• Welcome!

    Classical Pantheism is a way of thinking, philosophy, view of the world and/or a realization that could fill-in the gap between scientific fact and the mysterious, it offers a different point-view that's other than atheism or theism, religious or skeptic, one that doesn't entail having to believe in a god or not believing in one. Classical Pantheism is broadly and loosely defined, thus is simple and all-inclusive leaving the details up to you.

    Find a more precise definition of Classical Pantheism here. Find more on what the omniverse is here. Find an intro here.

    Please note: Many of the articles and concepts on this website are continuously evolving and being refined. As a result some articles are numbered with a version number as they are rewritten, allowing the preservation of older articles for posterity.

    Below, find the most recent articles. Use the navigation options above and in the right-hand side bar to browse articles and information.

    Blessings and peace to all of humanity,

The Remedy Lies in Pantheism

By Ethan Z | November 23, 2011

“If I am right in my diagnosis of mankind’s present-day distress, the remedy lies in reverting from the world view of monotheism to the world view of pantheism, which is older and was once universal.”

Arnold Toynbee

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Classical Pantheism Defined – Version 1.1

By Ethan Z | July 13, 2011

Classical Pantheism is a way of thinking, realization or a philosophy [and/or religion if you like] that offers a mental perspective or a vantage point that’s other than theism or atheism, one that doesn’t entail having to believe in a god or not believing in one but views the subject in a different light. This understanding -of Classical Pantheism- might enable filling-in the gap between scientific facts and the mysterious, logic and emotions, and it encourages thinking beyond the ever so common dualities of human existence. It encourages skepticism and spirituality, logic and emotions, living in the now, acquiring knowledge, being of high moral character, learning from others, knowing one’s self, and the nourishing of a truly holistic human experience.

Classical Pantheism is a very broad view, and very basic. Beyond the basic definition, it does not concern itself with matters of rituals, rules, secrets, divine canons, etc.. leaving these to organized groups and religions. Classical Pantheism at it’s best is free of dogma and hierarchy, free of secrets or initiations, free of guilt and psychological manipulation, free of shame, it’s a personal pursuit, holistic and empowering to the individual; further, it is very open to all of human knowledge and wisdom.

Three Basic (Foundational) Concepts:

1- Omniverse: An awareness (via a definition of the word “omniverse”) of an “all-there-is”, perhaps an “all-inclusive-oneness”, that is the sum of, and includes everything material and non, known to us humans and not-known yet, knowable things and unknowables. The “omniverse” is a “philosophical” mental construct that can be equated with the universe, but more accurately it is “all of the possible universes”, or simply “all of existence”, thus omni-universe (or all-universes). Read more on the omniverse here.

2- Spiritual: Explores the inner self and the outer world with a spiritual perspective. Everything around us and that we do is spiritual. Spiritual experiences, moments of connecting with one’s inner self, connecting with others, or with nature are very valuable (or as some might say, holy.) The understanding of the Omniverse is beyond scientific or philosophy it is the sum of both and is a spiritual concept.

3- Knowing: Accepts and utilizes: scientific knowledge, general knowledge, facts, theories, hypothesis, including myth, inspiration, imagination, also unknowables. Encourages seeking truth while noticing the influence one’s ego has on such pursuit. In doing so, it is very open, and allows individuals to interpret their own experiences. Individual opinions vary.

Read More »

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The Omniverse Defined – Version 1.1

By Ethan Z | July 11, 2011

The omniverse is an astronomical, quantum mechanics, theoretical or philosophical view (or definition) on “all of existence” or “all existent universes”. It is both atheistic and theistic, yet it’s neither of these. The idea of an omniverse offers a more basic and expansive definition of existence, this can help many see things differently than the mainstream religions or atheism, offering a place for one to see a third choice (perhaps a middle-ground, or an outside-the-box view) other than having to be an atheists or a theist.

The omniverse is a conceptual ensemble of all possible universes, with everything they contain, with all possible laws of physics, forms of matter, anti matter, no-matter, energies, space, gravity, influences and existences.

The term omniverse is used in cosmology and in physics mostly, though it has appeared in some songs such as the children’s song “One everything” by the group They Might Be Giants and in a song titled “A Perfect Timing” by Niyorah, a reggae artist.

