Deism: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Deism

"Faith consists in believing what reason does not believe,"
- Voltaire

Note: This list of questions about deism will continue to be expanded as this site receives them.

Food for Thought: In addition to answering these FAQ from a Deist's point of view, this website also poses questions of its own. These questions are simply for your consideration as they relate to your own views of the universe. They do not necessarily represent the Deist's perspective nor is the reader required to think along the same line of reasoning to be considered a Deist. Yes, an apple was chosen as the icon of these questions. The irony is deliberate.

1. What do Deists believe?

There are two basic features that distinguish Deism from either Atheism or Theism. They are summed up in Thomas Paine's assertion, "God exists, and there it lies."

"God exists...": Deists view the order and architecture of the universe as indications of a conscious designer.
"...and there it lies.": Deism as a philosophy makes no positive assertions about the nature of that designer. It rather leaves it up to the individual to speculate based upon empirical observations of the universe and personal reason (reason being seen as a sacred gift from God). Deists tend to view with extreme suspicion any efforts to claim divine authority, whether it be claiming to speak for God directly, being part of an order allegedly favored by God or citing so-called "sacred scripture" allegedly written by those who allegedly spoke for God. Only God speaks for God.

Specific beliefs beyond these two features will vary from one Deist to the next. A person's perception of reason is relative. Each mind is a unique combination of the myriad forces of God's creation of the universe and the laws of nature. Thus, there is no uniform belief about the nature of God. There is no set creed, no dogma, and there are no religious authorities who dictate beliefs or behavior in Deism.

It would be a paradox to claim that reason is a sacred gift of God and then proclaim a uniform set of credos that all must subscribe to.

2. How is Deism different from Theism?

Three important differences.

Reason Instead of Faith. Theism is based upon "faith". Usually there is some prophet or sacred scripture that is said to represent the beliefs of their god or gods. Followers are told not to question sacred beliefs, scriptures, church leaders, etc. who are invested with the authority to speak for god. Deism is based upon reason. It is not only permissible to question those who claim divine authority but a natural response. Faith is seen as the suppression of reason, where our natural curiosity and skepticism is silenced to believe even the most absurd credos of Theism.
Impersonal God Instead of a Domineering God. Theism is the belief in a personal god that seeks a "relationship" of some kind with its followers (usually one of dominance). Deism observes that God apparently desires no direct relationship nor does it expect to be worshipped, else It would make regular appearances.
Self-Reliance Instead of Co-Dependency. Theists usually turn to their god for strength and comfort. Feelings of dependence are fostered among the believers. By contrast, Deists believe that God has already given humanity all it needs. The rest is up to us. Self-reliance and self-confidence is emphasized and fostered by Deism.

3. How is Deism different from Atheism?

Arguably, the only difference between them is their answer to the question on whether the universe was made or just happened. Although most Atheists do not positively assert that the universe came to be on its own, this view is treated as the default assumption barring further proof to the contrary. To the Deist, the idea of such a universe creating itself makes no sense, so the concept of the Designer is treated as the default explanation. Put simply, where the Atheist sees chaos, the Deist sees order.

Aside from this philosophical difference, Deists and Atheists have a great deal in common. Both philosophies believe in the use of reason and empirical observation. Both become excited to learn of scientific discoveries (Atheists see expanding knowledge as a reduction of the "god of the gaps" while Deists see further understanding of our universe as coming closer to God). Both reject superstition in favor of a rational worldview. Both reject church authority, scripture, and the imposition of religious ideology either in the law or upon the minds of humanity.

4. How can Deists believe in God but reject Christianity?

This is a question posed by both Atheists and Theists alike.

Christianity is not rejected because it isn't proven. It's rejected because it is absurd and self-contradictory, to say nothing of being unhealthy for both the individual and all of humanity.

I can believe that there is a God because of the universe about me. It is a universe governed by predictable, immutable laws, indicating a methodical intelligence behind it. I can't believe that this Creator is anything like the capricious, spoiled, sadistic, tantrum-throwing, megalomaniac depicted in the Bible.

Food for Thought: Has anyone ever asked why it is that the god depicted in the Bible was prone to raising the dead, firebombing cities, causing the sun to stand still in the sky, speaking to people through burning bushes and sending angels to deliver messages and yet, as far as we can tell, none of these things happen today? The actual governor of this universe seems inclined neither toward miracles nor revelation. And why is it that when these miracles and curses supposedly happened, those who did not worship the Bible's god made no account of it? Isn't it odd how the Chinese historians were blissfully unaware that their civilization got flooded out?

