I got curious about what I would find if I use the different theisms as pointers for own exploration.
Any thought is a question, so what do I find if I use the theism-thoughts as questions?
Atheism
Atheism, in a broad sense, is the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. In a narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities. Most inclusively, atheism is simply the absence of belief that any deities exist. – Wikipedia.
Where do I find deities?
I find deities in thoughts and images.
Do I find them outside of thoughts and images?
No.
So yes, I don’t “believe” in them in that sense.
They happen within content of experience as any other experience – as the play of awareness.
Theism
Theism, in the broadest sense, is the belief that at least one deity exists. In a more specific sense, theism refers to a doctrine concerning the nature of a monotheistic God and God’s relationship to the universe. Theism, in this specific sense, conceives of God as personal, present and active in the governance and organization of the world and the universe.
Does at least one deity exist?
Yes, as Spirit – the field of experience happening within and as awareness.
Monotheistic?
Yes – it’s one, undivided, it includes all polarities.
Personal, present and active?
Yes.
It’s present here now.
It’s active here now, showing up as the play of awareness.
Personal?
Well, it’s personal in that Spirit can show up as an experience of presence – an infinitely wise and kind presence.
It’s personal in that prayers often are answered.
Whatever I experience as personal – in myself, others, relationships – happens within and as Spirit.
Nontheism
Nontheistic religions are traditions of thought within religions, some otherwise aligned with theism, others not, in which nontheism informs religious beliefs or practices.
No God?
Yes – I cannot find any “real” God anywhere.
Images of gods are images, as are any experience interpreted as related to a god.
Any idea of a God or gods are images only.
Pantheism
Pantheism is the view that the Universe (Nature) and God are identical. Pantheists thus do not believe in a personal, anthropomorphic or creator god. The word derives from the Ancient Greek: ??? (pan) meaning “all” and ???? (theos) meaning “God”. As such, Pantheism denotes the idea that “God” is best seen as a way of relating to the Universe. Although there are divergences within Pantheism, the central ideas found in almost all versions are the Cosmos as an all-encompassing unity and the sacredness of Nature.
The Universe and God identical?
Yes, I can find that.
The Universe – aka the field of experience, happens within and as awareness – aka Spirit.
Panentheism
Panentheism (from Greek pân “all”; en “in”; and theós “God”; “all-in-God”) is a belief system which posits that God exists and interpenetrates every part of nature, and timelessly extends beyond as well. Panentheism is distinguished from pantheism, which holds that God is synonymous with the universe.
God is in and beyond the Universe?
If the Universe – aka the field of experience – is the play of awareness, then there is also capacity for the play of awareness.
So God is the Universe (play of awareness, creation), and also beyond (capacity).
Nondualism
Nondualism is a term used to denote affinity, or unity, rather than duality or separateness or multiplicity. In reference to the universe it may be used to denote the idea that things appear distinct while not being separate. The term “nondual” (meaning “not two”) can refer to a belief, condition, theory, practice, or quality.
I’ll include nondualism here.
Unity, not separate?
Hm. Yes, and it’s much simpler than how it’s sometimes presented.
Does all happen within awareness?
Is any experience anything else than awareness itself?
Can I find anything that’s not awareness?
If my field of experience is the play of awareness, then that’s the unity, that’s where there is no separation.
And of course, images and experiences of separation also happen as this play of awareness.
– o –
The way to clarity goes through delusion
When I explore this, I am reminded of what Adya sometimes says (paraphrased):
The way to clarity goes through delusion.
These explorations are just stepping stones.
The questions and exploration is what’s important.
What I write down here has very little importance or value in itself, apart from as new questions – new pointers for exploration.
In other words, what I write here – and in any post on this blog – is delusion, at most a stepping stone to more clarity.
– o –
…………………
…………………
…………………
- atheist etc.
- interesting to use each one as a pointer for exploration, see what I find
- atheist – image of god is just an image + healthy skepticism
- non-theist – spirit
- theist – prayer, image of god etc.
- …..
- interesting to use each one as a pointer for exploration, see what I find
………………..
Any philosophy and world view – and any thought in general – is a question, an invitation for own exploration.
What happens when I use it as a guideline? What happens if I take it as true?