prepantheism

Prepantheism is a philosophical and theological concept that posits the existence of a divine entity that is both immanent and transcendent. This means that the divine is present in all things (immanence) and yet also transcends all things (transcendence). The term "prepantheism" is derived from the Greek words "pre" (before) and "panta" (all), suggesting that the divine is the ground or foundation of all existence.

Prepantheism is often associated with the philosophy of Plotinus, a Neo-Platonic philosopher from the 3rd century AD. Plotinus taught that the One, the ultimate reality, is both immanent and transcendent. He argued that the One is the source of all being and yet is also separate from and beyond all beings.

In contemporary discussions, prepantheism is sometimes used to describe a view that combines elements of pantheism and theism. Pantheism posits that the divine is identical with the universe, while theism posits the existence of a personal, transcendent deity. Prepantheism, in contrast, suggests that the divine is both immanent in the universe and transcendent beyond it.

Critics of prepantheism argue that it is difficult to reconcile the immanence and transcendence of the divine. They point out that if the divine is immanent, it must be part of the universe and therefore not transcendent. Conversely, if the divine is transcendent, it cannot be immanent.

Despite these challenges, prepantheism continues to be a topic of interest in philosophy and theology. It offers a unique perspective on the nature of reality and the divine, and it continues to inspire debate and discussion among scholars and thinkers.