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1. The self-existent Universe, Cosmos, or
'Totality of All
That Is' represents the most suitable focus for our natural human
feelings of awe and reverence. In light of
modern attitudes, the limited, artificially anthropomorphic and
supernatural deities (gods) offered
by traditional mythology are unsatisfactory. Existence itself is
Nature, and the pantheist considers this natural reality to be
spiritually sufficient.
2. Pantheist spirituality is the basic
human experience of the
numinous. It is a subjective response to the natural environment.
Rather than describing the world outside
ourselves, it describes our own state of mind, our way of relating to
that which is greater than ourselves, our creator. Pantheism
synthesizes and
transcends both theism and atheism. It can be both rational and
mystical,
without contradiction.
3. A pantheistic worldview generally entails basic compassion for all living things, respect for the natural environment, the development of a healthy mind and body, and a commitment to the concepts of social justice and ethical integrity. All elements are interconnected, and it is our responsibility to see that those things which are under our control work for the benefit of not only ourselves, but of the unity as well. |