Deist and pantheist communities in North Alabama
Deists believe in a creator who is known through reason and the natural world rather than through revelation or scripture. Pantheists see the divine as identical with the universe and nature itself. Both outlooks have long histories and small, thoughtful communities today, and NAWD lists any deist or pantheist society or group in North Alabama.
Outlook
Deism flourished during the Enlightenment, and Thomas Paine and Voltaire were prominent deists. It values reason, nature and moral conduct, and it rejects miracles and organized dogma. Pantheism, associated in the West with the philosopher Baruch Spinoza, finds reverence in the cosmos and in the living earth. Naturalistic pantheists see no supernatural realm.
Gatherings and community
Groups include the World Union of Deists and the World Pantheist Movement, which have local members, online communities and nature walks, discussion circles and reading groups. Many people with these views also take part in Unitarian Universalist or humanist communities.
Visiting
Open events welcome anyone with an interest in reason, nature and the sacred. Contact the organizers for meeting information.