Pantheism and Earthkeeping

Your life is the most important thing to you. But too many of us have neglected what is perhaps the essence of that life -- our relation to the Universe taken as a whole.

Nothing in the Universe exists alone; all matter and energy is united, interdependent, and inter-related. People are part of this process which we call living - that is, we are a part of a multitude of life-forms which are a coherent, interdependent, never static evolution of matter.

But people are behaving as if they were not a part of the web of life, thereby disrupting the life support system upon which all living things depend.

People miss out on truly living through their arrogant attitude toward the world of which they are a part, having set themselves apart from the natural world, and creating their own idols of money, fame, imagined supernatural deities, chauvinism; ideas.

This makes it hard for us to learn the reality of the Universe, and harder still for us to realize our relationship to it.

Man's arrogance in considering himself apart from and superior to other organisms is resulting not only in environmental abuse, but in deterioration of his own spirit.

Man's abuse of the natural world threatens to destroy the basis of life for a great many species, including himself.

Anthropocentrism has broken the bridge linking man with the Universe.

What is Anthropocentrism?

Another name for it might be "specism" - akin to racism, but referring to the species rather than merely a race. It is the false notion that the world was created solely for man's benefit. Thinking people realize how baseless this must be, but it is an attitude tacitly assumed throughout our society. But man is linked spiritually to the natural world as well as physically; the anthropocentric attitude denies man's need for beauty and wonder.

Pantheism is a means of realizing our oneness with Nature, putting ultimate faith not in our own intelligence, but in the processes which created this intelligence. A Pantheist is not an idolater of any man-made object - no book, no nation, no church, o prophet, no anthropomorphic deity, nor any doctrine or creed.

Pantheism bridges the gap between man and nature.

Pantheists derive their fundamental religious experiences through their personal relationship with the Universe, seeking to improve their relationship with the natural world as their fundamental religious responsibility. Pantheism is a life style, not a system of belief. It is a system of reverent behavior toward the Earth rather than subscription to any particular creed or belief. We must learn to behave in a way that does not destroy our life-support system, we must recognize the valid right of all living things to exist.

One of the best ways to solve personal problems is to work on problems outside yourself. This is what Earthkeeping is all about:

	Recognizing the fundamental mystery of the world, and accepting it.
	Understanding the ecological processes which govern our planet.
	Enjoying natural beauty, experiencing wonder and awe, and most important, being humbled.
	Protecting the life of other species as well as our own, preserving the flow of wildness; practicing conservation in our use of the environment.

KNOWLEDGE
Developing an understanding of the interdependence of living things is an exciting and satisfying activity.

DEVOTION
Enjoying the beauty and mystery of the world is easy - simply pay attention! Motorized contraptions only get in the way -- walk or crawl and witness the beauty and infinite complexity of the things around you.

WORKS
Learning to preserve wildness, promote ecological harmony, and work against environmental degradation is one of the most satisfying activities for the Pantheist. Skills of Earthkeeping can be learned through reading and participation in environmental organizations.

PANTHEISM is an ancient faith, but its principles have never been more relevant. It fulfills a vital need in regaining harmony between Earth and Man, as well as providing a satisfying world view for personal growth and human relationships.

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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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