The term "divine" is used to describe things that are related to, devoted to, or proceeding from a deity. It can be loosely defined as it is used by different belief systems. Under monotheism and polytheism, the concept of divine is clearly defined, while polytheistic and animistic systems of belief make no such distinction. The term "divine" can also refer to the operation of transcendent power in the world, and in modern western mysticism and new age philosophy, it is used as a noun to describe a non-specific principle or being that gives rise to the world and acts as the source or wellspring of life.
In religious discourse, there are three distinct usages of divinity and divine. Divinities are closely related to the transcendent force(s) or power(s) credited to them, and in some cases, the powers or forces may themselves be invoked independently. The second usage of the word "divine" refers to the operation of transcendent power in the world. The third usage is in modern western mysticism and new age philosophy, where the term "the Divine" is used as a noun to describe a non-specific principle or being that gives rise to the world and acts as the source or wellspring of life.
According to Merriam-Webster, "divine" can be an adjective, noun, or verb. As an adjective, it means of, relating to, or coming directly from God or a god. It can also mean extremely good, pleasant, or enjoyable. As a noun, it refers to a theologian or scholar in religion, or a priest or member of the clergy. As a verb, it means to discover or locate something, usually by means of a divining rod, or to seek to predict future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers.
In summary, "divine" is a term used to describe things that are related to, devoted to, or proceeding from a deity, and it can have different meanings in different belief systems and religious discourses. It can also refer to the operation of transcendent power in the world and is used in modern western mysticism and new age philosophy to describe a non-specific principle or being that gives rise to the world and acts as the source or wellspring of life. Additionally, "divine" can be used as an adjective, noun, or verb with various meanings related to religion, god, and the discovery of hidden knowledge.
