Panendeism: Encyclopedia II - Panendeism - Origin of the term

Panendeism - Origin of the term

Traditionally, monotheism refers to belief in a god that is a separate entity within the universe, whereas pantheism (all is God) refers to the belief that God and the universe are identical. The German philosopher Karl Christian Friedrich Krause (1781-1832) sought to reconcile the two beliefs and coined the term panentheism (all in God) in 1828. This conception of God influenced New England Transcendentalists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson. The term is best known for its use by Charles Hartshorne in his discussions of Process Theology and has also been adopted by proponents of various New Thought beliefs.

The term, "Panendeism" was first coined in late 2000 by Larry Copling in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; while developing a more deistic interpretation of the panentheistic approach to understanding the Divine. The term was first officially published on Mr. Copling's website, www.PanenDeism.com in early 2001. A much more complete description of the concept was later made available via an article published on Mr. Copling's personal website (www.Copling.com) in 2004. The original ideology known as "PanenDeism", as outlined by the writings of Larry Copling, continue in their present development.

Within a year or two of the publishing of PanenDeism.com, and through personal discussions via chatrooms, email and discussion boards on the internet, several other self-described Deists who shared this belief in God sought to distinguish themselves from their theist counterparts, and began using the term to describe themselves and the Deistic characteristics of their beliefs. These individuals have since expanded the familiarity of the term in online communities. Today, panendeism is acquiring increasing acceptance and respect in the Deist community.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Origin of the term", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki