Deism: God without Religion
Created | Updated May 5, 2002
Like Judaism, Christianity or Islam, Deism is a monotheistic (one God) belief, but that's where the similarities end. Unlike most religions in the world (sometimes called "revealed religions"), Deism does not believe in a "holy book" to reveal the word of God; rather, Deism uses all of creation as its "Bible." Over 200 years ago, Thomas Paine wrote an excellent (indeed, what may be the definitive) description of Deistic belief:
"I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life"
-- from Paine's "The Age of Reason"
Deists believe in the existence of a God, who created the universe, and then largely stepped away from its actual operation. Beyond that tenet, Deists use their own God-given logic and reason in their search for truth. Some Deists believe that God doesn't interfere at all in his/hers/its creation; others (such as the author of this entry) believe that God, from time to time, may step in and influence our lives. Like most conventional religions, Deists believe in prayer. However, Deist's prayers generally are only for thanks or appreciation; we do not ask for special favors, nor do we dictate to God.
More information on Deism can be found at the United Deist Church at www.deism.org, or the (very strident) World Union of Deists website at www.deism.com; there are also some Yahoo! discussion groups, and other online resources. If you're so inclined, Thomas Paine's "The Age of Reason" (available at most bookstores, or online at: www.infidels.org/library/historical/thomas_paine/age_of_reason/index.shtml ) makes an excellent Deist primer.
"I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life"
-- from Paine's "The Age of Reason"
Deists believe in the existence of a God, who created the universe, and then largely stepped away from its actual operation. Beyond that tenet, Deists use their own God-given logic and reason in their search for truth. Some Deists believe that God doesn't interfere at all in his/hers/its creation; others (such as the author of this entry) believe that God, from time to time, may step in and influence our lives. Like most conventional religions, Deists believe in prayer. However, Deist's prayers generally are only for thanks or appreciation; we do not ask for special favors, nor do we dictate to God.
More information on Deism can be found at the United Deist Church at www.deism.org, or the (very strident) World Union of Deists website at www.deism.com; there are also some Yahoo! discussion groups, and other online resources. If you're so inclined, Thomas Paine's "The Age of Reason" (available at most bookstores, or online at: www.infidels.org/library/historical/thomas_paine/age_of_reason/index.shtml ) makes an excellent Deist primer.
