At the Cusp of Forever: Growing Beyond "Panentheism"

We talk about consciousness being the underlying fabric of the universe from which all things emerge (M-theory, string theory, Unified Field Theory, etc). Consciousness has been known to be the ground of being. So not only is the universe conscious like a brain, it is growing like a brain as well. But here’s a question…a brain to what? Is it possible we exist as a thought within the mind of some Super Intelligence? Are we just brain cells operating within a Cosmic Mind? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s fascinating to think about.

-- The Mind Unleashed.com

Computer modeling has allowed us to discover many things, and it has also opened the door to many other questions in humanities search for an answer to God's existence.  Organized religion demands that the lack of solid proof requires an unyielding belief in that for which there is no proof.  They demand an unyielding faith in their own interpretation of God.  But, can we grow beyond what "organized" religion demands?  Is it possible to grow beyond the narrow view of the atheist which demands a lack of faith and, therefore, a lack of hope?  Is it possible for each of us to meld our view of God with the very science which would deny God's existence?  Personally, I think so and I'm willing to fully vest my faith in this very theory.  Why?  Well, to me, it makes sense of the universe and a universe of sense.

Pantheism:  The belief that the physical universe is equivalent to god, and that there is no division between a Creator and the substance of its creation.

Panentheism:  Like Pantheism, the belief that the physical universe is joined to a god or gods. However, it also believes that the divine pervades and interpenetrates every part of the universe and also extends beyond time and space.

In my quest to define my personal faith, I recently came across "pantheism" while doing research for a previous post, Growing Beyond Denomination.  In considering "pantheism" I was still left feeling like my personal definition of God was still left wanting.  Further research took me to "panentheism" and a way to move the omnipotent power beyond the universe which, for anyone believing that God is all that, makes perfect sense.  I find myself having to be mindful that we really don't know because there is nothing more than theories in the proof column and, as I stated previously, faith is nothing more than belief in something for which there is now proof.

I drew the following on a whiteboard, for my weekly groups at the medical center, but I will endeavor to put the concept into words:  Quantum particles interact to beget larger particles which interact to beget matter, which interacts to beget worlds, which beget solar systems, which beget galaxies, which beget universes (universes plural, for those who didn't catch it).  What lies beyond our universe might be multiple other universes, separated by voids, which are parts of an even larger multiverse which, in turn, are parts of an even larger multi-multiverse, and so on.  Taken as a whole, I had to ask myself what the possibilities were for this "reality" ultimately defining a "mind" of what we would refer to as "God."  It places our view of God into a context which truly depicts this power as being infinite and everything, and much larger than our narrow view of an insignificant, piss-ant universe might allow.  What if all of these infinite bits and pieces came together at some point and to spark an infinite consciousness?  It bodes the question, then, of what created all the infinite bits and pieces.

I consider our reality as nothing more than a "thought" of this larger process, and hopefully not an afterthought.  I have always touted that if you simply think something then it, therefore, exists.  For instance, by considering a concept of "nothing" and giving "nothing" a name and defining it, then we give substance to nothing and nothing, therefore, exists.  It is what it is, and is what it ain't, and even if it ain't... it is.

Is it even possible to grow beyond panentheism?  If panentheism touts "that the divine pervades and interpenetrates every part of the universe and also extends beyond time and space," then this definition would seem to cover any bases left open.  God is everything, and everything is God.  If everything is God, then we strive to become that which we already are.  Perhaps we would be better served to simply recognize this fact, embrace it, and learn to accept our place as part of the greater glory.

Now I find myself, once again, at the Cusp of Forever, staring into the abyss and wondering: What if our being was nothing more than some creative afterthought, an omnipotent "brain fart" of an infinite mind of a "God" in which everything is part and parcel?

Brain fart?  Smells like roses to me!

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.