5. Why do Deists reject divine revelation?

As Thomas Paine points out in The Age of Reason, the term "divine revelation" can only (by definition) be an experience for the one that God has spoken to directly. Any second hand account of what God allegedly said is (by definition) hearsay. It doesn't matter if this second-hand account comes verbally or in writing. Being an old account does not make it more credible.

Therefore, the Bible is, at best, hearsay, its accuracy is highly suspect and we are under no obligation to believe it. At worst, it is fabrication by those who lied when claiming to speak for God in order to further their own political and financial interests.

In sum, only God can speak for God.

Food for Thought: If God had a message for all of humanity, why not simply talk to everyone at once in a voice that might carry across the planet? Why would God depend on messengers? Is God illiterate and requires stenographers? Is God powerful enough to create a world but not powerful enough to speak to all parts of Creation?

I would never question God. I only question those arrogant enough to claim to speak for God. There is no reason to conclude that either priest, self-appointed prophet or an old book may do so.

Deism presents an alternative to understanding our Creator. Since the revelations and scriptures of others are suspect, all that is left is your own individual reason and your own observations of the universe. To understand the artist, look to the artwork. To understand God, look to the universe. Your spiritual journey is your own. Deism, like its fellow free-thinking philosophies, does not have any easy answers but does empower you to discover them for yourself.

Related Question: Do Deists believe in any directives from God?

We are not aware of any. We reject the commandments of Theism on the grounds that if God were to lay any such directives down, It would speak to the entire world at once. Certainly a being that created the universe would have such power.

6. What are the political beliefs of Deists?

Modern Deists come from every direction on the political scale. Many are economic conservatives, most are socially liberal, but members from all points on the political spectrum can find a home in the Deist movement. The one thing Deists, by definition, should be expected to agree upon is the Separation of Church and State. This doctrine was first introduced into America's Constitution by Deists among its founders. The idea of establishing America as a "Christian nation" or imposing Christian ideology through the law upon America's citizens is something that goes against the very movement of Deism and freethought in general.

7. Does Deism teach morality?

Contrary to the assertions of Christians and other religious groups, morality does not disappear in the absence of religious dogma and indoctrination. In fact, a casual review of the motivations of some of the greatest atrocities ever committed in history indicates that morality doesn't necessarily appear with the presence of religious dogma and indoctrination either. The two are, at best, uncorrelated and therefore the evidence indicates they are unrelated.

Reason indicates a natural system of morality whereby we respect the rights of others as we would want to be treated in their places. For many Deists, the basic concepts presented in John Stewart Mill's "Harm Principle" provide a framework for a reason-based morality code:

"...the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection. That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant. He cannot rightfully be compelled to do or forbear because it will be better for him to do so, because it will make him happier, because, in the opinion of others, to do so would be wise, or even right...The only part of the conduct of anyone, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himself, his independence is, of right, absolute. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign."
-John Stewart Mill

8. Do Deists pray to God?

Generally speaking, no. Few Deists feel comfortable dictating to God or conclude that it is likely that God answers prayers. Empirical evidence indicates that it is up to us to determine our own destinies and to create the world we want to create.

As the Deist Benjamin Franklin observed, "God helps those who help themselves."

The Wizard of Oz: Could be adopted as a Deist parable?

In the famous story of the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and her companions travel in search of a "powerful wizard" who can supposedly grant them what they each desire. The wizard frightens them with smoke and mirrors, controls them to do his bidding and, in the end, turns out to be a fraud. All ends well because Dorothy and her companions learn that they didn't need the wizard, that they had the capabilities within themselves all along.

Adopted as a Deist parable, the "wizard" represents religion and the moral of the story is that God has already given us reason (a brain), compassion (a heart) and an indomitable spirit (courage) along with the means of creating our own destiny (including finding our way home).

Food for Thought: Does scale indicate anything here? It is entirely possible, given the age of the universe (roughly 13.5 billion years) and the size (hundreds of millions of galaxies) that God is not aware of us or if aware no more so than a human scientist of bacteria cells living in a petri dish. Even if God is omniscient and omnipresent, it's also possible that a being of that magnitude simply can't identify enough with us to grant wishes upon request.

Variant question: Do Deists believe in a intervening God?

Most do not. The common conclusion is that God has moved onto larger issues of creation. A few believe that the hand of God is involved in the subtle progress of the development of this earth. Even if true, such involvement is apparently so subtle that we are not aware.

Food for Thought: In both engineering and artwork, we see the desire to create something larger than the artist or engineer. The creation that comes out of their efforts needs to have a life of its own, one that can function without the artist or engineer's constant involvement. In fact, the quality of such accomplishments is often viewed inversely with how much attention is required by the creator. If an artist needs to "explain" the artwork or the engineer is always needed to keep the machine working, the creation is usually considered to be of poor quality. What then would be the point of making a universe that has no life of it's own? Why would any being want to create something that must be micromanaged, that can't function without constant care?

