 the world pantheist movement (wpm) is the world's largest organization of people associated with pantheism, a philosophy which asserts that spirituality should be centered on nature. the wpm promotes strict naturalistic pantheism without belief in any supernatural beings, realms, or powers. the wpm grew out of a mailing list started by paul harrison in 1997, arising around his scientific pantheism website. an initial group of 15 volunteers worked on a joint statement of agreed beliefs (the pantheist credo). the wpm officially opened for membership in december 1999. == beliefs and practices == the official views of the world pantheist movement are listed in the nine points of the belief statement (see external links). these are summarized as follows: * reverence, awe, wonder and a feeling of unity with nature and the wider universe. * respect and active care for the rights of all humans and other living beings. * celebration of our lives in our bodies on this beautiful earth as a joy and a privilege. * realism - acceptance that the external world exists independently of human consciousness or perception. * strong naturalism - without belief in supernatural realms, afterlives, beings or forces. * respect for reason, evidence and the scientific method as our best ways of understanding nature and the universe. * promotion of religious tolerance, freedom of religion and complete separation of state and religion. the specific statement is as follows: * 1. we revere and celebrate the universe as the totality of being, past, present and future. it is self-organizing, ever-evolving and inexhaustibly diverse. its overwhelming power, beauty and fundamental mystery compel the deepest human reverence and wonder. * 2. all matter, energy, and life are an interconnected unity of which we are an inseparable part. we rejoice in our existence and seek to participate ever more deeply in this unity through knowledge, celebration, meditation, empathy, love, ethical action and art. * 3. we are an integral part of nature, which we should cherish, revere and preserve in all its magnificent beauty and diversity. we should strive to live in harmony with nature locally and globally. we acknowledge the inherent value of all life, human and non-human, and strive to treat all living beings with compassion and respect. * 4. all humans are equal centers of awareness of the universe and nature, and all deserve a
Naturalism_(philosophy) Pantheist_organizations