Immanence

In theological discourse, immanence refers to the presence of God in the world. Conventionally, immanence contrasts with the term transcendence, which emphasizes God's separateness and superiority to the world. The two terms, however, are not exclusive opposites, and many theologians balance doctrines of God's transcendence with God's immanence. Historically, theologians have tended to emphasize God's transcendence over God's immanence. In the past two centuries, however, this emphasis has shifted, and many theologians now give more weight to God's immanence. Advocates of panentheism such as Arthur Peacocke (1924–) argue that a theology emphasizing God's immanence is most compatible with modern science.

See also GOD; PANENTHEISM; TRANSCENDENCE

Bibliography

Peacocke, Arthur. Theology for a Scientific Age: Being and Becoming—Natural, Divine, and Human, enlarged edition. Minneapolis, Minn.: Fortress Press, 1993.

GREGORY R. PETERSON