Post-theism refers to moving beyond the idea of God as a supernatural being who intervenes in the world. It is a theological perspective that seeks to re-interpret and re-imagine traditional concepts of God in light of modern knowledge and sensitivities. Here is an overview of some of the key aspects of post-theism:
Questioning Supernatural Theism
Post-theism begins by questioning traditional supernatural concepts of God. It points out that much of our traditional God-talk is rooted in an ancient pre-scientific worldview that perceived supernatural forces behind natural phenomena. With advances in science and technology, such supernatural explanations seem less plausible. Post-theism argues that God should not be reduced to a mere supernatural being among others.
Metaphorical God-Talk
Post-theism suggests we should view much religious and theological language about God as metaphorical rather than literal. For example, we do not have to interpret descriptions of God as a judge, king, father, etc. as saying God is literally a person. Rather, this language points to aspects of the experience of the sacred. Post-theists propose re-imagining God using new metaphors that fit with a modern worldview.
Naturalism over Supernaturalism
Post-theism embraces a worldview of philosophical naturalism over supernaturalism. It seeks to understand how God and religious experiences emerge from and exist within the natural world rather than a supernatural realm. This could include viewing God as an ideal, symbol or concept that evolves along with human culture rather than an eternal supernatural being.
Immanence over Transcendence
Post-theism emphasizes divine immanence rather than classical theistic transcendence. In other words, it focuses on God’s nearness and presence within the world rather than God’s separateness from the world. Post-theists may understand God as the totality of the natural world or universe itself rather than a being that exists outside of nature.
Relational Theism
Post-theism conceives of God in relational terms – as the sum total of all relationships in the universe. This contrasts with supernatural theism that sees God as a being in se, existing independently of all other beings and things. Instead, God is re-envisioned as the web of life, love and being itself. God is found within relationships rather than an external entity.
Panentheism
Many post-theists embrace panentheism – the idea that God permeates or interpenetrates all things in nature. This differs from pantheism which equates God simply with the natural world. Panentheism maintains God is both immanent and transcendent – both in and beyond the world. God is the animating life force within each person and throughout the whole cosmos.
Process Theology
Process theology is a school of thought influential on post-theism. It views God as dynamic and changing – involved in the becomingness and unfolding of the universe rather than static and unchanging. God co-evolves along with creation, experiencing growth, change and even suffering just as we do. This contrasts with classical theism which sees God as perfect, immutable and impassible.
Emphasis on Orthopraxy over Orthodoxy
Post-theism places greater emphasis on orthopraxy (right practice/action) over orthodoxy (right doctrine/belief). It is less concerned with theological doctrines and beliefs about God and more focused on values of love, justice, compassion. These values can be embraced whether or not one believes in a supernatural God.
Appreciating Religious Diversity
Post-theism emphasizes an appreciation for the diversity of religious experiences and valuations of the sacred. It does not claim any one name or conception of God is absolutely true but rather that the divine can be encountered in many ways. This aligns with postmodern sensitivities to avoid universalizing or totalizing metanarratives in favor of pluralism.
Interreligious Dialogue
Post-theism lends itself to interreligious dialogue. Since it does not insist on the absolute truth of any particular dogma, post-theists can engage other worldviews and value learning from religious diversity. The focus becomes shared experiences of awe, wonder and gratitude rather than competing metaphysical claims about supernatural beings.
Integration with Science
Post-theism seeks to integrate science and religion, rejecting the view that they are inherently in conflict. Scientific revelations about the origins of the universe, evolution and neuroscience are seen as expanding our awareness of the divine rather than threatening it. Post-theism reconciles faith and reason under the umbrella of one awe-inspiring reality.
Subjectivity over Objectivity
Whereas classical theism posits God as an objective being, post-theism recognizes the inherent subjectivity of religious experience. Our perceptions of the divine say more about human psychology than any unmediated divine reality. Post-theists are self-critical and cautious about objectifying God into literal terms.
Religious Skepticism
Post-theism maintains a healthy skepticism regarding institutional religion and rigid, closed theological systems. It strives to critique harmful aspects of religious traditions and see faith as an open-ended journey. Dogmatism and self-righteous arrogance are rejected in favor of humility and questioning.
Spiritual Not Religious
Many post-theists identify as “spiritual but not religious”, meaning they value spiritual experiences but do not adhere to traditional religious structures or doctrines. Subjective spiritual growth takes precedence over formal religious authority. Post-theism meshes well with holistic and New Age spiritualities.
Mysticism and Experience
Post-theism is concerned more with direct mystical experiences of the sacred than cognitive beliefs. It sees revelations of the divine found in altered states of consciousness, meditation, peak experiences and existential breakthroughs. Emotive insight is given priority over rational analysis in matters of faith.
Religious Pluralism
Religious pluralism asserts that diverse religions have arisen in human history, each providing their own perception of the divine reality. Post-theism aligns well with this view, seeing many valid paths to religious truth rather than one single exclusive tradition. It accepts a diversity of conceptions of the sacred.
