Belief in God, Part One

Exploring Worldviews: What Do You Believe About God?

Have you ever asked yourself what you believe about God, why you believe these things, and from where you draw your conclusions?

In part one of this article, I'd like to show you the eight worldviews on the topic of God. Here they are:

1. Theism
2. Atheism
3. Pantheism
4. Panentheism
5. Deism
6. Finite godism
7. Polytheism
8. Agnosticism

Theism

Theism posits the existence of an infinite and personal God who is both within and beyond the universe. He created and sustains it, and can act within it by supernatural means—because He is transcendent (going beyond ordinary limits) and immanent (remaining within; indwelling). Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are three examples of theism.

Atheism

Atheism asserts that there is no god and that there is nothing beyond our physical universe. Common forms include Explicit Atheism (clear, conscious rejection of belief in gods), Humanistic Atheism (focus on human well-being and ethics), and Naturalistic Atheism (grounded in a naturalistic view emphasizing science and reason). Atheism takes on numerous forms: implicit, strong, weak, practical, new atheism, antitheism, agnostic atheism, and more.

Pantheism

Pantheism says there is no Creator beyond the universe. Instead, the Creator and the creation are just two different views of the same thing (i.e., god is the Universe and the Universe is god). Pythagoreanism, Hinduism, Spinozism, and Transcendentalism are examples.

Panentheism

Panentheism posits that God is present in the universe, much like a mind is present in the body. The universe is God's body. God also has an external aspect that exists beyond the known universe, and God is in the process of changing/evolving. Process Theology, Christian Mysticism, and the Baha'i Faith are examples.

Deism

Deism says God is beyond the universe but is not in it. It is similar to theism, but without miracles. God is transcendent but not immanent. Notable proponents include Voltaire, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Ethan Allen.

Finite Godism

Finite godism is similar to theism. However, this god is finite and limited in his nature and power. Notable proponents include William James and Jürgen Moltmann.

Polytheism

Polytheism says there are numerous "finite" deities, but that none of them are infinite. Some are within the universe, while others are outside. Examples: Ancient Greek Religions, Hinduism, and Norse Mythology.

Agnosticism

Agnosticism says it does not know for certain whether God or any ultimate reality exists. It doesn't prescribe specific rituals, worship, or moral codes. There are several schools: Strong (Hard) Agnosticism, Weak (Soft) Agnosticism, Agnostic Theism, Agnostic Atheism, and more.

Where Do You Stand?

Now that we've explored the various worldviews, where do you see yourself?

Me? I see myself as a Theist. There was a period in my life when I pursued the knowledge of God and sought after Him with every ounce of my being. Nothing was more important than finding out (A) if God existed, and (B) if He cared for me. Because I received a personal response, witnessed and experienced several miracles, and because He answered several of my prayers, I came to believe in and fully trust Him.

Why Is This Important

1. Not all religious beliefs are the same. Christianity is monotheistic. Hinduism is polytheistic. Buddhism is non-theistic.
2. Only in a theistic worldview can there be a God who cares, is present and personable, and can intervene in the world in which we live.

Only in a theistic worldview can we have "shoulds" and "oughts" that give real-world answers to the question of evil, as well as Someone to question as to why such things exist.

In part two of this series, I will talk about Proving God's Existence.

If you have sincere questions or comments, email me here and let's chat. If you just want to write and argue, I'm not your guy.

In His Service,

Roy