Defining Theism and Deism.

Apr 13, 2008 21:56

Does anyone have good and distinguishing definitions for theism and deism ( Read more... )

Leave a comment

Comments 2

badsede April 14 2008, 05:25:45 UTC
Theism is the belief in a God or gods. Polytheism is a subset of theism that means the belief in multiple gods, it also connotes the worship of multiple gods. Henotheism is a subset of polytheism that acknowledges the existence of multiple gods but the worship of only one of them. Atheism means either active believing that no God or gods exist (strong atheism) or simply lacking the belief in any God or gods without the active denial (weak atheism).

Deism is a subset of theism that believes in a God who created everything, set it in motion, but does not interact or intervene with that creation. It has been called the belief in the "Great Watchmaker" who makes the clock, winds it, but then just lets it run.

Reply

badsede April 14 2008, 05:28:43 UTC
As to miracles, you could go either way in deism. God could have placed a seemingly miraculous event "in the machinery" at the beginning. But, if you define a miracle as an intervening of God in the world, then deism would preclude miracles.

Reply


Leave a comment

Up