In cosmology, an omniverse is defined by: “all possible attributes and modes are in play, multiverses are categorized by the attributes/modes active in its child universes. Some or all possible modes of existence are actualized.”

In physics, we find the definition by physicists such as Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose who suggested that universes both fork and combine, which could be visualized as a system of roads and pathways. Further Hawking said one could visualize our universe as a bubble, and other universes as other bubbles.

The term is used in quantum mechanics to differentiate the concept of a limited number of universes from all existent universes. In other words it refers to all of the existent unlimited universes.

As Classical Pantheism is in agreement with scientific discovery, I as a Classical Pantheist use the term omniverse where someone else would have used the term Universe.

Read More »

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The Omniverse Defined – Version 1.0

By Ethan Z | July 11, 2011

Originally posted on: December 12, 2009  — Find the most recent version of this article here.

The omniverse is a quantum physics, or philosophical view (or definition) on “all of existence”. It is both atheistic and theistic, yet it’s neither of these. It is what a Classical Pantheist would consider a god, yet not in the Abrahamic sense of a god.

The omniverse is a conceptual ensemble of all possible universes, with everything they contain, with all possible laws of physics, forms of matter, anti matter, no-matter, energies, space, gravity, influences and existences.

The term omniverse is used in cosmology and in physics mostly, though it has appeared in some songs such as the children’s song “One everything” by the group They Might Be Giants and in a song titled “A Perfect Timing” by Niyorah, a reggae artist.

In cosmology, an omniverse is defined by: “all possible attributes and modes are in play, multiverses are categorized by the attributes/modes active in its child universes. Some or all possible modes of existence are actualized.”

In physics, we find the definition by physicists such as Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose who suggested that universes both fork and combine, which could be visualized as a system of roads and pathways. Further Hawking said one could visualize our universe as a bubble, and other universes as other bubbles.

The term is used in quantum mechanics to differentiate the concept of a limited number of universes from all existent universes. In other words it refers to all of the existent unlimited universes.

As Classical Pantheism is in agreement with scientific discovery, I as a Classical Pantheist use the term omniverse where someone else would have used the term Universe.

The Universe is limited. It is best thought of as the physical universe, time-space, distance, speed, matter, 3-D. It is usually thought of as our local universe. Etymologically, the term “universe” is meant to refer to the entirety of one reality, but that is not how this term is used today.

Read More »

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Intro

By Ethan Z | July 9, 2011

Note: This website used to have an introduction text on the main page. That text was removed and posted as this article on July 9th, 2011 opting to keep the home page short and simple. Here’s the introduction, written sometime in mid 2010:

Welcome!

A more precise definition of Classical Pantheism can be found here.

Classical Pantheism offers you a framework that enables being true to yourself, to fully accept both science and spirituality, without religious or atheistic extremism, without dogma or controlling concepts, enabling you to see past the world of duality most religious followers and evangelical atheists create, giving you a world-view that is truly and essentially holistic.

This world view is what makes Classical Pantheism different. Classical Pantheism is not a new concept, it’s as old as human thought, yet it is as modern as possible, because it is derived from human thought, knowledge and experience, thus it evolves as we do.

Classical Pantheism enables you to explore your inner and outer nature, not only in scientific terms but also in spiritual terms and personal experiences. It merges our human attraction to exploration and knowledge along with our innate spirituality and emotions, it also encourages you accept the unknown, or not knowing. When we do not know, we rely on human thought, or logic, while understanding and accepting the limitations of both, not fearing them.

Pantheism is interesting because (despite the term pan-theism) it is not Theistic as we define theism today; it is also not Atheistic. It is rather holistic, in doing so it recognizes dualities but sees past duality into the wholeness or oneness of everything.

A main concept in Classical Pantheism as it is known today is what I call “the Omniverse”. Thinking in terms of the Omniverse redefines what people consider to be a god, a divine existence, or the “all there is”. Another facet of Classical Pantheism is that it accepts “not knowing” certain facts, in not knowing lies mystery, which is an integral part of the human experience. We understands and respects human limitations, and rely on logic (ancient and modern) where science is lacking in explanation.

Unlike Atheism or Skepticism we celebrate the unknown along with the known scientific facts of the day. We also accept the natural constant evolution of science, never scumming to the stagnation of scientific dogma.

