"Faith in wilderness, or in nature as a creative force... is a
philosophy, a faith; it is even, if you like, a religion. It puts your
ultimate trust not in human intelligence, but in whatever it is that
created human intelligence."
- Joseph Wood Krutch
philosophy, a faith; it is even, if you like, a religion. It puts your
ultimate trust not in human intelligence, but in whatever it is that
created human intelligence."
- Joseph Wood Krutch
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What is Pantheism?
Pantheism derives from the realization that the cosmos, taken or conceived of as a whole, is synonymous with God - a concept that is re-discovered repeatedly over the centuries, from pre-history to today.
In this sense, Pantheism is simple: The Cosmos is divine, and the Earth sacred.
But Pantheists do not propose belief in a deity; rather, they hold nature itself is a creative presence. Pantheism reconciles science and religion through ecology leading to strong environmental awareness.
As many scientists increasingly recognize, as we acquire more knowledge by scientific investigation, things do not become more comprehensible, but more mysterious. The wonders of the night sky or that of a tiny flower remind us that we live in a miraculous world. Pantheists reject dogmatic religious views in that we do not need certainty about anything, but instead embrace that Mystery.
As philosopher George Santayana said, "Pantheism, taken theoretically, is only naturalism poetically expressed (Reason in Religion, 1905). But when taken to heart, not theoretically, but actually lived, Pantheism enriches our lives as we expand our knowledge and understanding of the natural world, the small place of humankind within it, and celebrate the beauty and wonder found all around us.
Pantheists believe in Divine Immanence. To the Pantheist, divinity does not transcend reality; it surrounds, and is within. All share divinity. This leads the pantheist to personal ethics of tolerance and understanding.
Why does it Matter?
Scientists as well as scholars of religion acknowledge that we need to return to Pantheism to save our future. Historian Arnold Toynbee wrote, ""If I am right in my diagnosis of mankind's present-day distress, the remedy lies in reverting from the world view of monotheism to the world view of pantheism, which is older and was once universal."
In 1967, historian Lynn White Jr. famously wrote, "Since the roots of our trouble are so largely religious, the remedy must also be essentially religious, whether we call it that or not. We must rethink and re-feel our nature and destiny.” Ecologist Paul Ehrlich wrote in 1986, "I am convinced that a quasi-religious movement, one concerned with the need to change the values that now govern much of human activity is essential to the persistence of our civilization."
Varieties of Pantheism
One of our long-time board members, the late Gary Suttle, explained the varieties of Pantheism this way:
"An extensive entry in The New Encyclopedia Britannica lists seven forms of Pantheism, but actually, there are as many forms of Pantheism as there are Pantheists to express them! Why? In Christianity and numerous other faiths, adherents follow the teachings of charismatic leaders. In Pantheism, everyone is the 'leader' of their own religion, frequently self-discovered from feeling a sense of divinity in Nature (many persons are at first unaware that there is a name for their self-discovery).
"Imagine looking through a colorful kaleidoscope to view the varieties of Pantheism. Like all pieces in a kaleidoscope, all Pantheists fit together harmoniously, united by their belief in the oneness and sanctity of creation. Yet every piece in the kaleidoscope has unique colors and shadings, just as every Pantheist has unique colors and shadings which personalize their beliefs.
"Scientific pantheism grades into atheism, naturalism, and humanism, which reject the divinity of Nature. Panentheism grades into theism, polytheism, and spiritualism, which may acknowledge divinity in Nature (and in so doing can lead to confusion with Pantheism). However, theism, polytheism, and spiritualism incorporate supernatural entities (such as angels and devils) and otherworldly elements (such as communication with the dead) entirely incompatible with Pantheism's view of a wholly natural world.
"The following diagram generalizes contemporary pantheistically inclined viewpoints. Adherents spread across the spectrum, some in the center of a category, others at some point in between. From modern reference book-defined Pantheism, to the strict materialism of Scientific Pantheism, and the broad transcendence of Panentheism, all outlooks consider the Universe divine, and all contain a religious sensibility rich in poetry, mystery, and imagination, kindled by the enthralling wonder of Nature."
In this sense, Pantheism is simple: The Cosmos is divine, and the Earth sacred.
But Pantheists do not propose belief in a deity; rather, they hold nature itself is a creative presence. Pantheism reconciles science and religion through ecology leading to strong environmental awareness.
As many scientists increasingly recognize, as we acquire more knowledge by scientific investigation, things do not become more comprehensible, but more mysterious. The wonders of the night sky or that of a tiny flower remind us that we live in a miraculous world. Pantheists reject dogmatic religious views in that we do not need certainty about anything, but instead embrace that Mystery.
As philosopher George Santayana said, "Pantheism, taken theoretically, is only naturalism poetically expressed (Reason in Religion, 1905). But when taken to heart, not theoretically, but actually lived, Pantheism enriches our lives as we expand our knowledge and understanding of the natural world, the small place of humankind within it, and celebrate the beauty and wonder found all around us.
Pantheists believe in Divine Immanence. To the Pantheist, divinity does not transcend reality; it surrounds, and is within. All share divinity. This leads the pantheist to personal ethics of tolerance and understanding.
Why does it Matter?
Scientists as well as scholars of religion acknowledge that we need to return to Pantheism to save our future. Historian Arnold Toynbee wrote, ""If I am right in my diagnosis of mankind's present-day distress, the remedy lies in reverting from the world view of monotheism to the world view of pantheism, which is older and was once universal."
