Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is pantheism?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, pantheism is the "doctrine which identifies God with the universe, or regards the universe as a manifestation of God." The word pantheism is derived from Greek pan meaning "all" and theos meaning "divine", identifying the entire universe as a divine entity.
2. Who is the founder of pantheism?
The terms pantheismus and pantheos were first used by the English mathematician Joseph Raphson, in his theological works De Spatio Reali and Demonstratio De Deo in 1697. In 1704 the Irish born philosopher John Toland used the term pantheism to describe the philosophy of Benedict de Spinoza in his Letters to Serena. Although the word pantheism originates in the 17th century, the belief in an all-encompassing divine oneness was espoused by the philosophers of ancient Greece and India.
3. What are the sacred texts of pantheism?
Pantheism is not an organised religion, although several religions are pantheistic. There have been various texts published about pantheism, such as Benedict de Spinoza's 'Ethics' (1677) and John Toland's 'Pantheisticon' (1720).
4. How do pantheists practice worship?
Pantheistic practice is typically contemplative and meditative rather than devotional. Pantheists seek to experiences a sense of oneness with all that exists by understanding themselves as tiny parts of the greater whole. Pantheists tend to espouse personal experience and realization of cosmic unity over religious ceremony and rituals.
5. What happens to pantheists when they die?
Pantheists regard human lives as part of a greater Unity, which is eternal. Life is regarded as a continuum with no beginning or end. When the physical body withers, it becomes part of the ecosystem to be recycled. Without mind-body dualism, the ego dissolves with the body. Pantheists are not concerned with the survival of the personal ego. Personal “salvation” consists in the recognition of the “oneness” of all that exists.
6. What moral code do pantheists teach?
Pantheists are often ethical naturalists, regarding the notions of good and evil as relative to human experience and emphasising scientific reasoning as a basis for humane behaviour, using logic to formulate ethical standards.
7. Does pantheism have a clergy?
Pantheism is not a hierarchical religion, but a personal philosophy. If pantheists wish to congregate for the purpose of a discussion, then leadership may be delegated democratically or by drawing lots.
8. Where do pantheists congregate?
Pantheists may hold social gatherings in their homes or outdoors. Conversing with like minded souls may be beneficial for sharing ideas and experiences. Many pantheists communicate through online forums and social websites.
9. How can I become a pantheist?
There is no dotted line to sign your name. You do not need to join an organization, a congregation, or a cult to be a pantheist. You may find that reading books and contemplating ideas helps clarify your understanding of pantheism. One becomes a pantheist simply by realising that pantheism is an accurate description of your personal world view.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, pantheism is the "doctrine which identifies God with the universe, or regards the universe as a manifestation of God." The word pantheism is derived from Greek pan meaning "all" and theos meaning "divine", identifying the entire universe as a divine entity.
2. Who is the founder of pantheism?
The terms pantheismus and pantheos were first used by the English mathematician Joseph Raphson, in his theological works De Spatio Reali and Demonstratio De Deo in 1697. In 1704 the Irish born philosopher John Toland used the term pantheism to describe the philosophy of Benedict de Spinoza in his Letters to Serena. Although the word pantheism originates in the 17th century, the belief in an all-encompassing divine oneness was espoused by the philosophers of ancient Greece and India.
3. What are the sacred texts of pantheism?
Pantheism is not an organised religion, although several religions are pantheistic. There have been various texts published about pantheism, such as Benedict de Spinoza's 'Ethics' (1677) and John Toland's 'Pantheisticon' (1720).
4. How do pantheists practice worship?
Pantheistic practice is typically contemplative and meditative rather than devotional. Pantheists seek to experiences a sense of oneness with all that exists by understanding themselves as tiny parts of the greater whole. Pantheists tend to espouse personal experience and realization of cosmic unity over religious ceremony and rituals.
5. What happens to pantheists when they die?
Pantheists regard human lives as part of a greater Unity, which is eternal. Life is regarded as a continuum with no beginning or end. When the physical body withers, it becomes part of the ecosystem to be recycled. Without mind-body dualism, the ego dissolves with the body. Pantheists are not concerned with the survival of the personal ego. Personal “salvation” consists in the recognition of the “oneness” of all that exists.
6. What moral code do pantheists teach?
Pantheists are often ethical naturalists, regarding the notions of good and evil as relative to human experience and emphasising scientific reasoning as a basis for humane behaviour, using logic to formulate ethical standards.
7. Does pantheism have a clergy?
Pantheism is not a hierarchical religion, but a personal philosophy. If pantheists wish to congregate for the purpose of a discussion, then leadership may be delegated democratically or by drawing lots.
8. Where do pantheists congregate?
Pantheists may hold social gatherings in their homes or outdoors. Conversing with like minded souls may be beneficial for sharing ideas and experiences. Many pantheists communicate through online forums and social websites.
9. How can I become a pantheist?
There is no dotted line to sign your name. You do not need to join an organization, a congregation, or a cult to be a pantheist. You may find that reading books and contemplating ideas helps clarify your understanding of pantheism. One becomes a pantheist simply by realising that pantheism is an accurate description of your personal world view.