Variant question: Do Deists believe in miracles?

It depends on how you define the term. Deists believe in "miracles" in the sense that all of life and the universe around us is a miracle. Deists tend to be deeply suspicious of claims of miracles in the sense of fantastic events described in the Bible and other scriptures of Theism. There is no historical verification independent of the Bible that any such miracles ever occurred.

9. Do Deists believe in a divine Jesus?

No. Historical writings by famous Deists have spoken of the "moral character" of Jesus as if he were an idealistic human being around whom fantastic myths were built (most of them suspiciously similar to pagan analogs that predated Christianity).

Variant Question: Is it possible to be a Christian Deist?

No. Neither is it possible to be a Muslim Deist or otherwise mix Deism with any brand of Theism. Theism demands faith in the "truth" of scriptures and religious teachings. Deism emphasizes understanding God through reason and critical thinking. Faith is the suppression of reason and critical thinking. Despite their agreement on the existence of God, Theism and Deism are incompatible world-views.

10. Do Deists believe in an afterlife?

Some do. Some don't. Instead of worrying about a problem that you can't solve, most Deists simply say we must make productive use of our lives here on earth and let the hereafter tend to itself. In any event, if there is a salvation message to worry about, we feel confident that God would let us know in some other way than the hearsay of alleged divine revelation. Given that we have none, following our conscience and reason is all we can do.

Food for Thought: Does the Law of Conservation indicate anything here? Science tells us that nothing is ever created or destroyed. Logic tells us we can't get something from nothing and vice-versa. Nothing in the universe has a limited existence. Things just change form. Is there any reason to think that we are an exception to this rule?

Related Question: Do Deists believe in souls?

Not necessarily but many do believe there is more to the wonder of consciousness than electro-chemical reactions in the brain. It should be noted that being an Atheist or Deist has nothing to do with how you perceive consciousness or what you believe happens to that consciousness when we die. Some Deists believe that oblivion is all that awaits us while some Atheists do believe in some form of existence after death, such as reincarnation. The distinction between the two philosophies is more about whether or not you believe some higher intelligence was involved in the creation of the universe.

Food for Thought: What causes sentience? Is it just electro-chemical reactions in the brain? If so, than why does the Placebo Effect work? The human brain can be restructured by our very will and science has shown this to be true. What "will" is it that shapes the human brain if the human brain is supposed to be that very will? Could the Placebo Effect be indications of the human spirit at work?

11. Is there a Church of Deism? Are there ordained Deist clergy?

Such ideas would seem to contradict the very concept of Deism, which values individual reason and rejects scripture, credos or church authorities.

Yet, there have been efforts in the past to create such a "church", at least informally and as an online community. There are some Deists and other freethinkers who envy the fellowship that comes with a church. Being a freethinker can be a lonely choice. They also sometimes like the ceremonies, music and celebrations that come with annual holidays and milestones of life like birth or marriage. It's easy to understand why some would like to try putting together such a church.

(In my humble opinion: Such projects are doomed to failure. Trying to gather freethinkers and get them to all agree on a uniform set of tenets, never mind establishing anything as elaborate as an institution or appointing ministers, is like herding cats.)

Related Question: Is Deism philosophy or religion?

It depends on how you define the term religion. (My humble opinion: philosophy.)

12. Do Deists believe in Satan or demons?

No. First of all, the universe about us seems to be a supernaturally tranquil place, governed by predictable laws, which hardly indicates invisible supernatural beings like angels and demons fighting all around us. There certainly doesn't seem to be any reason to think this is so.

Secondly, evil doesn't require an central organizer or promoter to exist. We are capable of behaving compassionately or sadistically without any supernatural beings whispering into our ears. As adults, we should have a sense of responsibility for our own actions.

Third, thinking of the universe as being a battleground between absolute good and evil is perhaps one of the most dangerous paradigms promoted by monotheistic religions. The bipolar world it presents leaves no room for tolerance when its taken to its natural extreme. The trap is in thinking that those who are not with (fill in the name of our good god here) must be on the other side. When evil is defined according to allegiances rather than actions or attitudes toward our fellow beings, we begin to justify sadistic acts in the defense of the religion we perceive as absolute good. Inquisitions, holy wars, and persecutions can be the tragic result.

Evil does exist but more in terms of the attitudes we adopt and our actions toward our fellow beings of the universe. If there is a battleground in this universe, it's fair to say that most Deists and other freethinkers tend to see the struggle as one of enlightenment versus ignorance.

