Definition of pantheism

The word "pantheism" has its roots in the 17th century. It is derived from the Greek words "pan" meaning "all" or "universal", and "theism" meaning "divine" or "god". The term was coined by the German philosopher Johann Peter Süssmilch in 1706. Pantheism is a philosophical and theological concept that views God or the divine as the universe itself, or as the underlying spirit or force that animates everything. This idea suggests that the divine is not just a separate entity or being, but is intrinsic to all existence, and that all things are interconnected and interdependent. Over time, the concept of pantheism has evolved and been influenced by various religious and philosophical traditions, including ancient Greek philosophy, Hinduism, and Deism. Today, pantheism is considered a significant philosophical and theological movement, with adherents ranging from Friedrich Schiller to Eckhart Tolle.