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Some Key Ideas of Pantheism
Since 1975, the Universal Pantheist Society has had as part of its statement of purpose: " to stimulate a revision of social attitudes away from anthropocentrism and toward reverence for the Earth and a vision of the ultimate context for human existence, and to take appropriate action toward the protection and restoration of the Earth." We do this by uniting all kinds of Pantheists, but strictly "our bylaws prohibit any requirement for or subscription to any particular religious belief, doctrine, or creed."
In this vein, we believe that Pantheism not only promotes recognition of the rights of other species, but also of all people to live beneficial lives: "the Pantheist rejection of anthropocentrism results in a recognition of the fundamental unity of all living things. The Pantheist strives for reverent behavior toward the Universe itself; behavior that includes respect for both human and non-human life."
Members of the Universal Pantheist Society do not merely hold an abstract belief that God is Nature; we recognize
that Nature is the very core of our being, the altar of our dreams, and the source of our physical and spiritual livelihood.
The Pantheist World View - A brief introduction to the meaning of Pantheism in modern life.
Pantheism and Earthkeeping - Pantheism promotes an attitude of reverent behavior toward the Earth.
The Inner Source of Pantheism - Pantheism is unique among modern religions in that it might be accurately termed a "folk religion". It is a faith defined by its adherents - it has no one founding philosopher, no self-proclaimed prophets, no venal priesthood.
The Emotions of Pantheism - Experiencing the emotions of wonder, awe and reverence are religious acts, not superstitious ones, but should not be belittled as "mere emotions," for they cut to the core of our being and the purpose of our existence.
Rejecting Anthropocentrism - A Core Value of Pantheism - Since our founding in 1975, we have strived to encourage a shift away from humanity as the focal point, to embrace the intrinsic value of nature and to recognize that all species have a right to exist for their own sake.
Pantheism and Panentheism - Philosophers and theologians recognize that there is a difference between strict "Pantheism" and the similar concept "Panentheism." This essay explains the difference, while concluding that the Universal Pantheist Society gladly accepts as members those who hold either approach, as we wish to avoid the theological squabbles that have plagued so many other faiths. We strive to be "universal," because the identification of sacredness in the Earth and the Universe demands reverent behavior regardless of theological niceties.
Our Entry in the Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature - This academic publication is a landmark in the field of Nature and Religion, and we are happy to be included in it. It provides an excellent summary of our "universal" approach to Pantheism.
What is Divine Presence? by Harold Wood - The divide between materialists and those who sense divine presence have become increasingly blurred since the 19th century.
The Practice of Pantheist Mindfulness
- When it comes to religion and the question of "belief," you are probably asking yourself the wrong question!
God and Belief: The Pantheist Alternative - By Irv Thomas
A long-time member explains why both atheism and monotheism are irrelevant concepts that should be abandoned in favor of a religion which honors nature, and teaches us to respect her.
On the Duty Against Speculation - So called "Belief" is not really the crux of true religion; instead it is a substitute for entering into an authentic relationship with the Universe that honors doubt as a positive value.
The Principle of Extended Identity by Silas Goldean (PDF) - Discusses the concept of "extended identity" as a basic principle of Pantheism. All types of Pantheism reocognizes that our identities are inextricably entwined with lives beyond our own. Download File
Three essays by the famous nineteenth century naturalist and Pantheist John Burroughs:
"The God of Pantheism"
"Devotion to Truth"
"The Scheme of the Universe"
Chronological Syllabus: The Relation of Pantheism to Religious Evolution by James Picton
What Pantheism Means to Me A sampling of pantheist ideas submitted by members of the Universal Pantheist Society over the last few years.
Monism by Ernst Haeckel - The biologist who coined the term"ecology" and promoted the teaching of evolution discusses the essence of Pantheist religion, that "God and the world are one."
Anthropocentrism by John Seed - A Rainforest Activist writes about the deepest hubris of mankind, and how to overcome it to begin to "think like a mountain."
Pantheist Ethics for People - Explaining that reverence for the natural world is necessary for treating our fellow human beings respectfully.
Modern Pantheism as an Approach to Environmental Ethics by Harold Wood - An in depth, footnoted article describing the ethical implications of Pantheism, reprinted from Environmental Ethics.
In this vein, we believe that Pantheism not only promotes recognition of the rights of other species, but also of all people to live beneficial lives: "the Pantheist rejection of anthropocentrism results in a recognition of the fundamental unity of all living things. The Pantheist strives for reverent behavior toward the Universe itself; behavior that includes respect for both human and non-human life."
