Deism and Theism are two doctrines or beliefs that revolve around the existence of a supernatural power or deity. While both share similarities, there are subtle differences between them.
Key Takeaways
- Deism believes in a creator, God, who established the world and its natural laws but does not intervene in the affairs of the universe.
- Theism, similar to monotheism, posits that there is only one God who actively controls and supervises the events and affairs of the universe.
- Deism does not ascribe miracles or supernatural powers to God, whereas Theism believes that God listens to prayers and performs miracles.
Deism is a doctrine about the creator and the world that emerged during the 17th and 18th centuries, often referred to as the Age of Enlightenment. This belief system posits that there is a higher power, God, who created the universe, but this is where his role ends. Deism does not believe in miracles or supernatural powers of God and maintains that God does not intervene in the affairs of the world.
On the other hand, Theism is a belief that there exists only one God, a doctrine similar to monotheism. This belief asserts that there is a creator of the universe who actively controls the events and affairs of the universe. Theism is found in many world religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism, and emerged as a response to Deism’s popularity during the 17th and 18th centuries. Theists believe that God listens to prayers and answers them through miracles and supernatural events.
In summary, both Deism and Theism believe in the existence of one God that created the universe. However, Theism ascribes powers to God and believes him to be actively involved in controlling the affairs of the universe, whereas Deism contends that God created the universe and its natural laws but ceased to intervene in its affairs. Consequently, Deism does not ascribe miracles and supernatural powers to God, while Theism maintains that God actively listens to prayers and controls events.
