Elements of Pantheism: A Spirituality of Nature and the Universe

I've had an earlier edition of this book for many years and now have this 3rd edition and still find it a valuable resource. Pantheism is a path open to anyone, and this book gives a good history and description of it as well as how to incorporate it into our lives in this time and place. It's a book easily read and understood by even a non-scientific person like me, and full of good information. Paul Harrison is the go-to person about pantheism and has dedicated years of his life to it (including starting the World Pantheist Movement). There is a way to have a "spiritual" path that is beautiful, natural, and satisfying without relying on superstitions and supernatural stories and dogma, and for me, pantheism is that way.

This book was fantastic. It touches on everything that led me to my beliefs and more. It's interesting to see how multiple other religions that I haven't studied also focus heavily on nature. I am most interested in nature and whatever initiated the big bang more than anything. It is an endless mystery.

Good info

I recently discovered pantheism and absolutely had to learn more, this book is really great! Highly recommend if you’re just learning. It’s easy to read, lots to digest and really gets you thinking. I just got this today and I’m almost finished, couldn’t put it down. Will definitely be a book I pick up again and again.

Great, short, informative!

A good introduction to pantheism, and covers a variety of concepts and ideas writhing the belief system. However some of the passages seem to repeat, and the book has distracting typos throughout. Overall a good short read that summarizes concepts of pantheism and answers some questions.

This is a great starting point for anyone who feels drawn to Pantheism but doesn't know quite where to learn the history and core beliefs. The core beliefs are presented with simple language that is easy to grasp and invites the seeker to contemplate & investigate the profoundness of Pantheism. Highly recommended!

I love biology and science, in general. I loved learning about the unity of life. We all have a common ancestor. I love the physical beauty of nature and I love animals. I embrace Pantheistic beliefs. However, the world is a toxic mess because of science. We have used science, especially chemistry, to create toxic chemicals that are greatly harming the earth. Also modern medicine is based on science and chemistry but modern medicine has caused the human population to explode the last 70 to 100 years thus creating over-population. We have over 7 billion people on this planet now; more than any other time in the history of humanity and science is responsible for this. Now we have all kinds of conservation efforts and looking for alternative sources of energy, etc. This is all good but it is not going to be effective or make much of a difference. The only way we can really save the planet and ourselves is for every country to create and enforce a 2-child policy rule (similar to the 1-child policy that China had). If a child dies, the parent or parents can always adopt. There will always be orphans or unfit parents so there will always be children who need foster care or adoption. Of course, twins, triplets or more are an exception to the rule. After this policy is implemented, then we need to drastically cut down on using plastic, styrofoam and the use of other non-biodegradable materials in order to clean up the environment. Every country also needs to have very strict laws and heavy fines and possible jail time for companies and top employees who are polluting the planet. Also, every country needs to develop very good recycling programs and develop strict laws and fines for individuals, companies, etc. who don't recycle. We need to greatly diminish the human population, over time, and be very strict and harsh about cleaning up the environment and keeping it clean. A worldwide 2-child policy will never happen and not all countries will ever create and enforce strict rules and laws regarding greatly reducing non-biodegradable materials and recycling. Drastic times calls for drastic measures but most people won't change. It's no longer about individual desires or independence. It's about making these changes in order to regard and respect future generations of people, animals, plants, etc. But there are too many people and governments who are just out for themselves in the present moment so things won't ever change the way they really need to change in order to save ourselves and the planet. Religion plays a big role in over-population because of the doctrines of "be fruitful and multiply" and "man shall have dominion over the earth." There is also the religious belief that the earth is meant to be destroyed so that Jesus can return and the Day of Judgment can happen. With all this said, modern medicine is, unintentionally, creating superbugs due to bacteria being able to evolve and resist antibiotics. Unfortunately, pathogens can evolve. This scenario will set up us for probable future pandemics where possibly millions if not billions of people could die. We are trying to control nature and we really can't. We can't have our cake and eat it too. I am not trying to be negative or angry but, instead, I am just trying to be realistic.

A wonderful introduction into pantheism, very easy to read. Not a large book but just enough without feeling too overwhelmed. Highly recommend

good book

It's quite refreshing to experience awe and reverence for life itself, nature and the whole universe without the weight of fear of a personal judge who will eventually send most of humanity to the indescribable horrors of a hell created by himself.

This is a clear, concise, easy to read introduction to what pantheism entails. Diverse interpretations are incorporated along with ways to apply these beliefs in daily life. If you're wondering if you might be a pantheist, this is the place to start.

This book was my first contact with Pantheism and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Will read more about Pantheism and become a member of the pantheism society founded by the author.