Christian Cyclopedia

Metaphysical theory that reduces all phenomena to 1 material or spiritual principle. It considers God and world, matter and spirit, body and soul to be modifications of 1 principle. Manifestations of monism include pantheism,* which identifies God and the world; materialism,* which regards matter as basic reality; and spiritualism or idealism,* which regards spiritual beings or ideas as the only basis of reality.

Metaphysical monism is opposed to Christianity. The Bible asserts essential difference bet. Creator and creation.

See also Dualism; Haeckel, Ernst Heinrich Philipp August; Pluralism; Russell, Bertrand Arthur William; Thales; Wolff, Christian von.