Mind and Consciousness (Religion)

by dhw, Thursday, May 03, 2012, 22:33 (4585 days ago) @ xeno6696

MATT: If God is part of the universe, then God IS the universe. If God is separate from the universe, then God is not part of the universe. These are the only two possible distinctions.-As I wrote earlier, the first part of this statement is clearly illogical. My big toe is part of me, but my big toe is not me. I went on to explain in my own words what I thought was David's concept of panentheism: "If God exists, he IS the universe in the sense that he is the primal energy that has always existed and that consciously transforms itself into the matter which we call the universe. Atheists believe that the primal energy is not conscious, and that is the difference between theists and atheists." David has confirmed that this is precisely what he means by panentheism.-MATT: The whole pantheism [panentheism?] thing is done. Regardless of how I was inspired by a sect of Hinduism is irrelevant when faced with the very fact that panentheism is a logically impossible position.
 
David's free to call himself whatever he wishes, but Panenthesm is saying 2 + 2 = 5. Panentheism's distinction between God and universe is false by definition.-Since you have addressed your post to me, please humour me and explain 1) how your definition of panentheism differs from the above, 2) why your definition, if different, carries more authority than David's, and 3) why the above is a logically impossible position.
 
MATT: Panentheism is dead. The next step up is pantheism. The only other alternative is Monism.-I think this is an important subject, and I would like to discuss it ... but I need your response to the above questions first.