What is the definition of the term that identifies a belief system where divine nature is equated with the natural world?

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Study for the University of Central Florida REL2300 World Religions Exam with questions to test your knowledge. Engage with multiple choice and flashcards designed to enhance your understanding and readiness for the exam.

The term that defines a belief system where divine nature is equated with the natural world is pantheism. In pantheism, God or the divine is not viewed as a distinct, personal entity separate from the universe; rather, it identifies the divine with nature itself. This perspective sees everything in the universe as interconnected and imbued with a divine essence, suggesting that the universe and divinity share the same reality.

Pantheism fosters a deep appreciation for nature and embodies the idea that understanding and revering the natural world is akin to understanding and revering the divine. This contrasts with monotheism, which focuses on a singular, transcendent God distinct from creation, and transtheism, which explores a path that moves beyond traditional notions of the divine. Nontheistic beliefs may not involve a god or gods at all, further distinguishing them from pantheistic viewpoints. The essence of pantheism captures the integrative connection between the divine and the natural world in a way that is central to its understanding.