has been reviewed as a well-crafted masterpiece. It is a story about a young girl who is disowned from her family after running off with her brother's friend. She is later abandoned by her lover, and tries to return home. Unfortunately, her family does not welcome her back. Alone and destitute Maggie falls victim to prostitution. This can be compared to the story of Adam and Eve from the Bible. In Genesis 2:15-20 God tells Adam to cultivate the Garden of Eden and to eat the gardens fruit. He warns Adam not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Eve, tempted by the serpent, eats the fruit from the forbidden tree. She then takes it to Adam, and shares it with him. According to the Bible, through this act, sin entered the world. Just as Maggie consequently led a destitute life due to her choices, Adam and Eve were punished for disobeying God. The two are relatable in that they show the choices we make, whether based on desire or instinct, can change our lives; These choices is what naturalism studies, and religion teaches.
Here is an interesting video comparing religion and naturalism:
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