Postmodern Worldview
Post-theism resonates with the postmodern turn away from absolutes and meta-narratives. It is comfortable with paradox, ambiguity, tentativeness, complexity and the limits of conceptual rationality. It sees spirituality as inclusive, celebratory of diversity and oriented to this-world flourishing.
Feminist Theology
Feminist theology critiques traditional God-talk associated with male social dominance. Post-theism incorporates feminist concerns for gender-inclusive language and conceptions of the divine that support the flourishing of women. God and humanity are re-envisioned in egalitarian terms.
Ecological Theology
Ecological theology aims for a healthier relationship between human civilization and the natural environment. Post-theism sees God as integrally related to the web of life which includes concern for non-human animals and eco-justice. Divine immanence fosters reverence for nature.
Social Justice
Post-theism links conceptions of God with the effort to enact social justice. The sacred is seen as profoundly concerned with those who suffer from poverty, oppression and violence. Post-theistic faith compels action for radical emancipation.
Community over Individualism
Whereas modern western theology focused on the individual’s relationship to God, post-theism recognizes that spirituality is mediated through communities and social institutions. The divine is sought and expressed collectively in communal practices and rituals.
This-Worldly Focus
Post-theism focuses its theological concern on improving life here and now rather than preparation for an afterlife. It is pragmatic and earthy in orientation. Eternity is an ever-renewing quality to each present moment rather than a world removed from this one.
Historically Conditioned
Post-theism acknowledges that all theological ideas are historically conditioned, limited and defined by their social-historical context. Hence there is a humility in making absolute truth claims. Theology must evolve to meet the needs of new generations and cultures.
Deconstructionism
Post-theism employs deconstructionism – a critical analysis of conceptual oppositions embedded in language – to liberate theological language from restraints of flawed dualisms between spirit/matter, soul/body, sacred/profane etc. It reconstructs theology from the bottom up.
Existential Authenticity
Post-theism is concerned with existential authenticity – being responsive to the spontaneity of life in the present moment. It privileges raw experience over fixed abstractions. The sacred is found by diving into the flow of life rather than grasping doctrines about God.
Non-Violence and Peace
Post-theism stresses non-violence, peacemaking and conflict resolution skills. Since all humanity is interconnected, violence against another is sacrilege. Ethics trumps doctrinal purity. Hurting or killing in the name of God is unconscionable.
Interspirituality
Interspirituality involves the dialogue and practice of multiple spiritual traditions. Post-theism embraces this approach of “digging wells everywhere” to draw from diverse spiritual wisdom. It is not tied solely to any one institutional faith.
Mystical Humanism
Mystical humanism combines mysticism’s experiential encounter with the sacred with humanism’s this-worldly concern for human welfare. Post-theism shares this integration of the spiritual and ethical dimensions of life to maximize human flourishing.
Cosmic Spirituality
Cosmic spirituality involves awe and wonder at the vastness of the universe revealed by modern cosmology. Post-theism draws on this “religion of the stars” to inspire spiritual growth without old dogmas. The cosmos evokes the divine.
Embodied Spirituality
In contrast to body-denying attitudes in ancient gnosticism and puritanism, post-theism embraces embodied spirituality. The body and its sensory experiences are pathways to the divine. Sexuality and all facets of human embodiment are potentially holy.
Creativity and Play
Post-theism sees creativity and playfulness as avenues for embodying the divine. The arts, imagination and childlike wonder re-enchant the world. They break one out of habitual mental patterns into fresh revelation.
Integral Philosophy
Integral philosophy seeks to harmonize different perspectives into an integrated whole. Post-theism draws from this approach to incorporate insights from mystical spirituality, psychology, science, art and politics without exclusion. It aims for inclusiveness.
Celebrating Paradox
Post-theism learns to embrace paradox and contradictions rather than resolve them prematurely. It cultivates the capacity to appreciate truths that transcend simplistic either/or binaries. Reality is complex, multi-faceted and filled with mystery.
Evolutionary Perspective
Post-theism sees human spirituality as evolving over time, rejecting the idea of one eternal truth. As human consciousness unfolds, our conceptions of the divine deepen. Even our ideas of God must adapt and mature.
Dialogical Approach
Post-theism encourages a dialogical approach of considering a plurality of perspectives when thinking about complex theological issues. Fixed dogmas are replaced with open, inclusive and thoughtful theological dialogue.
Hope and New Possibilities
Post-theism looks to the future with hope, affirming new possibilities for spiritual growth and discovery. It rejects pessimistic or fatalistic attitudes in favor of optimistic imagination and faith that each person can help build a better world.
In summary, post-theism represents an open-ended, flexible approach to theology and spirituality that questions rigid dogmas, embraces religious diversity, integrates scientific insights and focuses on embodied spiritual growth. It aims to reformulate traditional concepts of God to be relevant to our contemporary postmodern world.