The Tao of Physics claims that since certain physicists have decided that subatomic particles are only probabilities and cannot be proven to exist at a certain place and time, then we can infer from this that the world is "maya" (illusion).
Frifjof Capra uses various examples from science (theoretical and apparent anomalies of quantum physics) to undermine our common sense understanding of what reality is. Once we no longer feel that what we see and experience is reality, then the pantheists can use this moment of weakness to insert their theories.
Note that the Freemasons have adopted Capra's "cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, but also the daily rhythm of birth and death" which they interpret as "Order Through Chaos". CERN features a statue of Shiva ("the destroyer of worlds") at their world-shaking facility in Switzerland.
The relationship between the author's pantheistic musings with modern physics seems to be only incidental. The myths gain no extra power due to scientific parallels, and the science remains unproven despite support from past masters. Modern physicists believe (without much evidence) that the subatomic world is a dreamtime of energy being converted to and from matter. Capra believes that this is of tremendous metaphysical import, and show examples that ancient Eastern philosophers also pursued similar ideas. Does this "democracy of the dead" lend credence to modern theories, supposedly arrived at through scientific endeavour? Do these physicists think that their theories validate pantheism?
The first and most primal religion was pantheism. Cavemen (barring divine inspiration) were pantheists. Pantheists have no morality since everything merges into a grey blob of tolerant disinterest. Eventually storytellers began to develop myths about the origins of clouds and trees, and we found that we had invented a relativist hierarchy of morality between different nature gods, and between gods and man - in other words, polytheism. Yet there was one tribe that maintained a stubborn monotheism. The Israelites were forcibly trained by God to resist syncretism to the point where neighboring tribes were completely wiped out in bloody, zealous warfare. Christians have inherited this strain of monotheism and its oddly male priesthood (priestesses were common in both pantheism and polytheism). Monotheism is remarkable for the concept that one prime cause created the universe and is set apart (holy, sacred) from it.
For Christians, the structure of the universe is of secondary importance. The most important thing for Christians is to determine God's Will, and then follow it. Christians feel no pressing need to square modern scientific theory with ancient myths. Even if they happen to align from time to time, that is no proof of either. Scientific theory must be proven by scientific experiment. Metaphysical theories must be proven via alternate means. Neither realm treads very deeply upon the other.
Metaphysical law forms the basis for the moral laws that circumscribe the licit activities of mankind. For example, scientists who work towards the destruction of civilization do so in violation of Christian moral law. Since pantheists claim no moral law (in fact, each of us as "one with God" may define the moral law for ourselves), pantheistic scientists can and do commit crimes against humanity with moral impunity.
Note that Theravada Buddhism, as invented by the Buddha, is not pantheistic. It is agnostic. It is Stoic. It is scientific. Mahayana Buddhism accreted over time atop the original Theravada Buddhism, re-adding layers of the Eastern pantheism so carefully stripped away by the Buddha. It should come as no surprise that mankind, tiring of the Buddha's scientific detachment, placed himself firmly at the center of creation.
As the only creatures capable of meditating upon these great mysteries, it is only natural that man place himself upon a pedestal. Pantheists force themselves to contemplate a world in which they are the only observers; they are the only valid judges; they are the pinnacle of creation. Such an impoverished universe is liable to drive any thinking man to despair.
Christians are humble enough to see that we are not as perfect as Angels. Christians are wise enough to seek a First Cause. Christians are broadminded enough to look outside a created universe for perfection. Christians are charitable enough not to judge God by our own defective standards. Christians are honest enough to admit there is a God, even if we are not yet in conformance with (or do not fully yet understand) His laws.
The lively and interesting universe that Christians are blessed to inhabit is rich beyond our imaginations. In it, there are mysteries forever beyond our reason - some things will simply have to be experienced. When you create a religion, you build within the confines of your own mind. You (and by extension your religion) can never exceed yourself. When you are given a religion by a creator (by definition outside His creation) then you will find yourself constantly confounded, challenged and surprised by things you could never have imagined.
It is true that pantheism is woven throughout with the vital presence of life. This active, living ingredient infuses Eastern philosophy with an attractive vibrancy. But the Christian universe was always held together by God's Holy Spirit. Without Him the universe would immediately decay into a cloud of lifeless elements. Yet Christians know this power is a living Person, not a faceless "Force" or pitiless karmic order. It was heretic priests like Luther, lawyers like Calvin and the Deists of the self-described "Enlightenment" who stripped God's religion of its vital and living tenets, teaching Christians all over the world that God is dead, life is cruel, and eternity an endless wasteland.
In contrast to institutional despair such as that, pantheism is a welcome break. However, it still leads nowhere. It can be pleasant at first to imagine ourselves consubstantial with an unending pool of energy that we can tap to our advantage whenever we like. All we need do is break through our own hard-headed ignorance and suddenly we will be invested with powers to change the universe to suit our own moral view. Yet however much we think we might enjoy power like that, we should all thank God we will never be given such an awesome responsibility. God-like powers are reserved for God.
As CS Lewis says, "An 'impersonal God' - well and good. A subjective God of beauty, truth and goodness, inside our own heads - better still. A formless life-force surging through us, a vast power which we can tap - best of all. But God himself, alive, pulling at the other end of the cord, perhaps approaching at an infinite speed, the hunter, King, husband - that is quite another matter."
It may not please us at first to face our true place in the order of things. However, with a little careful reflection, we can all begin to understand that God has so ordered this universe to make each and every one of us the best we can be. This polishing process is not gentle, nor can we always see the reasoning or fairness of life events. In any case, it is the reality we experience. There is no ultimate benefit in engaging in fantasies of world bending power.
In Buddhism, suffering is a human condition to be avoided. In pantheism, suffering is a problem to be solved. In Christianity, suffering is a blessing to be embraced. Suffering transforms Christians; it makes us better people. When Christians begin to avoid suffering, it is because they no longer are Christians; they have become diminished by a desire for God-like power.
Buddhists arrogate to themselves the power to exclude metaphysical considerations from their philosophy. Self-discipline is their path to a humble goal: diminution of Earthly pain. Pantheists indulge in flights of fancy, dreaming of perfect worlds in lieu of facing the reality of this world and our humble place within it. Christians face squarely the fact of a Prime Mover and the following unavoidable consequence: if He exists (and He must) then we must find out first and foremost what it is that He wants from us.
Fortunately for all of us, Christianity has discovered through revelation and logical deduction that God wants for us exactly what we need (not necessarily what we want). All we have to do is ask Him and He will provide. Humble Christians are not surprised nor upset to learn that what we think we want and what we actually need are two very different things. Prayer helps us to bridge this gap. Christians will continue to pray that our Buddhist and pantheistic brothers and sisters obtain the strength to face the reality of a creator God who is continually stooping to save a fallen humanity.
