Final answer:
Religious cosmologies provide various narratives about the creation of the natural world, from the Judeo-Christian view of a six-day creation by God to Hinduism's notion of a divine consciousness manifesting the universe. These beliefs shape attitudes towards environmental stewardship and the use of natural resources. The Renaissance initiated a shift towards scientific perspectives on the origins and development of the natural world.
Step-by-step explanation:
The religious understanding of the creation of the natural world is largely derived from the cosmological narratives found within various faith traditions. Within the Judeo-Christian perspective, the Biblical Book of Genesis states that the world was created in six days by God, who separated light from darkness, land from water, and created all living creatures, culminating with humans made in His own image. Philosopher Hick suggests that creation is ongoing, with humans as part of the process in a 'factory for making souls', which necessitates the possibility of suffering for moral development.
In Hindu thought, the universe is considered a manifestation of divine consciousness, with the moral and cosmological order necessitating a divine designer. However, the Mīmāmsā tradition within Hinduism negates the existence of a singular creator God. Instead, it emphasizes the eternal nature of the Vedas, proper living, and finds cosmological and teleological evidence inconclusive regarding the existence of God.
These religious cosmologies influence how believers interact with the environment. Some view the Earth as a gift to be used, while others advocate for stewardship and environmentalism. Notably, the Hindu concept of Dharma implies a duty towards preserving the natural world.
Moving towards history, the Renaissance period marked a departure from strict biblical interpretations of creation, opening the door for scientific inquiry and the natural sciences, which offer an alternative understanding of life's emergence based upon observation and reason.