Pantheism: One and all

Pantheism, the idea that all is God, frequently underlies psychedelic experiences reported in both research literature and clinical trials, yet its meaning remains poorly understood in therapeutic settings. This essay addresses that gap by examining Pantheism's etymology and historical development, exploring the meanings of 'pan' (all) and 'theos' (God). It then presents a typology distinguishing two genuine forms—Monist and Idealist Pantheism—alongside related doctrines: Physicalist Pantheism, Partial Pantheism, Panentheism, and Panpsychism.

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Abstract

Pantheism – All is God – is the hidden doctrine behind many reported psychedelic-occasioned experiences, both in the literature and in clinical trials, yet its meaning is little understood in the clinical and therapeutic spheres. This essay therefore seeks to remedy this deficit by offering a fresh outline of Pantheism via the exploration of its etymology and history, the meanings of pan/all and theos/God, before traveling into a Pantheism typology that covers the two veritable varieties, Monist and Idealist Pantheism, as well as related doctrines that include Physicalist Pantheism, Partial Pantheism, Panentheism, and Panpsychism.