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FAQ: What About Creation? v 1.0

By Ethan Z | June 30, 2011

This is another point of common confusion today, due to limited “definitions” on the parts of theists and atheists alike.

People assume creation happened once.

The Theists credit God to have created everything in the universe once, in some instances god may be creating things now, but in general, God creates withing the universe based on the limited view of what we consider the physical universe.

The Atheists say creation never occurred. But, many seem to accept a beginning point to the universe as in the big-bang theory, assuming that a big-bang started the universe, this one point preceded everything there is… it created matter and time, but itself (the big-bang) was not created or preceded by anything.   Do you see the conflict in this argument?  Is this much better than what Theists believe?  really? not that different if you ask me.

The Classical Pantheist says creation is ALWAYS occurring, as our Omniverse is constantly creating, in our universe perhaps, perhaps creating other universes, perhaps creating new laws of physics in other existences!  we simply do not know.

.

Both Atheists and Theists, once they understand the concept of an Omniverse, will see things very differently:

The Theist will see how an Omniverse is eternal (was never created) and they will see it as the creator. They will see, by definition, an external, creator god that preceded the Omniverses is simply not possible;

. Read More »


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FAQ: When was the Term Omniverse First Used to Describe Pantheism?

By Ethan Z | June 24, 2011

When I researched Pantheism I found that before the rise of Scientific Pantheism, pantheism used terms as the universe, cosmos, “all there is”, divine, “one thing”, “one Being”, or God.

The term Omniverse is relatively modern physics term. I found the term Omniverse to be much more suitable to describe “all that is” (whether known or unknown). Today, many seem to recognize the words “universe” and “cosmos” to be referring to a local region of space/time while the word God usually is thought of as the Abrahamic God.

The Omniverse is “eternity”, “infinite”, timeless, limitless, all there is.  Possibly impossible to imagine by us..  Think how how difficult it is to imagine infinity, yet the Ominverse concept is so basic. It is all there is, the oneness that is everything.

Omniverse is a core concept of Pantheism.. I am certain I am not the only human that thought of this, thus came this website to share this thought with everyone and for those who have pondered such issues to have this idea to consider, how the Omniverse concept unifies science and spirituality and offers an alternative to monotheistic or panentheistic religions.

The Pantheistic god, today is defined by me to be the Omniverse. In fact, Omniverse is much more easily understood as a term than pantheism, as the word theism in pantheism implies some sort of christian or religious connotation limiting ones scope of definition.  Omniverse on the other hand is a newer, scientific term one that has not been defined earlier in any contradicting manner.

Should we then use the term Omniversism over classical pantheism? perhaps.

When did I start using the word Omniverse?  on December 10, 2009.

Edited 9/4/2011

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Classical Pantheism Defined – Version 1.0

By Ethan Z | June 23, 2011

Find the most-recently version of this document here:

The word Pantheism is built upon the Greek pan=”everything” & theos=”God”; In Classical Pantheism the Omniverse (multiverse/cosmos/all of existence) is divine, eternal, one and infinite.

Classical Pantheism is a philosophy (and/or religion) that offers an alternative that is very logical, free of dogma, simple and intuitive, one that is not: theistic, atheistic, deistic, pandeistic or panentheistic. Pantheism does not see theism as it was defined by Abrahamic religions, it is META-theism, meaning: beyond, outside and above ordinary theism. I sometimes describe it as non-theistic due to the widely accepted definition of what the word “theistic” means.  If you view theism as it is defined by Abrahamic religions or mainstream culture world-wide then Pantheism is “not” theistic, despite the term theism being a part of the word pantheism.

I believe pantheism fills-in the gap between those who believe in a god and those who don’t. It unifies those who see creation and those who don’t, those that rely on science and those who don’t.

We live in a world of duality, two very visible camps, those believing in a god (or multiple) the others denying anything resembling a god, those spiritual and the others denying spirituality exists. Pantheism does not engage in these petty wars, pantheism offers a middle ground, many theists and atheists alike find a home in pantheism. Pantheism attracts atheists who do not believe in the Abrahamic god, atheists that are spiritual, and spiritual people from all backgrounds.

