Cosmos: A Journal of Geography

Influence of Geography on Religious Practices and Beliefs: A Comparative Study of Sacred Landscapes

Geography profoundly shapes religious beliefs and practices by influencing the natural and cultural settings in which spiritual traditions arise and evolve. This article examines the relationship between geography and religion, focusing on sacred landscapes across various traditions. It highlights the significance of natural features, climate, and topographical divides in shaping religious narratives, rituals and identities. A comparative framework is employed to analyze sacred spaces across diverse cultures, offering insights into the shared patterns and unique expressions of geography’s influence on spirituality. Contemporary challenges such as globalization, urbanization, and climate change are also addressed, emphasizing the need for sustainable preservation of sacred landscapes. The findings aim to enhance interdisciplinary understanding and suggest avenues for future research.