I used to call myself a Pantheist but after starting to look seriously at occult/esotericism works and Pagan littterature I wasn't sure what I was anymore. I mean, there is so many school of thoughts, scholars who disagree with each others, various philosophical and theological viewpoints that the open-minded individual can only be in a profound state of doubt. Should I believe in a pantheon of Gods, in a non-personal pantheist divine energy or the monotheism of an Abrahamic God? Science does not provide any more answers when ti comes to the ultimate origin of existence.
I've come to the conclusion that a form of Agnosticism is the position that makes the most sense according to my personal understanding of the meaning of it all. Because the existence or particular characteristics of God(s) are fundamental questions that cannot be answered unless you have a meaningful and crystal-clear experience of revelation. Spiritual masters cannot prove to you that their mystical experience is a universal truth that has to be to be applied to everyone. The open-minded individual who may call him/herself Pagan who is thirsty of any sort of metaphysical truths can only try to learn as much as possible from all perspectives, meditate, practice and see what kind of knowledge comes in, if any.
In my case, I've decided to define myself as an Agnostic Theist. I do believe in a God(s?) because it makes sens to me based on the sheer complexity of the Universe and it's striking beauty, the right conditions for life to be and wonder as well as the spiritual experiences of many people and from all ages that I cannot simply dismiss. However, I can't say for sure what is the true nature of God(s). I do not subscribe to the idea that the World sprang from nothingness as many Atheists claim but who knows?
Here's a very useful chart to put the concept into a concrete form: (I've found it on this great article: http://www.myjewishl...gnostic-theist/)
This closely ressemble the Seeker-Agnostic, but the Agnostic Theist does sign in the idea of God(s). Here's a definition of Seeker-Agnosticism as reported by a 2013 study by researchers of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga:
''5. Seeker-Agnostic (SA)
"Seeker-Agnostic typology consists of individuals attuned to the metaphysical possibilities precluding metaphysical existence, or at least recognizes the philosophical difficulties and complexities in making personal affirmations regarding ideological beliefs. They may call themselves agnostic or agnostic-atheist, as the SA simply cannot be sure of the existence of God or the divine. They keep an open mind in relation to the debate between the religious, spiritual, and antitheist elements within society. ... In some cases, Seeker-Agnostics may generally miss being a believer either from the social benefits or the emotional connection they have with others such as friends or family. At times, their intellectual disagreement with their former theology causes some cognitive dissonance and it is possible they may continue to identity as a religious or spiritual individual. However, taking those exceptions into account, the majority of Seeker-Agnostics should in no way be considered “confused.” For the Seeker-Agnostic, uncertainty is embraced."
Source: http://www.centerfor...ut_who_are_you/
I feel that this theological viewpoint is in perfect tuning with my pagan beliefs. To me, Agnostic Theism is an humble position assuming a non-commitment or ignorance as to the ultimate origin of the divine.
What about you? Any other similar path here?
I've come to the conclusion that a form of Agnosticism is the position that makes the most sense according to my personal understanding of the meaning of it all. Because the existence or particular characteristics of God(s) are fundamental questions that cannot be answered unless you have a meaningful and crystal-clear experience of revelation. Spiritual masters cannot prove to you that their mystical experience is a universal truth that has to be to be applied to everyone. The open-minded individual who may call him/herself Pagan who is thirsty of any sort of metaphysical truths can only try to learn as much as possible from all perspectives, meditate, practice and see what kind of knowledge comes in, if any.
In my case, I've decided to define myself as an Agnostic Theist. I do believe in a God(s?) because it makes sens to me based on the sheer complexity of the Universe and it's striking beauty, the right conditions for life to be and wonder as well as the spiritual experiences of many people and from all ages that I cannot simply dismiss. However, I can't say for sure what is the true nature of God(s). I do not subscribe to the idea that the World sprang from nothingness as many Atheists claim but who knows?
Here's a very useful chart to put the concept into a concrete form: (I've found it on this great article: http://www.myjewishl...gnostic-theist/)
This closely ressemble the Seeker-Agnostic, but the Agnostic Theist does sign in the idea of God(s). Here's a definition of Seeker-Agnosticism as reported by a 2013 study by researchers of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga:
''5. Seeker-Agnostic (SA)
"Seeker-Agnostic typology consists of individuals attuned to the metaphysical possibilities precluding metaphysical existence, or at least recognizes the philosophical difficulties and complexities in making personal affirmations regarding ideological beliefs. They may call themselves agnostic or agnostic-atheist, as the SA simply cannot be sure of the existence of God or the divine. They keep an open mind in relation to the debate between the religious, spiritual, and antitheist elements within society. ... In some cases, Seeker-Agnostics may generally miss being a believer either from the social benefits or the emotional connection they have with others such as friends or family. At times, their intellectual disagreement with their former theology causes some cognitive dissonance and it is possible they may continue to identity as a religious or spiritual individual. However, taking those exceptions into account, the majority of Seeker-Agnostics should in no way be considered “confused.” For the Seeker-Agnostic, uncertainty is embraced."
Source: http://www.centerfor...ut_who_are_you/
I feel that this theological viewpoint is in perfect tuning with my pagan beliefs. To me, Agnostic Theism is an humble position assuming a non-commitment or ignorance as to the ultimate origin of the divine.
What about you? Any other similar path here?
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