As you read this article and others on this website you will begin to see the essence of what pantheism is and the logic behind it.  Pantheism does not waste time debating the common idea of a god as is defined in the mainstream (as defined by atheists and theists alike). Pantheism concerns itself in the oneness of things.

The Omniverse is synonymous to the whole itself, the one itself, here the Omniverse is the god itself. There is no Abrahamic personified god, no eternal being but the Omniverse  in its wholeness and oneness (that is the source end destination of all existing dualities). There is no separation of a divine being outside of this oneness that is itself all there is.

Read More »

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FAQ: How is the Omniverse Similar to the Abrahamic God?

By Ethan Z | December 19, 2010

Panthesim is META-theism, META meaning: beyond, outside and above ordinary theism. A Pantheist views the Omniverse as a spiritual unity, which could be equated to the idea of the one theistic god but is better understood beyond and above the ordinary accepted understanding of theism.

Some similarities could be drawn between the Omniverse and the Theistic God, as follows:

  • The Omniverse creates
  • The Omniverse is greater than our universe
  • The Omniverse is infinite
  • The Omniverse is eternal
  • Since it is infinite and eternal and all there is, it is also all powerful
  • The Omniverse is considered as the divine, one, all that there is
  • The Omniverse may have preceded some local universes

Now that we’ve seen the similarities, let’s consider the differences. The Omniverse is not something that:

  • preceded the Omniverse -> It was always there
  • exists outside the Omniverse
  • extends outside the Omniverse
  • greater than the Omniverse -> it does not transcend itself
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A Conversation with a Believer

By Ethan Z | December 18, 2010

Believer: How come no one created the universe?

Me: I didn’t say it wasn’t created, what we know as the universe was created but it wasnt by what you think of as god.

Believer: Are you saying God didn’t create the universe and give you life?

Me: Not God as you define it.

Believer: Is there another God that you believe in?

Me: I guess so. I don’t believe in the Abrahamic God.

Believer: If I was you I’d be careful with what I say, don’t blaspheme about God, he could hurt you, you’ll go to hell.

Me: Well, my god is not a “he”, and hell doesn’t exist.

Believer: Oh God!

Me: Yes?

Believer: So, who created the Universe?

Me: It created itself, I call it Omniverse.

Believer: How can something create itself?

Me: I see the universe to be God, and God was never created.

Believer: If the universe exists, it must have been created, and the only one who can create it is God.

Me: True, but what is God?

Believer: Are you an Atheist?

Me: No, but try to define God please.

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FAQ: Define Classical Pantheism Please

By Ethan Z | December 18, 2010

This article has been given a version number.

Find the most recent article (the one with the most recent version number) here:

.

Note: The comments below were in response to an article that was moved from here, posted as a new article and given a version number, specifically the one with version 1.0.  The link above will take you to a list of articles defining Classical Pantheism. Older versions are kept for posterity.

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The Omniverse Unifies

By Ethan Z | December 18, 2010

Understanding what the Omniverse is can unify both Atheists and Theists.

Ethan Z. 12/18.2010

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FAQ: But Who Created the Universe?

By Ethan Z | December 18, 2010

The Omniverse was never created. It is everything there is, infinite and eternal (as energy/matter is not created only changed) You could think of what we call “our universe” as something that was created, via a big-bang etc, our universe might/likely have had a beginning.

Most if not all theists believe in the existence of a force outside of the universe that created it. This force itself, they reason, was not created, it was always there. This force is the creator, and referred to a god.

Deists believe such force once existed but no longer does, as this force (or god) designed and created the universe and then ceased to exist. They also call this force god or divine.

Classical Pantheism equates this creating force, the thing that creates but itself was not created (i.e. god) with the Omniverse literally.  Thus, the Omniverse was never created, and is a creator.

Let’s examine this “different” concept more … an example or two:

1)

A Christian is 100% in agreement that God was never created.. that god created the universe (and life in it), in 7 days.

A Classical Pantheist is in agreement that god was never created … however, here, “god” is the “Omniverse” itself in all it’s mystery, eternity and infinity.. thus, the Omniverse is god, and the Omniverse was never created. The Omniverse is “everything that is”, “all there is”, including physical things like elements and stars and life and non physical things like time and the laws of physics, essentially “one thing”, thus has always been there, and itself constantly changes via astronomical and intergalactic events and when entire universes are created.

