Sand Dancer
Crazy Cat Lady
I was wondering why pantheism and panentheism has their own section. Are they not considered a type of paganism?
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Also crazy seeing another UU member here o.0
Yes and no, but mostly no.
Both pantheism and panentheism (lower case) designate a theological approach, not a "type" of religion. As a theological approach, it is overwhelmingly common within Neopaganism, and in that sense, pantheism/panentheism can be said to be inherent to the movement. However, as a theological approach, no "type" of religion can own it, and pantheism/panentheism are indeed present in many different religious movements.
To make matters more complicated, there are also those who identify as Pantheist or Panentheist (proper case), which designates not simply a theological approach, but a more complete system of beliefs and practices (aka, a religion/spirituality). People who identify as Pantheist/Panentheist may or may not consider themselves Neopagan as well, and I think it's a good idea to respect that.
Ultimately, how we classify things is just so much maps of the territory. But as far as RF is concerned, it doesn't make sense to force pantheism/panentheism into the Neopaganism DIR when it is not a "type" of Neopaganism, and when many who do regard it as a type of religion do not identify as Neopagan.
Is there non-pantheistic / non-panentheistic paganism?
These days Christians claim to be Jews too, but Christian doctrine does not agree with pantheism.Every panentheist I've ever known in the flesh was a Christian, not a Pagan. I've known pantheist Pagans. But I've known polytheist, agnostic and atheist pagans too. Indeed, if there is a default position on this question with the Neo-pagan sphere, I would hazard to guess that it is "who knows?" because I don't think this is something that everyone necessarily thinks about.
Unless you mean Pagan in the vaguer sense of "not orthodox Christian", in which case all pantheists are included by definition.
Pantheism was coined for Hinduism. It is a philosophical idea that logically follows Polytheism. As polytheism is a real spiritual connection with all the beings in Nature, it is a logical step to see all beings as interconnected into one.
I'm afraid I simply disagree with most of this; wouldn't comment except that you made this a reply to my post. To clarify: Your polytheism sounds more like animism, I think you are dealing in prejudicial modernist caricatures of monotheistic thought instead of the real deal, and also misunderstanding what the pantheistic claim looks like usually, since it is not about animist spirits being interconnected but rather of the whole universe being a manifestation of the One.These days Christians claim to be Jews too, but Christian doctrine does not agree with pantheism.
Pantheism was coined for Hinduism. It is a philosophical idea that logically follows Polytheism. As polytheism is a real spiritual connection with all the beings in Nature, it is a logical step to see all beings as interconnected into one.
Abrahamism however is a clear breach with Paganism, it creates the idea of the supernatural and the disconnection between God and Nature. Man is a creature thrown out of Paradise and needs to find his way to Heaven back. And only Man, Animals and other beings are not considered to have soul or spirit. Monotheism is very close to Atheism, it very theoretical (doctrine) and they only have one God left, who is no real God (Spirit of Nature) but a supreme book being. Rather than a real spiritual connection one depends on belief. First people have to believe, the "spiritual" connection then comes as an emotional placebo because they believe.
Abrahamism is both the corruption of pagan spirituality as the original philosophical concepts, a hybrid created for political purposes by despots. As Christianity simply absorbs existing ideas, practices and traditions, it can mask as anything, but at the same time they are very active in destroying the original traditions.
Indian pagnism (one God or Goddess in each village) is non-pantheistic / non-panentheistic.Is there non-pantheistic / non-panentheistic paganism? If so, how common and how well delimited is it?
I was wondering why pantheism and panentheism has their own section. Are they not considered a type of paganism?
Indian pagnism (one God or Goddess in each village) is non-pantheistic / non-panentheistic.
The 360 Gods and Goddesses of Kulu valley gather to meet Lord Rama in Kulu in Dussehra.
Is there non-pantheistic / non-panentheistic paganism? If so, how common and how well delimited is it?