What is the difference between animism and pantheism?

What is the difference between animism and pantheism?

 

Animism:

1.                  There is a totally transcendent high God, creator, who is not worshipped.

2.                  Three types of animism:

A.                Physical objects possess a life or spirit of their own.

B.                 Physical objects are indwelled by spirits, which may survive the destruction of those objects.

C.                 Spirits manifest themselves sporadically through people, objects, or places.

3.                  Intermediate spirits, such as angels or demons, are worshipped as controllers of all aspects of life.

4.                  There are an abundance of taboos in animism, as it is a belief system of fear.

Pantheism:       Exaggerates the likeness of man and God

1.                    The universe is identified with God.

2.                    God is the mind or soul of the universe.

3.                    God is either non-personal or supra-personal.

4.                    God is “becoming” in “His” perfection.

5.                    The Hindu version of pantheism says that whatever happens is the will of God.

In both of these theological models, there can be no personal relationship with God. God in these models is either above man and does not interact with him, or is an “it” and can not interact. Nor do these images of God have any concern for the created. In neither case can God be trusted or loved. But God tells us that He abounds in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:5-7). Psalm 34 reminds us that those who take refuge in Him are blessed. It is obvious through special revelation that God loves us and takes an active role in our lives.