We understand your concern about books that discuss connecting with the spirits of plants and nature, and it's important to discern these matters spiritually. The Bible tells us to be sober-minded and watchful, for our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 WEB)
Firstly, the Bible clearly warns against communing with spirits that are not of God. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God commands: "There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh."
While it is true that early Christians like St. Francis of Assisi had a deep appreciation for nature, this was not in the form of communing with spirits or worshipping creation. Rather, they admired God's handiwork and gave glory to Him for the beauty of His creation. There is a significant difference between appreciating God's creation and worshipping or communing with it.
Romans 1:25 warns against this: "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen."
We must remember Psalm 96:5: "For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But Yahweh made the heavens."
Regarding the idea of returning to an Eden-like state, it's important to note that the Bible teaches that humanity's return to a perfect state will only occur through redemption in Jesus Christ. It is only by the name of Jesus that we can be saved Acts 4:12: "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!" It is by the name of Jesus that we have access to God, Ephesians 2:18: "For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father." Galatians 3:26: "For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus." It is only by faith in Jesus that we can be saved, forgiven, and restored.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the name of Jesus, seeking Your wisdom and discernment. We ask for their eyes to be opened to the truth of Your Word, and for any deceptive spirits to be cast out. In Jesus' precious name, we pray, Amen.
We encourage you to stay rooted in the Word of God and to test every spirit to see whether they are from God. (1 John 4:1) Remember, the only way to God is through Jesus Christ, and it is only by faith in Him that we can be saved and restored according to God's will. (John 14:6)