Hylotheism is a philosophical concept that suggests matter and God are inseparable. The word is spelled phonetically as [hahy-luh-thee-iz-uhm]. The first syllable "hy" is pronounced with an aspirated 'h' sound followed by a long 'i' sound, leading into 'luh'. The word ends with a short 'i' sound, 'z' and finishes with a soft 'uhm'. The spelling of Hylotheism may be challenging to remember but accurately pronouncing each syllable will convey the intended meaning.
Hylotheism is a term originated from the combination of two Greek words: "hyle" meaning matter or substance, and "theos" meaning god or divine. It primarily refers to a philosophical or religious concept that suggests the belief in a god or gods that are essentially part of, or dependent on, the material world or substance.
In hylotheism, the deity or deities are seen as an integral aspect of the physical universe, inseparable from matter. This belief system posits that gods are not separate or transcendent entities, but rather immanent and interconnected with the material realm. This perspective implies a close association between divinity and the processes of nature, where natural phenomena, physical entities, or the universe itself may be perceived as expressions or manifestations of the divine.
Hylotheism can encompass various interpretations and expressions within different philosophical or religious traditions. It may include the view that the gods are an inherent part of the natural laws governing the cosmos, or that the physical world is an embodiment of divinity. It can also be associated with forms of pantheism, animism, or other nature-centered belief systems, emphasizing the significance of the material world in the understanding of the divine.
Overall, hylotheism represents a perspective that acknowledges the intrinsic connection between the divine and the material world, highlighting the immanence of gods within the substance or matter of existence.
The doctrine or belief that matter is God.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Hylotheism" is derived from two Greek roots - "hyle" meaning matter or material, and "theos" meaning god or deity. In Greek philosophy, "hyle" refers to the material substance or matter, while "theos" refers to the divine or supernatural. Therefore, "Hylotheism" can be understood as a belief system that posits the existence of a divine entity that is closely interconnected with and inseparable from the material world.