.

.. How does that sound so far? peaked your interest? Great!  let’s look at this from a different angle:

2)

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FAQ: Why is Pantheism not Theistic?

By Ethan Z | December 18, 2010

Pantheism is not theistic in today’s sense of the word, it is META-theism, META meaning: beyond, outside and above ordinary theism. A Pantheist views the Omniverse as a spiritual unity, which could be equated to the idea of the one theistic god but is better understood beyond and above the ordinary accepted understanding of theism.

When a Scientific Pantheist says “God” they are referring to the Universe and Nature only.

A Classical Pantheist would be referring to the Omniverse. The Pantheist God “is” the Omniverse itself. In fact using the word god may be confusing to some. Panthesist prefer to use words such as oneness or divinity, or omniverse rather than say God.

To those who want to know how the Pantheist God is different than a theistic God, consider these points. The divinity, oneness or Omniverse itself is not something that:

  • is supernatural -> everything in the Omniverse is natural.
  • preceded the Omniverse-> It was always there
  • exists outside the Omniverse
  • extends outside/beyond the Omniverse
  • greater than the Omniverse-> it does not transcend itself

All the above are things people think of when they think of a theistic god. Because of this some say the pantheistic god is not theistic. It has to do with how we defined the word “theistic”.

Like most theistic religions, the pantheistic philosophy allows for the so called “supernatural” events to occur. However, supernatural is just that is an oxymoron. In an Omniverse, everything is natural.. including things that people may consider supernatural such as angels, guides, spirits, life force, visions, etc.. They are not super-natural, they are a natural part of the fabric of the Omniverse only referred to as supernatural because we may not fully understand them or scientifically prove them.

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FAQ: How Does Classical Pantheism Relate To Morality?

By Ethan Z | December 18, 2010

Pantheism offers a philosophical view of life and existence itself. It has no holy books or sacred teachings. Humans have the choice to do good or evil. There is no heaven or hell. The life of humans here and now is what it is, we could make it heaven or hell.

Respect for life in all forms:

The omniverse (and everything within it) is divine and worthy of respect and awe. It follows that everything in this omniverse has divinity, is worthy of respect and awe. Life and consciousness are considered “aware” and “distinct” component of this omniverse, thus life and consciousness are divine and deserves and demands respect.

Some view everything as divine, including plants, animals, rocks, clouds, thoughts, emotions..

If once sees others are part of the one, as distinct personalities of the same essence, one will feel an innate love for everything and everyone. Thus, love is an often experienced emotion. Further, Pantheism allows a person to shed their fears to a large degree.

Like I said, there is no holy book here, we have inside of ourselves the innate ability to evolve our thoughts, morals, culture and laws. If one bases their morals on the basic concept of respecting divinity that is every where and in everything, we would have fair and just laws and interactions amongst each other.

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FAQ: Who Coined the Term Pantheist?

By Ethan Z | December 17, 2010

The term “pantheist” was used first by an Irish writer named John Toland in 1705. He defined a pantheist as one who beleives:

in no other eternal being but the universe

This is a simple definition that describes both scientific pantheism and classical/mystical pantheism.

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FAQ: Is Pantheism the Same as Panentheism?

By Ethan Z | December 16, 2010

No. A lot of confusion exists between pantheism and panentheism. Here’s a clarification:

Pantheism:  “God is the whole”. God is synonymous with the Omniverse. The Omniverse is practically the whole itself, the one itself. If you have to use the word god in Pantheism then the omniverse and god are coextensive.

Panentheism: “The whole is in God”. The universe and God are not ontologically equivalent. God is not necessarily the creator or demiurge, but the eternal animating force behind the universe, some versions positing the universe as nothing more than the manifest part of God. In some forms of panentheism, the universe/cosmos exists within God, who in turn “pervades” or is “in” the cosmos. God is greater than the universe and some forms hold that the universe is contained within God.

Pantheists do not worry about god watching them, judging them, who god is, god is not  a person to them. They view the Omniverse as a whole oneness as ALL THERE IS. The one infinite eternal Omniverse always was and always will be what is.

