Belden Lane

Belden C. Lane is a renowned scholar, theologian, and writer, celebrated for his deep engagement with spirituality, nature, and the intersection of faith and the environment. His work masterfully blends theology, geography, and storytelling, offering a unique perspective on how sacred spaces and the natural world shape spiritual experiences.

Lane earned his Ph.D. in theology at Princeton Theological Seminary and later served as Professor of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University, where he specialized in the history of spirituality, theology, and ecology. His academic work reflects a lifelong passion for exploring the connections between human spirituality and the landscapes we inhabit.

A prolific author, Lane is best known for his books The Solace of Fierce Landscapes: Exploring Desert and Mountain Spirituality and Backpacking with the Saints: Wilderness Hiking as Spiritual Practice. These works weave personal narratives, insights from Christian mystics, and reflections on the natural world to explore how wilderness spaces can lead to profound encounters with God. Lane’s writing often emphasizes the tension between the wildness of nature and the tenderness of divine presence, urging readers to embrace both the beauty and the harshness of creation as pathways to spiritual growth.

As a storyteller and speaker, Lane is known for his engaging and reflective style, drawing on a wide range of traditions, including Celtic spirituality, the desert fathers and mothers, and contemporary ecological thought. His work encourages deeper awareness of the sacred in everyday life and fosters a sense of wonder for the interconnectedness of all creation.

Belden Lane’s scholarship and writing have inspired countless readers to explore their faith in the context of the natural world, calling attention to the transformative power of wilderness and the enduring presence of the divine in all aspects of life.