In 1967, historian Lynn White Jr. famously wrote, "Since the roots of our trouble are so largely religious, the remedy must also be essentially religious, whether we call it that or not. We must rethink and re-feel our nature and destiny.” Ecologist Paul Ehrlich wrote in 1986, "I am convinced that a quasi-religious movement, one concerned with the need to change the values that now govern much of human activity is essential to the persistence of our civilization."
Varieties of Pantheism
One of our long-time board members, the late Gary Suttle, explained the varieties of Pantheism this way:
"An extensive entry in The New Encyclopedia Britannica lists seven forms of Pantheism, but actually, there are as many forms of Pantheism as there are Pantheists to express them! Why? In Christianity and numerous other faiths, adherents follow the teachings of charismatic leaders. In Pantheism, everyone is the 'leader' of their own religion, frequently self-discovered from feeling a sense of divinity in Nature (many persons are at first unaware that there is a name for their self-discovery).
"Imagine looking through a colorful kaleidoscope to view the varieties of Pantheism. Like all pieces in a kaleidoscope, all Pantheists fit together harmoniously, united by their belief in the oneness and sanctity of creation. Yet every piece in the kaleidoscope has unique colors and shadings, just as every Pantheist has unique colors and shadings which personalize their beliefs.
"Scientific pantheism grades into atheism, naturalism, and humanism, which reject the divinity of Nature. Panentheism grades into theism, polytheism, and spiritualism, which may acknowledge divinity in Nature (and in so doing can lead to confusion with Pantheism). However, theism, polytheism, and spiritualism incorporate supernatural entities (such as angels and devils) and otherworldly elements (such as communication with the dead) entirely incompatible with Pantheism's view of a wholly natural world.
"The following diagram generalizes contemporary pantheistically inclined viewpoints. Adherents spread across the spectrum, some in the center of a category, others at some point in between. From modern reference book-defined Pantheism, to the strict materialism of Scientific Pantheism, and the broad transcendence of Panentheism, all outlooks consider the Universe divine, and all contain a religious sensibility rich in poetry, mystery, and imagination, kindled by the enthralling wonder of Nature."
Pantheist Philosophy for Scholars
For a scholarly description of Pantheism and its philosophical development over the centuries, see the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Entry on Pantheism.
A summary of our "universal" approach to Pantheism can be found in 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.
For how your own version of Pantheism best fits in the galaxy of Nature spirituality and Earth-and-Cosmos based religious ideas, see Bron Taylor's book and website, Dark Green Religion.
For a scholarly description of Pantheism and its philosophical development over the centuries, see the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Entry on Pantheism.
A summary of our "universal" approach to Pantheism can be found in 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.
For how your own version of Pantheism best fits in the galaxy of Nature spirituality and Earth-and-Cosmos based religious ideas, see Bron Taylor's book and website, Dark Green Religion.
What will you find here?
Pantheism is more than a philosophy. It is also way of life.
Visit our page on Key Ideas to get an overview of modern universal Pantheism, then dig deeper on our Publications page.
The Universal Pantheist Society also offers a Facebook Group, Universal Pantheists, for all varieties of pantheists, panentheists, religious naturalists, and other like-minded folks. Our Online Network is an excellent place to meet other pantheists and share ideas, information on celebratory practice, cosmic experience, and upcoming events.
When you are ready, if you would like to support the spread of pantheism and unite with other Pantheists in full membership, including subscription to our quarterly newsletter, Pantheist Vision, we invite you to join the Universal Pantheist Society. Learn more about how to join on our Membership page.
What is the Universal Pantheist Society?
The Universal Pantheist Society was the first organization to recognize Pantheism as a religion (organized under U.S. 501(c)(3) statutes). It is a membership organization that has been serving Pantheists since 1975.
Pantheism as "an ancient faith, but its principles have never been more relevant. It fulfills a vital need in regaining harmony between Earth and Humanity, as well as providing a satisfying world view for personal growth and human relationships".
A summary of our "universal" approach to Pantheism can be found in 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.
Recognizing that freedom of belief is inherent in the Pantheist tradition, our bylaws prohibit any requirement for or subscription to any particular religious belief, doctrine, or creed. Persons uniting with the Society do so to further their own understanding of Pantheists attitudes, and through their fellowship with others find purposive means of expressing their faith in daily life.
Yet, 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.
For more information about the Society, click the About Us link.
Pantheism as "an ancient faith, but its principles have never been more relevant. It fulfills a vital need in regaining harmony between Earth and Humanity, as well as providing a satisfying world view for personal growth and human relationships".
A summary of our "universal" approach to Pantheism can be found in 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.
Recognizing that freedom of belief is inherent in the Pantheist tradition, our bylaws prohibit any requirement for or subscription to any particular religious belief, doctrine, or creed. Persons uniting with the Society do so to further their own understanding of Pantheists attitudes, and through their fellowship with others find purposive means of expressing their faith in daily life.
Yet, 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.
For more information about the Society, click the About Us link.
The Cosmos is divine,
all share divinity.
Divinity does not transcend reality
it surrounds us, and is within.
Divinity is immanent.
- Robb Miller
all share divinity.
Divinity does not transcend reality
it surrounds us, and is within.
Divinity is immanent.
- Robb Miller
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