Pantheism
by J. Allanson Picton
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Pantheism differs from the systems of belief constituting the main religions of the world in being comparatively free from any limits of period, climate, or race. For while what we roughly call the Egyptian Religion, the Vedic Religion, the Greek Religion, Buddhism, and others of similar fame have been necessarily local and temporary, Pantheism has been, for the most part, a dimly discerned background, an esoteric significance of many or all religions, rather than a "denomination" by itself. show more The best illustration of this characteristic of Pantheism is the catholicity of its great prophet Spinoza. For he felt so little antagonism to any Christian sect, that he never urged any member of a church to leave it, but rather encouraged his humbler friends, who sought his advice, to make full use of such spiritual privileges as they appreciated most. He could not, indeed, content himself with the fragmentary forms of any sectarian creed. But in the few writings which he made some effort to adapt to the popular understanding, he seems to think it possible that the faith of Pantheism might some day leaven all religions alike. I shall endeavour briefly to sketch the story of that faith, and to suggest its significance for the future. But first we must know what it means. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Strange little book to end up getting an audiobook made of it. Anyway, this is Victorian theologian J Allanson Picton's explanation of his philosophy of Christian pantheism (which should not be confused with the broader religion of pantheism, his is a special case). While it's mostly well read by Miguel Conner (other than messing up some Greek names), its writing style is very dated and Victorian. Might be of interest to people who are deeply interested in Espinoza or his work (since it's very derivative of him) or fans of esoteric 19th century Christian movements. It is quick, I'll say that.
Rather old-fashioned account of the history of Pantheism; nonetheless valuable for its description of the variety of sources contributing to a Pantheist world-view. Picton's chart on the Evolution of Religions shows Pantheism as the ultimate and enlightened completion of what began as mere animism.
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