Ancient and contemporary expressions of panentheism

Chad Meister

Philosophy Compass · 2017 · 39 citations · 15 references

Concepts

TL;DR

Panentheism has been a major view of God–world relations for centuries, positioned between classical theism and pantheism. The essay examines several expressions of panentheism. The author begins with ancient expressions by Plotinus and Ramanuja, then discusses reasons for the recent rise of panentheism, and finally explores Hartshorne’s dipolar view before noting objections. Charles Hartshorne’s dipolar expression exemplifies the recent rise of panentheism.

Abstract

Abstract Panentheism has been one major view of God and the God‐world relation for many centuries. It is a middle view between classical theism on the one hand and pantheism on the other. This essay examines several expressions of panentheism. It begins with two ancient expressions, one by Plotinus and the other by Ramanuja. It then considers some reasons for the rise of panentheism in recent decades. One example of this rise is Charles Hartshorne's dipolar expression. After exploring Hartshorne's view, the article concludes by noting several objections to panentheism.

References

15