Definition of Panentheism

Panentheism is a belief system that posits that God is greater than the universe and includes and interpenetrates it. Unlike pantheism, which holds that God and the universe are identical, panentheism maintains that while the universe is part of God, God also transcends it. This view suggests a God who is both immanent (present within the universe) and transcendent (existing beyond and independent of the universe).

In panentheism, God is not a static being but is dynamically involved with the world. The relationship between God and the universe is reciprocal: as God influences the world, the world also influences God. This interaction implies that God learns and evolves in response to the experiences and events within the universe. Consequently, the future is open and uncertain, as the ongoing relationship between God and the world continuously shapes the course of creation. This perspective emphasizes the active and participatory nature of divinity in the unfolding of the cosmos.