Any pantheists out there?

Question

Is anyone here a pantheist or spinozist?(like einstein and sagan and gorbachev?)

I believe in Spinoza's God who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in a God who concerns himself with the fates and actions of human beings. - Albert Einstein

Answer 1

Yes, I am. I didn't know it for a long time that I was, as I kept feeling guilty if I left that cult of intolerants. Once I made the break, I am much more at peace with all people and all things. Sounds a bit New Agey, I know, but I'm not an incense burner or crystal waiver. Actually, I'm a very rational guy, an ex-merchant marine officer who spent many a night at sea staring at star filled skies, reevaluating myself and my place relative to reality. Now, though, I can find the beauty in all things and people whether I like them or not. Makes getting through a tough day much easier.

Answer 2

I think some respondents have pantheism and polytheism confused.

Polytheism = belief in many gods.
Pantheism = belief in "God-is-All", that is, in the divine nature of the Universe/totality of existence itself and all matter and energy within it.

I would include Spinoza in the list of pantheists, though I'm not sure about Einstein - I am under the impression that he was an atheist.

I'd say I am a naturalistic pantheist. But I can't make up my mind as to whether that's a tautology.

Answer 3

According to dictionary.com:

pan·the·ism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (pnth-zm)
n.
A doctrine identifying the Deity with the universe and its phenomena.
Belief in and worship of all gods.

and

pantheist

adj : of or relating to pantheism [syn: pantheistic] n : someone who believes that God and the universe are the same
______________________________

Oddly enough I can get behind both of these definitions. My own personal belief is that there is a Universal Energy that animates this existence and that we are all a part of it. I very often call upon the Universe for help in times of trouble.

I also think that all of the earth's religions are individual, cultural interpretations of this energy (even religions that have more than 1 god can be interpreted as different facets or faces of the same Universal Energy) - so in that sense, one could say that I believe in all gods.

So I guess I am a pantheist. Thanks - I didn't know there was a term for folks like me. Peace!

Answer 4

I agree with the first poster. If one is a fable, what makes you think more will be better?

Answer 5

If one is too many, why would i want *several*?

Answer 6

NO!!!