About the Curator: Sean Baumgardner is an Aquatic Rehabilitation and Therapy Instructor in the Ohio Valley. Sean has studied and been part of various spiritual traditions and their philosophical expansions.While having an appreciation for the various esoteric traditions, Sean lives by seeing nature as the accessible teacher, and anchoring himself in knowing that you have no obligation but to be a part of nature. |
This page continues to be under construction with intent to provide a lush forest of educational materials and projects related to Naturalistic Pantheism.
What is a Pantheist?
A Pantheist would be stirred by the awe evoked by the beauty of the Earth, extending into the marvels of the Universe. From something as simple as watching fireflies on your porch, to more dramatic revelations of nature through summer storms. While recognizing the majesty of these natural processes and moments, his or her mind is still imbued with reason and the feeling of oneness.
The word ‘Pantheism’ was popularized in the early 18th century attributed to Irish freethinker, John Toland. Pantheist elements, however, are found throughout world religions and prior to this term being coined. Some of these elements include the foundational unity of being, non-dualism, and within classical reason-based philosophies.
Pantheism, on a surface level, equates the Universe as the definable ‘God’ for all conventions and purposes. Furthermore, it focuses on the reverence of nature and interconnection.
Pantheism isn’t limited to a certain group, or place, or time. You don’t have to look far to see the inner reflections of a Roman Emperor on nature similar to the contemplation of a Native American elder. Geography, time, and societal constructs may separate the two individuals, but the observation, evocation and understanding of the natural world is the connection.
“Everything is interwoven, and the web is holy” – Marcus Aurelius
This page provides a baseline introduction to incorporating Pantheism, as a practical philosophy to everyday life by the author’s experience.
Resources to start… *More to come
Universal Pantheist Society
A community of pantheists who derive their fundamental religious experience through their personal relationship with the Universe. They feel that Nature is the ultimate context for human existence, and seek to improve their relationship with the natural world as their fundamental religious responsibility. The Society has published its quarterly newsletter Pantheist Vision for over 40 years.
