Reddit reviews Pantheism: A Non-Theistic Concept of Deity

Sorry I didn't get this written out earlier. It's really hard for me to put my faith into words, so I'm going to attempt to define this as best I can by using the help of Wikipedia (because it breaks things down easier than I can!).

If you look at the Wikipedia article for theism (first paragraph):

>In a more specific sense, theism can be 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.

I can't quite grasp the Christian concept of theism either, but it's my understanding that the deity (God) is a entity of its own. This deity is worshiped as the over-ruler of the universe, and as the entitity responsible for how the universe works. The relationship between a believer and the deity would then be almost of a devote follower. A friend, even, where at whichever time you can conduct a conversation with the deity.

If you take the similar concept into pantheism, the deity is composed of everything, or like I believe, of energy. This everything isn't any different than you or me, but we see the physical/psychological differences clearly. The relationship between a believer and the deity is a relationship of existance. I can't exist without the atoms in the air, and the air can't exist without the cycle of atoms going in and out of existing bodies. Together we're all one in the same.

I'm not sure if this answered your question. But the main aspect of theism that I see in pantheism is that relationship of who and what we are. Worship is as simple as living, and in theory I could worship by practicing yoga. Or, I could be more Wicca inclined and practice sage burning. How we live life though is a different matter, and doesn't always have a lot to do with our beliefs or who/what we think created us.

*Edit. I want to add that pantheism is so differently translated, especially in terms of a deity, by everyone. Pantheism: A Non-Theistic Concept of Deity by Michael P. Levine (super long book!) can possibly help you more than my explanation.