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(Number 335)
Monotheism vs. Pantheism definitions.
Let me get back to my original plan of postings. I'd like to talk
today about Monotheism versus Pantheism and try to clear the air as
to what the correct definitions are. This might help our newer
members understand what is bantered back and forth in the Pagan
community in general and more especially within the Christian sector.
There `are' differences and it becomes clearer as you look at the
spelling of the various definitions; so before you go off into heavy
discussions utilizing these terms, ensure that the term is indeed the
correct term you are looking for.
Let's have a look then....
The primary meaning of "pantheism" is "the belief that the Divine
is
identifiable with the forces of nature and with natural substances,"
and it is this meaning of pantheism which is properly contrasted
with "panentheism" (the belief that the Divine is within the natural
world but not limited to it).
This pantheism denies all Gods and Goddesses, at least to the extent
that they are understood as anything more than natural forces. Thus
if you believe that the Goddess is something more than the physical
planet Earth, or Moon, you are NOT a pantheist; you are a
panentheist.
A secondary meaning of "pantheism" is "worship that admits or
tolerates all gods." As this meaning directly contradicts the
primary meaning, persons using the term should be careful to specify
which meaning they intend. (Under this meaning, if there is any god
whose existence you do not acknowledge - Satan, for example - you are
NOT a pantheist.)
Within the Pagan community, the term pantheism is used even more
sloppily as a synonym for polytheism and/or animism. This had led
many people who don't meet either of the above definitions to
mistakenly call themselves pantheists.
By that, I mean that I believe the Christian God exists, but don't
necessarily worship that particular deity. If all gods and goddesses
exist; you can worship one of them, (Monotheism), without excluding
the existence of the rest of them. Are we clear yet?
However, that's not monotheism, that's henotheism. Monotheism is
the belief that only one "God" exists. Note, however, that
monotheism does not deny the existence of lesser beings (saints,
angels, etc.) Who might also be called "gods" in a polytheistic
system? Note also that Christianity is not truly monotheistic; as
it has the `top job' shared three ways. OK now?
BB
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