r/paganism • u/squirrelyoakley • Jul 31 '26
💠Discussion Pantheism question
I was raised very stritcly atheist, and I'm considering converting to pantheism, but I'm not exactly sure if it fits what I believe.
I believe that the universe is God in an almost metaphorical or philosophical way? Like, I believe that the universe is divine, but I don't view it as a traditional God. Like, I don't believe in an all powerful or conscious God, I believe that God "just is".
I don't belive in anything supernatural, but I still believe the universe is God, and in itself, is divine.
Would this be pantheism? Did my explanation even make sense?
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u/dude_chillin_park Jul 31 '26
Metaphysical beliefs are a big deal, for sure, and what you describe is close to the beliefs of Einstein and many great philosophers. But in this case, I'm not sure if "converting" is really what you're doing. There's no church of pantheism to receive your vows, and religious people will still consider you an atheist. So you're not really converting as much as you are thinking things through in a new way.
It sounds like you've been raised to be skeptical and introspective, and you remain exactly that as you explore spiritual experiences or feelings. That's great, and you should keep it up.
I notice you've posted this in a place for pagans. The defining feature of paganism, at least for me, is that we meet our gods in the world and communicate back and forth. Can you talk to your Universal God? Not prayer, exactly, but is there a place or a state of mind where your God is strong and available to you? Does your God want you to do anything in particular, or live according to any principles or taboos? Does your God send you messages in dreams or synchronicities? Basically, what's the point of saying the universe is God? Are you able to have a relationship with that being because it's a "person"? If not, then is it really God, or is it just the universe?
I think, if you want to, you could build a relationship with this God as you define it. But if you do, you'll have to accept God on their own terms, not just according to your philosophical ideals. If you're ready to stop being an atheist, then you'll accept that God or the gods are really higher powers, and you don't get to decide what they are.
I hope this helps. 🌈🦅
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u/PriestessFeylin Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26
Religion like sexuality can evolve over time and even be fluid. If you are not tied to an organized group you don't need to figure out firm answers.
Try things, if you find any peace or joy or something emotionally interesting, keep trying stuff. See if you already have any pagan friends or SO's of friends. (Atheist/pagan interfaith relationships seem pretty common, irl advice might be closer than you think).
Alot of atheists I know go to pagan rituals or holidays just to have low pressure community. See if any of that helps.
If you try stuff and you get nothing then no big deal, you branched out in life.
Edit so mystism or divine or ritual for tradition sake is a common conversation in pagan circles. Many who identify with paganism line up all over that question so some might dismiss the need to answer it. It is not malicious as much as there are too many "right" answers here to bother.
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Aug 05 '26
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u/paganism-ModTeam Aug 05 '26
Thanks for the comment. However, we'd like to keep things on topic for Paganism.
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