Panentheism – What is it?

TL;DR:

Panentheism teaches that God is greater than the universe, but the universe exists within God. This contradicts biblical teachings about God's nature and His relationship to creation.

The Bible teaches that God is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1), existing before and apart from His creation. Scripture affirms God's unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6) and His sovereignty over all creation (Colossians 1:16–17). The Bible emphasizes God's transcendence (Isaiah 55:8–9) while also acknowledging His immanence (Psalm 139:7–10). It calls for exclusive worship of God (Exodus 20:3–5), which contradicts panentheistic ideas that blur the lines between Creator and creation. The biblical view of God as perfect, self-existent, and distinct from creation stands in contrast to panentheism's concept of a God who encompasses and is affected by the universe.

from the old testament

Isaiah 40:28: "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable." This verse emphasizes God's eternal nature and His role as Creator, distinct from His creation.
Psalm 102:25–27: "Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end." This contrasts the changeable nature of creation with God's unchanging, eternal character.

from the new testament

Paul's speech in Athens clearly distinguishes God from His creation and emphasizes His self-sufficiency (Acts 17:24–25).
Colossians 1:16–17: "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This passage emphasizes Christ's role in creation and His preeminence over all things, contradicting panentheistic ideas.
Hebrews 1:10–12: "And, 'You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.'" This passage reiterates the distinction between the changeable creation and the unchanging Creator.

implications for today

The Creator/creation distinction in Scripture maintains God's transcendence while acknowledging His intimate involvement with creation. Creation can be admired as His handiwork, but not as an extension of His being. Creation can be valued and stewarded well, and we can trust in God’s constancy and faithfulness, rather than viewing Him as subject to the fluctuations of the universe. While the natural world may be subject to change, decay, and unpredictability, God remains unchanging, trustworthy, and not bound by the laws of the universe He created (Malachi 3:6). This allows us to place our ultimate trust in Him, knowing that His purposes and character do not shift with the changing tides of the cosmos. Through this understanding, we can live in awe of both God's majesty and His nearness, without confusing His essence with the material world He governs.

understand

Panentheism teaches that God is greater than the universe but that the universe exists within Him.
The Bible teaches God is distinct from creation, sovereign, and unchanging.
Panentheism blurs the line between Creator and creation, contradicting biblical teachings.

reflect

How does understanding God's distinct nature from creation shape your view of worship and your relationship with Him?
How have you been tempted to blur the line between God's transcendence and the created world around you?
How does trusting in God's unchanging character help you navigate the unpredictability of the world?

engage

How can the distinction between Creator and creation help Christians engage with spiritual ideas like panentheism?
What are the dangers of viewing God as interconnected with the universe, rather than sovereign over it, and how can believers guard against this?
How does the Bible's emphasis on God’s transcendence and immanence challenge popular spiritual perspectives in today’s culture?
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