You will find pantheists or pantheistic ideas within these religions: Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Neopaganism,  Theosophy, Gaia theory, Unitarian Universalists, Sufism, traditional and folk religions including African traditional religions and Native American religions.

On the other hand, Panenthesits do refer to God often and view this god in a fashion more similar to the Abrahamic religions, as an encompassing force or a creator, one that transcends the creation (but is not it). You will see panentheists within these religions: Christianity, Islam (Ismaili doctrine, Sufism [universal sufism] and Shi’ism), Judaism, Hinduism, Bahá’í Faith, Gnosticism, Manichaeism, and Kabbalism

Updated Dec 19, 2010


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Yes I’m here

By Ethan Z | December 15, 2010

I haven’t posted any new articles since Feb 28, 2010, it’s been a few months. I was busy with work, school, reading and simply living this life.  I will soon be posting new articles.

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FAQ: Is Pantheism Nondualism?

By Ethan Z | February 28, 2010

Yes, by examining the excerpt from wikipedia below discussing non-dualism and monism you’ll find that pantheism (which is monotheistic) is non-dualism.

The philosophical concept of monismis similar to nondualism. Some forms of monism hold that all phenomena are actually of the same substance. Other forms of monism including attributive monism and idealism are similar concepts to nondualism. Nondualism proper holds that different phenomena are inseparable or that there is no hard line between them, but not that they are the same. The distinction between these two types of views is considered critical in Zen, Madhyamika, and Dzogchen, all of which are nondualisms proper. Some later philosophical approaches also attempt to undermine traditional dichotomies, with the view they are fundamentally invalid or inaccurate. For example, one typical form of deconstruction is the critique of binary oppositions within a text while problematizationquestions the context or situation in which concepts such as dualisms occur. **

** from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nondualism

Borrowing from the lexicon, you can find the definition of Dualism and nondualism below.

Dualism: The doctrine that reality consists of two basic opposing elements, often taken to be mind and matter (or mind and body), or good and evil. Dualism denotes a state of two parts. The word’s origin is the Latin duo, “two” . The term ‘dualism’ was originally coined to denote co-eternal binary opposition, a meaning that is preserved in metaphysical and philosophical duality discourse but has been diluted in general usage.

Nondualism: Is the implication that things appear distinct while not being separate. The belief that dualism or dichotomy are illusory phenomena; that things such as mind and body may remain distinct while not actually being separate.

It may be debated that Scientific Pantheists are Materialistic Nondualists (the physical Universe is one and all). I believe that Classical Pantheists are Spiritual Nondualists (the spirit/the substance/the force/the conscious Universe is all and one) and Classical Pantheists can be thought of as Spiritual Monotheists as well. The definition of Universe is what varies between them.

It is my personal opinion that Universe, itself is consciousness, or conscious spirit. So am I, so are you, thus all is connected (not separate, ONE), yet distinct. This distinction may be a necessary ilusion for the Universe/god to experience its existence, or perhaps this distinction is solely a product of the ego.  Thinking, words, ideas (such as this article) are also used and created by the ego.  Many people identify as the ego (identify themselves as their ideas, thoughts, beliefs, emotions).   This is my personal opinion as of 2/28/2010. Any addendums will be posted as comments below. Read More »

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FAQ: Is Pantheism Monotheistic?

By Ethan Z | February 28, 2010

Yes but not exactly:

1- If you examine the definition of Monism, below, you’ll find that Pantheism is monotheistic.

Monism: Any philosophical system asserting the essential unity of things, i.e., that all things belong to one category – material (materialism), mental (idealism), spiritual (pantheism), or some other essence. Monism is contrasted with the various kinds of dualism. The doctrine that reality consists of a single basic substance or element.  Is any philosophical view which holds that there is unity in a given field of inquiry, where this is not to be expected. Thus, some philosophers may hold that the Universe is really just one thing, despite its many appearances and diversities; or theology may support the view that there is one God, with many manifestations in different religions.

2- However, Pantheism is not “theistic”. It is META-theism, META meaning: beyond, outside and above ordinary theism.

A Pantheist views the Omniverse as a spiritual unity, which could be equated to the idea of the one theistic god but is better understood beyond and above the ordinary accepted understanding of theism.

Read: Why is Pantheism not theistic?

Find more definitions in the lexicon

Updated: Dec 19, 2010

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