What is autotheism?

Response

Autotheism originates from the Greek words theos, meaning “God” or “god”; and autos, meaning “self.” An individual who believes themselves to be God is referred to as an autotheist, and autotheism is the conviction that one is divine.

Autotheism and autotheist hold two distinct meanings that delve into the fundamental conflict between God and humanity. While not commonly used, these terms can also describe God’s self-sufficiency. He exists as God in His own right. When Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, he enticed her with the prospect of becoming “like God” «for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. », (Genesis 3:5). Eve, by disobeying God’s command, essentially assumed the role of her own deity by choosing to follow her own path regardless of God’s instructions.

The terms autotheism and autotheist can also be applied to individuals who idolize themselves or assert their divinity. Autotheism can manifest in various ways, some more subtle than others. For instance, there may be individuals in psychiatric institutions who claim to be God—whether the God of the Bible or another deity. Naturally, such claims are not taken seriously.

Conversely, it is not uncommon to encounter individuals in prominent positions within society, government, or the entertainment industry who subtly exhibit autotheistic tendencies by appropriating divine attributes for themselves. Some may openly declare themselves divine in a New Age context.

The death metal band The Faceless released an album titled Autotheism. The eponymous track consists of three movements spanning over 17 minutes. The lyrics of “Movement I: I Create” effectively convey the essence of autotheism:

I bring to fruition this realm through the vision I possess

I transcend above sanctified impositions

Edition

The devout flame

A flame extinguished from the mind

I shall forge a new reality

No creator in the heavens above (I am the lightning)

Soothe your tired mind

No demons in the furnace below (I am the frenzy)

I have come to the realization that I am God

I will descend to the depths of humanity

Declare to the void

Emptying my vessel

The famished, weary, thirsty

From God’s desolate grave within the garden of falsehoods

A flower blossoms and brings forth a new reality

No creator in the heavens above (I am the lightning)

Soothe your tired mind

No demons in the furnace below (I am the frenzy)

I have come to the realization that I am God.

In this perspective, there is no God (as in the God of the Bible), but each person is a deity unto themselves, shaping their own reality. The famous poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley succinctly encapsulates the theology of autotheism, which is widely accepted, even in religious circles. While the author acknowledges “the gods,” the ultimate deity in this poem is the author themselves:

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how narrow the gate,

How laden with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

Humanism is essentially a form of autotheism that regards humanity (and by extension individuals) as the supreme and most significant beings in the cosmos. This is exemplified by the Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Although the building’s entranceOnce officially inscribed as “FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD AND THE SERVICE OF MAN,” Wright made it clear that he designed his building as a “temple to man.” Humanism may acknowledge God superficially but exalts man to a position of prominence.

Autotheism is the ultimate and most enduring sin of humanity. We desire to replace God in our lives and construct a small universe centered around ourselves and our desires. We seek to establish our own regulations. This mindset can be observed in both atheists and theists. At times, autotheism manifests as a formal assertion of our own divinity, while other times it is reflected in actions and attitudes that elevate us to a position reserved only for God. An autotheist may even profess to honor and worship God.

The remedy for autotheism is a healthy dose of Scripture, which reminds us that we are not God or deities; instead, we are created in His image to reflect Him on earth, to adore Him, and to dwell in communion with Him (see Genesis 1:28-29). One day, every individual will face God’s judgment, and every knee will bow before Him (see Philippians 2:10-11 and Revelation 20:11-15).

“This is what the LORD says—

Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:

I am the first and I am the last;

besides me, there is no God.

Who is like me? Let him declare it.

Let him announce and lay out before me

what has occurred since I established my ancient people,

and what is yet to come—

indeed, let them foretell what will happen.

Do not be afraid, do not tremble.

Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?

You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?