DEFINITION OF TRANSTHEISM EXPLAINED

In this paper I am going to break down the definition of Transtheism that I have been using for some time now.  I hope that this will give others a deeper understanding of what Transtheism is and its potential in the realm of religious philosophy.    

Transtheism: An objective pragmatic belief in the possibilities of Divinity with Nature, as a starting points of objective faith.

Transtheism: Objective belief.

An objective belief can merely assume or acknowledge the possibility or probability of a belief, but neither completely asserts nor rejects the complete correctness of a belief, which means freedom to participate in other belief but not clinging to a single subjective belief. However it does not exclude a person from having subjective beliefs about a topic. A subjective belief assert the complete correctness of a belief were as objective belief can assert the possible or probable correctness of a belief to some degree.

Objectivity about a belief allows a person a degree of separation so that they have the freedom to change their belief for different reasons. This is important because a belief is an accepted or assumed mode of thought which influences the mind and its actions. This places a person in control of their beliefs as objective tools rather than being a tool of subjective belief.  Theism and Atheism are subjective beliefs, Transtheism as an objectivity belief is categorically different and is not a Theism or Atheism.

Transtheism: Pragmatic belief.

Sense a belief can influence the mind and its actions; there should be a method to test the truth value of a belief. A pragmatic belief asserts the correctness of a belief is found by the practical consequences of that belief. That is how it affects the function of thoughts in guiding our actions in relationship to reality. What actions or practices will have to be engage in by the accepting a belief. And that the conceptions of beliefs should be sourced in practical effects, which are perceptions and experiences from reality.

Pragmatism is not a necessary part of the definition; it is the method for validation that I have chosen for myself. However on an individual level objective beliefs, I think should be practical (pragmatic) tools before being used for ideal or theoretical purposes.  

Transtheism: Belief in the possibilities of Divinity with Nature.

Here is the core meaning of Transtheism. Divinity is the possibility or potentiality of being and becoming a greater reality. A positive belief in the potentialities of Divinity, Transtheism does not focus on the actuality of gods as theism’s do because the divine actualities of gods, creatures and Nature are only the consequence of the possibilities or potentialities of Divinity. Transtheism moves beyond theism, atheism and agnosticism in the positive belief that the possibilities of Divinity can always occur but not wholly in one actual thing. The positive possibility of Divinity is the eternal and indefinite possibilities of Divinity that no actualities can ever completely be, but divinity can always occur in them.

Transtheism: As starting points of objective faith.

All one has to do to be a Transtheist is to acknowledge that Divinity is a possibility.  Faith in Divinity does not rest on the existence or non-existence of gods or deities, but on the mere possibility of divinity in them or one’s self. If one finds divine things such as humans, gods, supernatural beings, spirits, and even other things in Nature or Nature itself.  All these are starting points for objective faith in the higher or other possibilities or potentialities of Divinity. It is faith in the principle or idea of Divinity that transcends the things or beings which manifest it and is immanent through them, but is a self-existent law beyond them with Nature.

Transtheism moves beyond theism, atheism and agnosticism in a positive objective faith that Divinity is more than about the existence or non-existence of gods and deities. As such any kind of theist, atheist or agnostic can be a Transtheist simple by acknowledging the possibility or potentiality of divinity is with themselves or others. At that point divinity can be perceived or experienced as something actual with or without a belief in theism, atheism or agnosticism or the existence or non-existence of gods and deities.

To sum it up, Transtheism is belief in Divinity not the beings or things that manifest it.

Objective: Involving or derived from sense perception or experience with actual objects, conditions, or phenomena <objective awareness> <objective data><objective belief>. (Modified from Merriam-Webster 11^th Collegiate Dictionary)

Pragmatic: Allow any flight of imagination provided this imagination ultimately alights upon a possible practical effect. (Peirce 1992-94, vol. II, p. 235) 

Belief: A belief is an accepted mode of thought which influences the mind and its actions. (C.S. Peirce) A state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing. (Merriam-Webster 11^th Collegiate Dictionary)

Divinity: The possibility or potentiality of being and becoming a greater reality. (J.K. Owens Sr.) The quality or state of being divine. (Merriam-Webster 11^th Collegiate Dictionary)

Possible: Being something that may or may not occur, be true or actual. (Modified from Merriam-Webster 11^th Collegiate Dictionary) A possibility is not known to be false. (C.S. Peirce)

Faith: Something that is believed especially with strong conviction. (Merriam-Webster 11^th Collegiate Dictionary)