Pantheism
I'm not sure how I stumbled onto a website about Pantheism, but after reading up on it, I admit I am intrigued.
To me, it sounds much like Paganism but with a twist. Pantheists see nature and the universe as being worthy of the greatest reverence and work to preserve our natural world. Pantheism, taken from the Greek, means "God is all" and so view nature and everything as being part of God. Thus, each of us is a part of God. The "twist" that I see is that Pantheists do not believe in a personal God or a supernatural being.
According to the FAQ on Pantheism (link listed below), Paganism and Pantheists differ in a few ways. Although Pagans sometimes call themselves Pantheists, they are really Polytheists. One of the points brought up in the FAQ says that Pagan also believe in "the irrational," or disembodied spirits (i.e. - Gods).
Anyway, this is an interesting take on religion.
Links on Pantheism:
Wikipedia
FAQ on Pantheism
Pantheism (check out the "Writings on Pantheism")
A different view of Pantheism
Pantheists' Dictionary
5 comments:
I did not know that. I will definitely have to look into that subject...
Yes, me to, cosette! I am Pagan, and also pantheist, not polytheist.
Also, an interesting book some may want to read (that I use as a guide for myself and what I am) is "Philosophy of Wicca" by Amber Laine Fisher. It really isn't about Wicca as I would define it, but more about Paganism in general. It discusses pantheism in great detail!
LAPaganChick - Of what I've read so far, it made me interested in finding out more as well.
Cosette - I thought that Wiccans believe in a God and a Goddess which would fall under polytheism. Would you be willing to explain? Thanks.:)
Soleclaw - Thanks for suggesting the book. Sounds like something I should put on my reading list.
Cosette - Thanks for responding and for your explanation. You said:
"I equate existence (the universe, or nature) with God."
I see how that fits in with Pantheism. You see it as something that is within everything rather than as the "seperate being" that many religions teach.
I look forward to reading more about this on your blog.
Well put Cosette, and very much in line with my own beliefs. Particularly in the aspects of the Gods and Goddesses being part of the greater whole. I always equated myself as monotheistic rather than pantheistic, as I have always equated the latter (perhaps incorrectly) as denying a separate, unique consciousness to to deity.
I would be interested in seeing if and how you might expound on this issue and may swing by your blog to see if you do.
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