Two commonly used terms from Hinduism are Atman (a human soul) and Brahman (the universal soul).
Pantheism teaches that there is no real difference between Brahman and Atman.
We are one with the universe. We need to realize that through meditation. Any distinction is an illusion. There is no good or evil, only Brahman and illusion.
Buddhist, be enlightened and be one with the universe.
BELIEF: REALITY
Pantheism, panpsychism
Reality, time and individuality are illusions
BELIEF: KNOWLEDGE
There is no knowledge, but oneness and “unknowing” .
There is no “you”
BELIEF: HUMAN PROBLEMS
All problems are illusions
Self-perception is the only problem
We trick ourselves that the physical is what is important
BELIEF: SOLUTIONS TO HUMAN PROBLEMS
Meditation is the way to bypass illusions and perceive Reality.
In Christianity meditation is taking idea and/or concept and concentrate mind on it. I.e. god is love think about that
BELIEF: HUMAN VALUE
All things are equally valuable or of no value
There are values, but they become meaningless in light of the oneness of Brahman.
I love you. I love lamp. You love everything, then loving one thing in particular doesn’t mean anything.
BELIEF: HUMAN PURPOSE
To become one with the univers
Hinduism, is to do your purpose and find release in chain of re encarnation
BELIEF: ETHICS
No one. No one way is better than another.
Hinduism—Dharma, Karma
Buddhism—The eightfold path
BELIEF: SUFFERING
Suffering is not real.
The goal of Buddhism is to escape from suffering (Dukkha).
Hinduism sees suffering as an effect karma.
BELIEF: MEANING IN LIFE
No meaning or overarching story.
Reality is cyclical.
BELIEF: HUMAN DESIRE
Desire is painful, to be eradicated
Desire is the cause of suffering
Does Pantheism pass test of evidence?
No, b/c everything is an illusion, no evidence can be given unless you yourself are enlightened. Not rationality based religion. It’s not about evidence, it’s about going beyond evidence.
Consistency?
No, law of contradiction. They don’t follow logic consistently
Existential Repugnance?
If you believe everything is an illusion, then why avoid things or not eat. Why play according to world’s rules if it’s not real.
TERMS TO KNOW
Brahman—ultimate level of reality ties everything together, world soul, “the force”
Cosmic Consciousness—going beyond local consciousness, being one with the universe
Meditation—concentrating on nothingness (eastern), concentrate on one idea/thing (western). Om
Pantheism—everything is god.
What’s the appeal of pantheism?
Hitting the reset button, not as high standards as Christianity.
How do Christians respond?
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