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Point of Orign

POINT OF ORIGIN

1997AD10.01

A DOCUMENT OF DEFINITION FOR PHOENIX PANTHEISM

  1. All that is created is a holistic sum; there is a collective intelligence regardless of its lack of verification by empirical means. Each existence is a contributor to the holistic sum of the collective intelligence of Creation and that collective intelligence is indefinable in the mind of human existence at the time of this writing. All that is created is Sacred and is seen as an extension of the individual; Creation is all encompassing and boundless. The collective intelligence is not limited to sentient intelligence as defined by humankind; the collective intelligence includes those areas of knowledge associated with "cell memory" or the "memory" of crystal and the stone, and all things in existence, for therein is held the holistic knowledge of Creation. Therein are the secrets of macro, atomic, and sub-atomic structures that science seeks to question and reveal. The Phoenix Pantheist questions all, including Science, in seeking the truth of knowledge; Phoenix Pantheism recognizes that science has its limits of technology and capability relative to the time of its existence, and coupled with its own form of arrogance can not and will not investigate all unknowns.  Hence, Phoenix Pantheism recognizes the creative and inspirational value the mystic.
  1. God" is indistinguishable from the rest of creation and is indefinable in the mind of human intelligence and therefore is considered One with Creation. The term "God" is considered to be a bridge of common language to non-pantheist religious or metaphysical paths. The term "Collective intelligence of Creation" or "Creation" shall be the Phoenix pantheistic equivalent to "God".  The terms "divine", and "holy", shall be considered non-pantheist terms associated with non-pantheist metaphysical or religious beliefs and are considered inappropriate for the Phoenix Pantheist. (Example: Jesus, Yahweh, Allah, Paramahansa Yogananda, and the Dali Lama are holy and divine; The Bible, the Torah, the Koran, and the Bhagavad Gita are sacred.)
  1. Phoenix Pantheism philosophy chooses not follow the philosophy of "the existence of a 'minded' Being that possesses the characteristic properties of a "person," such as having intentional states, and the associated capacities like the ability to make decisions." Consequently, Phoenix Pantheism has no "being" to which the terms "divine" and "holy" apply. These terms are best left to the Judeo-Christian philosophies. Allah, Jesus, Yahweh et. al., represent the existence of the "minded being" of creation in the Judeo-Christian beliefs, these have their place in the mind of mankind and disrespect shall not be impressed upon them. With respect to the Judeo-Christian philosophy or religious view, the Phoenix Pantheist philosophy holds the following view;
"'God' gave man dominion over nothing, but if 'God' did anything of that intention, he gave humankind, male and female, Guardianship and responsibility to look after his creations within humankind's sphere of influence."

In the view of the Phoenix Pantheist philosophy, male and female are of equal value and neither shall have dominance over the other.  The pantheistic values of the Hindu and Buddhist paths shall be recognized and respected. It is recognized that root of pantheistic thought rest within the Hindu philosophy and its ten principle Upanishads of which the Bhagavad Gita is one.

  1. Phoenix Pantheism recognizes the universality of life, that which is understood and quantified, as well as that which is not understood by empirical scientific means. However, the empirical method of science shall be held with the deepest respect when it is free of politics, financial influence, and self-interest. Responsible science, pursued for the sake of knowledge, is considered sacred.
  1. The Phoenix Pantheist philosophy shall make every attempt to search for truth in knowledge and shall make every effort to be devoid of the arrogance of humankind, science, theology and any arrogance that erodes truth.  The Phoenix Pantheist accepts that there are "many paths" to the enlightenment of humankind.  No claim shall be made that Pantheism is the only way or the only hope.  The human has many senses by which to receive knowledge but only one voice with which to speak of its knowledge; listen more, speak less.  Listen with open mind to the nature of creation and its many voices.
  1. Phoenix Pantheist philosophy chooses not to accept "visions" or "revelations" delivered or induced by mind altering drugs or chemical means regardless of cultural basis of such acts.  Thoughts acquired by the natural effects of meditation or deep contemplation shall be treated with respect.
  1. Perhaps one does not convert to pantheism; it is more that one always was; perhaps undiscovered, as a sleeping giant.  Given to thought, pantheism strives to be the most logical of metaphysical thinking, allowing any entity to question in depth its very purpose thereby requiring no blind faith.  It recognizes the limits of human thought and embraces the necessary inconsistencies as a part of the process of better understanding. Without discordance, there is no progress in the evolution of thought and understanding.

