Dr. J. Glenn Friesen

Studies relating to Herman Dooyeweerd Linked Glossary of Terms

© J. Glenn Friesen 2003-2005

Linked Glossary of Terms
(references to De Wijsbegeerte der Wetsidee, unless indicated. See concordance for correlation with pages in the New Critique. The concordance is in pdf format.)

Acosmism is the result of a monistic view of reality. For example, if Brahman is held to be the sole reality, then the world is regarded as an illusion or maya. Acosmism is then the extreme turning away from a belief in the reality of the temporal cosmos. It often takes ascetic forms. I discuss 'acosmism' in my thesis on Abhishiktananda.

The term 'acosmism' is not found in Dooyeweerd. Dooyeweerd's philosophy emphasizes the importance of the cosmos. He is opposed to any spiritualizing or pietistic tendencies that deny the importance of the cosmos or that attempt to flee temporal reality.

However, Dooyeweerd does not regard the temporal cosmos as our permanent state. The temporal cosmos is fallen. It must be redeemed and fulfilled. The afterlife will not be subject to cosmic time. In the interim, we are a "stranger and pilgrim in this world" (NC II, 34).

Revised May 18/05