ANTHROPANTHEISM (Snell, Joel C.) SOCIALVIBES.NET, SUMMER, 2017

ABSTRACT

The author introduces a sociological term that might approximate folk theology. It is ANTHROPATHEISM. The term is meant to bring together two major concepts anthropomorphism and pantheism. It is not to create conflict among theologians, but perhaps provide insight for sociologists. Thus it does not mean that a personal God is transformed into the proto-personal one. It is an academic exercise and an attempt to bring the concepts together as a bridge to each other.

INTRODUCTION

In academia, generally is the place where numerous  concepts are introduced or reintroduced to many quantitative or qualitative tests.  The term ANTHROPANTHEISM surely has been studied and rejected. Thus, this approach is that it assumes that each individual who believes in “God.” has their own definition or lack of one. That anthropm orphism means that God is homogenous and is attributed with human characteristics. Pantheism sees God impacted in all living things. There is more, but in anthropm orphism  God is personal and can or has been compared to a personal  intelligence. Pantheism is dignifies many living creatures and plants. Their energy is then directed to an over soul and many sources keep the world flowing. For reasons of brevity, polytheism, deism, agnosticism, atheism are not discussed.

ANTHROPORHISM

Each individual can speak to God or a personal messenger like an angel of sprit. There is a person to talk to and help with each individual and group. Jews, Christians, and Muslims have this relationship. Further folk level preachers can claim miracles, healing, and help in wars. More educated see a personal God that works subtly or beyond reason. They may reflect back on instances that God could have helped. They pray to a God that loves them , but accepts them and their actions and appreciates when an individual tries to move toward pro-social behavior. There appears to be a relationship from person to a super person. Instantly describing God as directly and immediately helps one is thought to be very imperfect. The previous statement may be true, but is likely to need more interpretation.

PANTHEISM

It is the universe, but in this definition still carries a nuclei or over soul. Of the 10,000 religions most individuals belong to the three listed above. Or to the pantheistic God of Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, or Buddhism. Pantheism is more favored by scientists or those that see personal God that wants more information to get to humans so that it arises above correlation to prediction and verification.  All this is that. Serendipity probably can be attributed to one or the other. Pantheism  is not a blank slate, rather it impregnates God in all humans, but the emphasis is also in nature’s plants and animals. Pantheism leans more toward reincarnation. Antroporphism can be universalist in afterlife. However it is likely to be more punitive with one chance to make it to heaven.

There are pantheists who are strict, rigid and judgmental. They endorse 1 small division of believers who will find paradise. Others are more open and understanding. Where is the limit where everything is allowed? That is the stuff of each conception of God.

WHAT IS  ANTHROPANTHEIST?

In this approach, the individual believes that God has both characteristics of the two major conceptions of God. He assumes that there are serious contradictions, but prefers the warmth of this folk conception to bridge world religions.  It may take on street credibility….However, it would appear that theologians cannot accept this. Thus, anthropantheism is for believers not academic or related. The balance of the two is up to the individual or group.

REFERENCES

(see PANTHEISM, ANTHROPORHISM, CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TWO. Please see any that tries bring together the great religions of the world.)

Snell, Joel C. (9/25/2015)  Anthropantheism  SOCIALVIBES.NET