Pantheism: The New World Religion
By Allan E. McNabb

The rise of New Age and Neopagan religions have given rise to pantheism, the belief that nature is god.

Earth Worship
Pantheists worship the earth, believing the earth is the mother of all things.

In modern times, this belief has become known as Gaia, the name of the Greek goddess of the earth, who is  Mother Earth (Mother Nature).

In recent times with the reemergence of Paganism (referred to as Neopaganism), modern scholars have developed the Gaia Hypothesis that views the earth as a living organism.

Some people believe that earth evolves as an intelligent living organism, and is responsible for all life.  And we as humans are unwillingly a part of that evolution, which is brought about by a force greater than us, Mother Nature (Gaia).

Frank Lloyd Wright exemplifies the attitude of nature worship with this statement:
I believe in God, only I spell it Nature.

Universe Worship
As New Age and Neopagan religions have progressed, people are extending earth worship to the entire universe.

The idea here is that the universe is an intelligent living organism of which the earth, and the human race, are only one small part.  As the universe evolves, we are forced to evolve with it, apart from our own human will.

This idea of universe worship is demonstrated by Mikhail Gorbachev:
I believe in the cosmos.
All of us are linked to the cosmos.
Look at the sun.  If there is no sun, then we cannot exist.
So nature is my god.
To me, nature is sacred.
Trees are my temples and forests are my cathedrals.

Pantheism is the New World Religion
Pantheism is spreading through the world like wild fire.

As a result, it’s having an obvious effect upon denominations, and society as a whole.

As Christians, we must be aware of this false religious doctrine as it rapidly permeates our culture, and changes many facets of life.

Pantheism is the new world religion.

Emerging Consciousness /  Emerging Church Movements
The Emerging Consciousness Movement is a New Age movement.  And the Emerging Church Movement is a Christian denominational movement.

Both movements share some common components such as feelings over truth, and experience over reason.

But the most important characteristic shared by these movements is that they’re syncretic.  These movements seek to bring all religions together, and unite them.

The unity which is sought by these movements is universalism.  It emphasizes universal principles of religion, inclusively accepting all religions, believing all of humanity will be reconciled to God.

Pantheism and the Emerging Movements
As a result of syncretism among religions, New Agers, Pagans, and others are pressing churches to believe components of pantheism.

Most often today, it’s seen by teachings regarding saving the earth and protecting the environment.  Some churches have progressed to sponsoring environmental projects.  And some engage in activism.

Unitarian Universalist Church
The Unitarian Universalist Church wholeheartedly embraces pantheism, since it’s universal in nature, as indicated by its name.

Take time to look at their programs of environmental activism, as congregations are encouraged to be as green as possible, and to influence the world to the greatest degree.

For example, Vern Barnet wrote a pledge for Unitarian Universalist congregations to recite:
I pledge allegiance to the earth on which I stand,
and to the environment of which I am a part,
one planet in a Process, with soil, water and air like one body,
indivisible, with resources to be cherished and protected by all.

The Unitarian Universalist Church is the model for both the Emerging Consciousness and Emerging Church Movements.  Take a look at it, and you’ll see what denominations will look like in years to come.

Pantheism in Society:  The Green Movement
Do a quick internet search for pantheism green movement, and you’ll see that a great deal has been written to document the connection between pantheism and the green movement.

For example, on the front page of the World Pantheism Movement website, this organization says, “Our ethics are humanistic and green. . . .”

And from Dictionary of Ethics, Theology and Society, it’s pointed out that one of the two major divisions of the Green movement sees it as spiritual, and feels the movement must address spirituality to have an impact upon people.  These individuals are called the spiritual Greens (p. 417).

Pantheism in Society:  Schools
Since pantheism is becoming prominent in religion and society, it’s also influencing education.

There are extreme stories from parents whose children have been on hikes with teachers who talk about trees as if they’re gods.

And there are documented cases of schools having children say a pledge of allegiance to the earth.

Be Careful
The purpose of this article is to educate and warn (1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 4:1-4).

Be aware of the false doctrine of pantheism as it infiltrates our society more and more.

Be on guard.  Know the truth.  And don’t be deceived by wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Pantheism is the world’s new religion!