    Phoenix Pantheism is a view of Creation and the understanding thereof, it is a philosophy in continual change, expansion, and renewal; Phoenix Pantheism is intentionally dynamic.   If one reads ancient Pantheistic text which includes the errors of translation in forgotten or poorly understood languages one could conclude it is as flawed as any other religious or metaphysical foundation.  Fortunately, Phoenix Pantheism by its on nature allows and requires renewal of understanding in terms of the time at hand.   That which applied in the past does not always apply in the present or the future; the enhancement of understanding and the gathering of knowledge are continual and ever changing.

    As in the case of the ancient legend of the mythical Phoenix, Phoenix Pantheism arises anew for each nanosecond and each millennium thereby enhancing the existence of the past.   Pantheism is a celebration of life, Creator, and Creation celebrating itself.   One is all and all is one, Creation is all of us, and all that exist.  We are bound together, all that exist affects each entity and each entity affects the holistic sum, hence: 

Singularium:One,
Omnibus!

Phoenix Pantheism seeks not Armageddon or death, but renewal and recreation, a celebration of life. Phoenix Pantheism embraces responsibility, not fear or dependence upon deliverance.   "God"  "Jehovah" et al, are human religious terms used in attempts to define the beginning of creation and its cause, and are most often associated with religious thought based upon fear of destruction and the hope of deliverance therefrom.  Phoenix Pantheism on the other hand "suggest" that creation is undefinable and inconceivable in the mind of humankind, it is ever changing and evolving in renewal, creation is self-correcting in each nanosecond and each millennium. Creation itself is dynamic.

It would be incorrect to say that there is no means of prayer in Pantheism. However, Phoenix Pantheism does not involve asking for benefit or the granting of wishes. If a pantheist stands in awe of nature and creation and silently respects what is being viewed, then, therein is a form of pantheist prayer.  No words need be spoken; it is that momentary union with creation and all that exist that sprouts the seeds of understanding.   If a pantheist stops to recognize the smallest hummingbird or a piece of architecture, the same reverence occurs.  Pantheists ask nothing, but share and give of what they are.  The pantheist accepts responsibility for his or her actions and works for a unitary symbiotic relationship with all that is created. That which we do unto the Earth and all the life forces of Creation, we do unto ourselves.

Poems may often be considered forms of prayer; in the pantheist sense these show appreciation, wonder, and beauty, but never ask favors or grants.  By the nature of Creation itself, we are sometimes compelled to be creative in art, poetry, engineering and science. We are driven to create, and so by the force of Creation, we experience a communication with a part of the Collective intelligence assuring us that as pantheist we are one with the holistic sum.

Phoenix Pantheism, unlike many philosophies or religions, can and should embrace other religions, because they are part of creation too.  By embracing other philosophies and religions Phoenix Pantheism can enhance the glory of "God" as those religions may see it. The Pantheist should encourage the adoption of pantheist sensitivity and respect for all of "God's" creations into other religions; there is no requirement for abandonment of their basic theism.  In saying that the Phoenix Pantheism "chooses" not to follow the theology of a "minded being" it means very simply that Creation ("God") is greater than the human image and is beyond human definition.  To embrace all that is created and hold it sacred, to seek answers to all of its mystery, is to be one-step closer to knowing the root of all knowledge and life.

SINGULARIUM:ONE
OMNIBUS! 

Copyright © 1998 Conservancy of the Phoenix, Inc. -- used with permission.

 


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For more information about Pantheism, or questions about this website please contact Harold Wood at ups@pantheist.net

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.

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All other material, Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000 Universal Pantheist Society.  All rights are reserved.

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