Pantheism and Monism

[Jkwiyup]

I'm confused about the difference between Pantheism and Monism, they appear to be the same thing to me. Can someone help clarify the differences for me?

 

[fallingblood]

I'm confused about the difference between Pantheism and Monism, they appear to be the same thing to me. Can someone help clarify the differences for me?

Pantheism is the idea that god (or the divine) is within all, or maybe better explained, that the universe (nature) is identical to the divine.

Monism is the idea that there is a god (or the like), but god comes in many forms. So it is a single god, but one that appears in multiple ways.

It is more nuanced then that, but I would say that is the gist.

 

[Onkara]

Hi
I do not believe there is a difference at the core, unless we break down the words into their etymological parts (e.g. Pan + theism) or use existing quotes as below. Both words were coined to try to explain an idea that everything is one or that there is no duality, it seems to me. I expect that there are authors who tend to prefer one word over another, or perhaps pantheism is used more theologically.

For example "Monism is a philosophical position which argues that the variety of existing things can be explained in terms of a single reality or substance." - Wikipedia

"Pantheism is the belief that everything composes an all-encompassing, immanent God,[1] or that the universe (or nature) is identical with divinity.[2]" - wikipedia

Edit - I hope my answer helps, the difference is academic based on who and why the words were coined in my opinion

 

[mohinishaktidevi]

My sense is that Pantheism is alomost the same as old school Animism.

Maybe I'm thinking Pantheism is for intellectuals, and Animism is for old world natives.

Animism (from Latin animus, -i "soul, life")[1] is the religious worldview that natural physical entities—including animals, plants, and often even inanimate objects or phenomena—possess a spiritual essence.[2][3] Specifically, animism is used in the anthropology of religion as a term for the religion of indigenous tribal peoples,[4] especially prior to the development and/or infiltration of civilization[5] and organized religion.[6][7] Although each tribe is unique in its specific mythologies ...

Animism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Jkwiyup]

Thanks for the help. I'm still a bit confused, but more clarified about it now.

 

[Onkara]

Thanks for the help. I'm still a bit confused, but more clarified about it now.

Perhaps it is the context which is adding confusion? Feel free to quote if so.

 

[Jkwiyup]

Ok...so basically in both God is everything?

 

[Gjallarhorn]

Ok...so basically in both God is everything?

Only if the substance in monism is something you'd call God.