Members of the Universal Pantheist Society do not merely hold an abstract belief that God is Nature; we recognize
that Nature is the very core of our being, the altar of our dreams, and the source of our physical and spiritual livelihood.
The Pantheist World View - A brief introduction to the meaning of Pantheism in modern life.
Pantheism and Earthkeeping - Pantheism promotes an attitude of reverent behavior toward the Earth.
The Inner Source of Pantheism - Pantheism is unique among modern religions in that it might be accurately termed a "folk religion". It is a faith defined by its adherents - it has no one founding philosopher, no self-proclaimed prophets, no venal priesthood.
The Emotions of Pantheism - Experiencing the emotions of wonder, awe and reverence are religious acts, not superstitious ones, but should not be belittled as "mere emotions," for they cut to the core of our being and the purpose of our existence.
Rejecting Anthropocentrism - A Core Value of Pantheism - Since our founding in 1975, we have strived to encourage a shift away from humanity as the focal point, to embrace the intrinsic value of nature and to recognize that all species have a right to exist for their own sake.
Pantheism and Panentheism - Philosophers and theologians recognize that there is a difference between strict "Pantheism" and the similar concept "Panentheism." This essay explains the difference, while concluding that the Universal Pantheist Society gladly accepts as members those who hold either approach, as we wish to avoid the theological squabbles that have plagued so many other faiths. We strive to be "universal," because the identification of sacredness in the Earth and the Universe demands reverent behavior regardless of theological niceties.
Our Entry in the Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature - This academic publication is a landmark in the field of Nature and Religion, and we are happy to be included in it. It provides an excellent summary of our "universal" approach to Pantheism.
What is Divine Presence? by Harold Wood - The divide between materialists and those who sense divine presence have become increasingly blurred since the 19th century.
The Practice of Pantheist Mindfulness
- When it comes to religion and the question of "belief," you are probably asking yourself the wrong question!
God and Belief: The Pantheist Alternative - By Irv Thomas
A long-time member explains why both atheism and monotheism are irrelevant concepts that should be abandoned in favor of a religion which honors nature, and teaches us to respect her.
On the Duty Against Speculation - So called "Belief" is not really the crux of true religion; instead it is a substitute for entering into an authentic relationship with the Universe that honors doubt as a positive value.
The Principle of Extended Identity by Silas Goldean (PDF) - Discusses the concept of "extended identity" as a basic principle of Pantheism. All types of Pantheism reocognizes that our identities are inextricably entwined with lives beyond our own. Download File
Three essays by the famous nineteenth century naturalist and Pantheist John Burroughs:
"The God of Pantheism"
"Devotion to Truth"
"The Scheme of the Universe"
Chronological Syllabus: The Relation of Pantheism to Religious Evolution by James Picton
What Pantheism Means to Me A sampling of pantheist ideas submitted by members of the Universal Pantheist Society over the last few years.
Monism by Ernst Haeckel - The biologist who coined the term"ecology" and promoted the teaching of evolution discusses the essence of Pantheist religion, that "God and the world are one."
Anthropocentrism by John Seed - A Rainforest Activist writes about the deepest hubris of mankind, and how to overcome it to begin to "think like a mountain."
Pantheist Ethics for People - Explaining that reverence for the natural world is necessary for treating our fellow human beings respectfully.
Modern Pantheism as an Approach to Environmental Ethics by Harold Wood - An in depth, footnoted article describing the ethical implications of Pantheism, reprinted from Environmental Ethics.
Pantheism \Pan"the*ism\, n. [Pan- + theism.]
Any doctrine, philosophy, or religious practice that holds universe [cosmos], taken or conceived of as the totality of forces and/or matter, is synonymous with the theological principle of God.
Any doctrine, philosophy, or religious practice that holds universe [cosmos], taken or conceived of as the totality of forces and/or matter, is synonymous with the theological principle of God.
For more information about Pantheism, or questions about this website please contact Harold Wood at [email protected]
Copyright of all articles on this page are held by the indicated organization and/ or author. All rights are reserved.
All other material, Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000-2009 2010- 2024 Universal Pantheist Society. All rights are reserved.
Copyright of all articles on this page are held by the indicated organization and/ or author. All rights are reserved.
All other material, Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000-2009 2010- 2024 Universal Pantheist Society. All rights are reserved.