Pantheist Reading List
For one of my classes this semester, I had to create an annotated bibliography on a topic of my choice. In other words, I had to create a guide to sources for someone interested in learning more about a certain topic. I chose the topic of Pantheism, and am happy to say that this assignment was a great way for me to create my own "To Read List." I'm posting it here for anyone who may be interested (some of the resources listed here may also be appealing to astronomy geeks, atheists, agnostics, those interested in nature based spirituality, or anyone wanting to know more about these topics). Some of the resources listed are websites, instead of books. I look forward to reading a lot of these!
Aurelius, Marcus (1964). Mediations. (M. Staniforth, Trans.). New York, NY: The Penguin Group.
These insightful musings of the philosopher emperor Marcus Aurelius are a source of great discussion among pantheists. This is because the text concerns itself so much with how to live a life in harmony with nature and humanity. Stoic philosophy, of which Marcus Aurelius writes abundantly, is also a secular way with which pantheists deal with real world problems. This edition contains an authoritative translation by Maxwell Staniforth.
Barrow, John D. (2008). New Theories of Everything. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, USA.
A book with engaging philosophical naturalism that delves into the topics of cosmology, physics, and the laws of nature. The author, who is an astronomy professor, guides the reader through the latest developments in theoretical physics.
Boswell, John. (2009). The Symphony of Science. http://www.symphonyofscience.com
“The Symphony of Science is a musical project by John Boswell designed to deliver scientific knowledge and philosophy in musical form.” As of November 29, 2009, three videos have been created and uploaded by Jon Boswell. These three videos entitled “A Glorious Dawn,” “We Are All Connected,” and “Our Place in the Cosmos.” All three videos feature Carl Sagan, as well as other prominent scientists and commentators (Stephen Hawking, Neil deGrasse Tyson, etc.). The artist uses synthesizers to highlight profound ideas in science, physics, and current knowledge of the natural world. These videos have been a favorite to many pantheist forums and websites in recent months.
Goodenough, Ursula. (2000). The Sacred Depths of Nature. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
This book is a good resource for those considering religious naturalism. Ursula Goodenough is a molecular scientist who recognizes the spirituality inherent in nature. This book bridges the gap between religion and science making them wholly compatible with each other. It touches the subjects of sexuality, death, evolution and emotions. This book is filled with reflections of reverence for nature.
Harrison, Paul. (2004). Elements of pantheism. Llumina Pr.
This book covers the core beliefs of pantheism. It illustrates pantheistic belief systems throughout history to the present, and makes note of philosophers and scientists alike who could be labeled as pantheist. It also contains information on Pantheist ceremony and mediation, as well as current controversies within the study and belief of pantheism.
Hartshorne, Charles, & Reese, William L. (2000). Philosophers Speak of God. Amherst, NY: Humanity Books.
This is a scholarly study of the history of pantheism and panentheism (a belief that nature is a part of but not the whole of God). It contains many philosophical writings explaining the nature of religious philosophy and the love of knowledge. These philosophical writings also critique many theological conceptions of deity.
On Truth and Reality. (2009). On Truth and Reality: Philosophy Physics Metaphysics of Space, Wave Structure Matter. http://www.spaceandmotion.com/
This website, though not explicitly pantheistic, contains many pantheistic beliefs, philosophies, and overall exhibits a wonder in the natural world. Links to articles about ancient philosophy, evolution, and more all offer the reader insights into the natural world and why it is so amazing and how we are all connected.
Russell, Sharman. (2009). Standing in the light: My Life as a Pantheist. New York, NY: PublicAffairs.
This book is Russell’s memoir. Writing about life following a pantheistic belief system, the author touches on many aspects of pantheism, and provides many references and insightful literature for further reading. The book details the nature of the cosmos and the interconnectedness of everything.
Sagan, Carl. (1980). Cosmos. New York, NY: The Random House Publishing Group.
A quotable favorite for pantheists, this book details the cosmos as we know it to be. Sagan exhibits awe and wonder as he describes the nature of the solar system, astrophysics, the earth, its beginnings, and our position in the cosmos. He writes in a way that is understandable for those who do not have a background in science. This book was also a TV series in the early 80s.
Sagan, Carl. (2006). The Varieties of Scientific Experience: a Personal View of the Search for God. New York, NY: The Penguin Press.
This posthumous publication was based on Carl Sagan’s 1985 Giffon Lectures in Scotland. It examines the theistic ideas in the context of science and provides reasons behind his beliefs concerning deity. With beautiful pictures and an engaging text concerning topics from the origins of the cosmos, to the likelihood of life on other planets, Sagan writes of science as a new way of “informed worship.”
Suzuki, D. (2002). The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature. Seattle, WA: The Mountaineers.
This book explains and describes ways readers can live more fulfilling lives by being in tune with the natural world. It provides many call to actions, which the reader can take to start living a more ecologically conscious way of life.
World Pantheism. (2009). PANTHEISM: The World Pantheist Movement. http://www.pantheism.net/
This website is a great source for pantheists or those interested in learning more about pantheism. It provides many links, resources, networks, and recommended readings for a variety of topics within pantheistic thought. This is truly a great online resource.
2 comments:
I may have to check some of those out!
I must admit, when I read about you closing things down on the other blog I was a little upset, but I must say that I really, really like the direction you're taking over here.
Keep it up!!
Aw! Thanks, Koda!
I felt sad when I decided I had to stop posting in my other blog too. But I felt like it had lost momentum and that the blog itself was created with a narrower set of topics in mind. I basically wanted to start over with a clean slate, and redirect my thinking toward more positive ventures...
In a way, I'm starting to look at Mormonism from a more objective point of view and a less personal one. Not to mention I wanted to learn more and have more conversations about pantheism. :)
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