We seek renewed reverence for the biosphere as
the ultimate context for human existence....
We seek renewed reverence for the biosphere as
the ultimate context for human existence....
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The ancient faith of Pantheism is experiencing a modern resurrection. Pantheism, never a dogmatically defined philosophy, has evolved into a meaningful path for modern life. Its tenets are simple: the Universe is divine, the Earth is sacred. The Pantheist doesn't get his or her God from any book or prophet, nor does he or she place ultimate faith in any of the inventions of Man, but rather in the creative Universe itself. It has been said that whatever you put your ultimate faith and trust in is your God, but to say that to the Pantheist "God is Nature" is incomplete. Pantheism can be viewed as a theistic religion, but alternatively as a world view relevant to the non-theist. Pantheism has known a long and varied religious history, dating back beyond Spinoza, to the Stoics of ancient Greece, the philosophers of ancient India, and the animism of many native cultures. However, there has been no organization to represent modern Pantheists until the formation of the Universal Pantheist Society in 1975. Today there is a great need for an ethical Pantheism. In the modern world, the destruction of the biosphere and the need for an ecologically valid ethical system places Pantheism in a new position. While it is not necessary that Pantheism be seen as the sole solution toward revising human attitudes and behavior toward the natural world, the institution of the Pantheist world view is one way of insuring the survival and well-being of all life on Planet Earth. The label "Pantheism" isn't necessary so much as an awareness of the wholeness and holiness of life. In the struggle for responsible use and preservation of the Earth's environment, reverence for Earth may be the only philosophical baseline that can match the powerful impetus of economic special interest. Adherents of Pantheism understand it as a way of life, a way of viewing a world where human beings are but one of many living things. For the Pantheist, creator and context are one entity, the Universe being experienced holistically. Pantheists who use a theistic terminology define God as the Universe taken as a whole. The Universe is a creative process, thus our Creator; but at the same time we are a part of it. Pantheists derive their fundamental religious experience through their personal relationship with the surrounding Universe, recognizing that humanity is not apart from Nature, but that Nature is the ultimate context for human existence. Humanity's unity with the Universe is our fundamental religious impulse. Thus, those who are uncomfortable with deities and names for deities, can still find comfort within Pantheism. But Pantheism remains more than a mere philosophy of life, because all Pantheists, whether approaching religious ideas from a theistic or non-theistic viewpoint, have a sense of reverence for the world. Thus, Pantheists oppose the world view of anthropocentrism - that is, a belief that the world was created exclusively for the benefit of human beings. Pantheists consider that anthropocentric attitude to be equivalent to specism; perhaps worse than racism in its capacity for undermining the very existence of our species as a part of the community of living things. The Pantheist religion is seen as a system of reverent behavior toward Nature rather than anthropo- morphic deities. Pantheists celebrate three different approaches to "knowing" or growing closer to the sacredness of the Universe: the way of knowledge, the way of devotion, and the way of works. By integrating these approaches, we recognize the unity of body and mind, nature and spirit, and fulfill the wholeness of being alive. The intellectual approach (knowledge) for the Pantheist is the study of Nature. This includes everything from the most rigorous scientific research to personal observation of the natural world. Pantheists likewise have their own forms of devotion which are significant approaches to religious experience.Communion with Nature may involve artistic expression, nature observation, or various forms of outdoor activities. Wonder, reverence, and awe are promoted by the simple practice of sensory awareness, and a sense of the miraculous is a vital aspect of a Pantheist's personal devotion. Pantheists recognize that becoming connected in a real way with the genuine and awesome power of the vital primeval life-stream, both in external Nature and Nature within ourselves, is an authentic form of meditation, transcending temporary relaxation. A dedication to living an ethical life style (works) is one of the most important modes of religious experience for the modern Pantheist. Doing some good in the world is properly understood to mean not merely to aid the well-being of neighbors, community, and humanity at large, but also to protect the natural environment upon which all living things depend. A respect for other creatures demands an affirmation of wildness and natural diversity. In working to preserve the biosphere, Pantheists are preserving a covenant with the Earth. An ethical Pantheist does not practice conservation out of simple self interest, but rather as a religious motivation, inspired by reverence for the world. This results in a concern for the natural, social, and psychic environment. Reverent behavior toward the earth necessitates a personal commitment toward living in greater harmony with the biosphere. Mankind must use materials in the environment, just as any species, but blatant destruction is self-defeating. A devotion for the welfare of both humankind and the natural environment requires recognition of modern need for new life-styles of creative sustainibility, in which we are producers as well as consumers. Pantheism is in accord with current social movements which emphasize recycling, simple living, natural foods, and self sufficiency. Dietary choice helps to lighten the burden on the biosphere, to enhance understanding of our dependence on natural forces, and to honor our own bodies. Pantheists often avoid processed, denatured food, learning to eat and perhaps grow fresh, natural foods. Although some Pantheists are vegetarian, others simply try to live lower on the food chain. Pantheist life-styles emphasize personal growth, natural living, creativity, and an attitude of nurture for living things, as opposed to the spiritual decay of materialism, high energy consumption, and consumptive forms of work and entertainment. To achieve a fully sustainable society may require a transformation of social and economic systems where such things as composting toilets and solar electricity can become commonplace. However, beginning with individual efforts, we can each work for such ideals by increasing recycling, gardening, non-motorized or at least public transportation, reducing waste, stopping pollution, and preserving natural habitats. Whether through lifestyle changes, or by pursuing educational, social, political, and spiritual outreach, we can work toward improved health, economic freedom, and a closer connection with natural forces. We can each find ways to cultivate our inner selves and help expand our human potential. For example, among the aids to personal improvement is periodic self-analysis and writing a personal mission statement. No one else can do it for you or tell you what to do; each of us must take responsibility to implement a lifestyle of Pantheist fulfillment. For the Pantheist, the Universe as context is a way of understanding one's place in the world. We know that the fulfillment of a meaningful life depends upon a good relationship with our ultimate context: the Universe and the Earth. Humankind and our inventions are integral parts of the Universe, but should not be allowed to become out of balance with a healthy biosphere. Imbalance is unhealthy for both Nature and the individual as well. The promotion of harmony among people and context is the Pantheist's ultimate religious pursuit, both for our personal life and as a societal objective. © Copyright 1979 Universal Pantheist Society |
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