PANENTHEISTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Panentheistic is an adjective that refers to the philosophical and theological concept of panentheism. Panentheism is a belief system that describes the relationship between God and the world. It suggests that God is both transcendent and immanent, which means that God is present and active within the world, while also being beyond it in some way.
In panentheistic thought, God is seen as encompassing the universe and permeating every aspect of it but is not limited or confined by it. This viewpoint asserts that God is greater than the sum of all creation and exists independently from it. It acknowledges that the world is an integral part of God's being, or that God is inseparable from the universe.
Panentheism differs from pantheism, which views the universe as equivalent to God, and from theism, which asserts that God is separate from the world. Panentheists believe that the divine presence in the universe is not simply an abstract force or energy, but a personal and conscious being that interacts with creation.
The term "panentheistic" can be applied to various religious and philosophical traditions that embrace this concept, including certain forms of Hinduism, Christianity, and mystical or esoteric belief systems. It represents a more inclusive understanding of the divine, highlighting the interconnectedness of all things and attributing a divine essence to the entire cosmos.
Etymology of PANENTHEISTIC
The word "panentheistic" is derived from two major components: "pan", a Greek prefix meaning "all" or "every", and "en", a Greek preposition meaning "in" or "within". The term "theistic" comes from the Greek word "theos", which means "god" or "deity". Therefore, when combined, "panentheistic" can be understood as "all-in-God" or "everything within God". It describes a belief system that posits that the divine, God, or a higher power both encompasses and interpenetrates everything in existence.
