Which group of thinkers questioned established religious doctrines and business practices, seeking divine essence in nature?

The correct answer is Transcendentalists. This group emerged in the early to mid-19th century in the United States and is known for their belief in the inherent goodness of people and nature. They emphasized the idea that individuals could find a deeper spiritual truth by connecting with nature and looking beyond the material world. Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau championed the notion that intuition and personal experience were vital in the pursuit of truth, challenging the established religious doctrines of the time, which often emphasized a more dogmatic approach.

Additionally, Transcendentalists questioned the industrialization and materialism of society, advocating for a simpler, more meaningful existence closely tied to nature. Their works encourage people to trust their own instincts and the divine essence found in the natural world, making them distinct in their philosophical and spiritual pursuits compared to other groups like Rationalists, Unitarians, and Utilitarians, who had different primary focuses or frameworks.