What is Deism ?

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26 Jan 2024

Deism is a belief system that accepts the existence of God but rejects the authority of revelation, religious texts and prophets. According to Deism, after creating the universe, God puts the natural order into operation and does not interfere with the functioning of people and the universe. This understanding is often expressed with the analogy that God builds the universe like a clockmaker and then leaves it alone.
### History of Deism Deism gained popularity with the Age of Enlightenment in Europe, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries. Science and reason were pitted against religion and superstition during this period. Important deist thinkers of this period include John Locke, Voltaire and Thomas Paine.
### Basic Principles of Deism

1. **Existence of God**: Deism holds that God exists, but this God is not personal or interventionist.

2. **The Importance of Reason**:

In Deism, reason and logic are at the forefront rather than revelation or religious texts.

3. **Criticism of Religion**:

The dogmas, rituals and institutions of traditional religions are criticized.
4. **Laws of Nature**:

It is believed that the universe is governed by natural laws determined by God.

### Criticisms of Deism

Deism has been criticized by both theistic and atheistic thought structures. Theists argue that deism rejects God's constant intervention; Atheists, on the other hand, criticize his acceptance of the existence of God.

### Modern Deism

With the advancement of technology and science, modern deism has turned towards a more universal and abstract understanding of God, making its difference with traditional religions even more evident.

### Source

1. "The Age of Enlightenment" - Jonathan Israel

2. "Deism in Enlightenment England" - J. A. Leo Lemay
3. "The Philosophy of Deism" - Peter Byrne

4. "The Deist Minimum" - Daniel Dreisbach, Journal of the History of Ideas
5. "Thomas Paine's The Age of Reason" - Eric Foner This short article offers basic information about deism and provides starting points for further exploration of the subject.

Also if you want to look:
https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deizm