13. What if you're wrong and end up going to Hell?

This question, often posed by Christians, is known as "Pascal's Wager".

Each Deist or other freethinker will have their own answer to this question. The number of refutations, logical and moral, would be too long to list here. Hence, this Deist will offer a personal answer. Others can come up with their own as they like.

Speaking as an individual Deist, I would have no regrets and not change my stance if I knew this would be my fate. The Christian god is to me an evil, sadistic megalomaniac who I could never in good conscience serve. While Hell would be painful, it would be far worse to live in Heaven knowing the price of salvation was to forsake all integrity, courage and morality.

Food for Thought: Is it better to be a dead lion or live rat? Those who choose the fate of the lion must agree that a threat is not a reason to believe something.

Further Reflection on Pascal's Wager: What a perfect demonstration of how spiritually vapid and morally bankrupt Christianity is. It is revealed here by this false dilemma as being nothing more than a set of punishments for non-belief and non-conformity and a set of rewards for belief and conformity.

Food for Thought: As long as we're talking about gambles, let's talk odds. Which is more likely? Is it more likely that God really does expect us on pain of damnation to suppress the very gift of reason that we are given to believe an absurd book with not a shred of proof? Or is it more likely that this entire punishment/reward system is a lie created by humans as a means of frightening and controlling a population.

14. If everything must be created, is it logical to assume that something must have created God?

This is a point that often comes up in Atheist vs. Deist debates. Its not an easy question for either side to answer, of course, much like What was around before the Big Bang?

It is possible, given infinite time and space, that things can randomly come together. Given that, it seems more likely that one intelligent being was randomly born that gave order and life to the rest than hundreds of millions of galaxies randomly came to be on their own. It would seem Occams Razor actually favors Deism over Atheism in this case.

15. What is the Deist view of homosexuality?

There really isn't a formal stance of the philosophy as a whole on this particular topic. With no scripture, commandments or church elders, there are no uniform rules laid down for proponents to go by.

With the absence of arbitrary taboos like those laid down in the Bible, we generally answer questions of right and wrong by looking either at the rights of others or the needs of society as a whole. In terms of protecting the rights of others, there is no victim with same-gender sex (except with sexually predatory examples which unfortunately also occur among heterosexuals). In terms of the needs of society as a whole, there doesn't seem to be any way same-gender sex poses a threat. In any event, the burden of proof would certainly be on those who suggest the common good would be promoted by a taboo against same-gender sex.

Neither logical indication of morality would seem to indicate that there is anything wrong with same-gender sex.

(My personal observation: This is not exactly a scientific poll but this Deist has never once spoken with any homophobic Deist or even a Deist that has a problem with same-gender marriage (and this topic does come up on discussion boards).)

Food for Thought: Is it possible that God created homo/bisexuality as contingency planning? Homosexuality creates couples that can't have children of their own and are capable of adopting for their heterosexual counterparts who die and leave orphaned children behind. Bisexuality alleviates any social tensions that might be created in the event of a calamity that kills of a disproportionate number of a certain gender of a group of people.

16. If nature is so perfect, then what are natural disasters?

Nature isn't "perfect" (at least as we would think of "perfection") and this likely serves a purpose.

Humans adapt to whatever environment we are placed in (part of the reason that concepts of Heaven and Hell are absurd). Being in paradise softens us while harsh conditions harden us. "Necessity is the mother of invention". The world seems to be just harsh enough to encourage us to grow, learn and become stronger while not being too harsh so as to make survival improbable. If we lived in a perfect world, where no one ever wanted, wed never make it out of the Stone Age.

Related Question: Why does death exist, if not as "punishment for sin"?

It is part of the cycle. The young, not remembering anything other ways, will more easily adapt to change and be more able to grow. See today how children are more adept with computers and technology. If we never died or had children, we would still likely be in caves, writing on stone tablets thinking it good enough. Birth and death allow not just for biological evolution but also for the evolution of society as a whole. Technology ever moves forward because the younger are ready to take over from those that came before them.

17. Does the Deist belief in a supernatural being like God contradict it's "rational world view" and rejection of superstition?

What do we consider the "supernatural"? If we could travel back in to the Stone Age, wouldn't the people who lived then see the things we can do with technology and think of it as the stuff of "magic"? The truth is our technology operates according to rules but it would still be beyond their understanding.

Do we define the "supernatural" as that which we do not yet understand? In the 17th century, I understand there were a group of Biologists who called themselves "Vitalists" who believed there was a mysterious life-giving force in the air. We now understand this force to be oxygen and can explain how it works. There is no magic to it though it may seem so to those who do not understand the process.

Food for Thought: Is God necessarily "omnipotent" or is omnipotence necessary to be called "God"? What does the universe indicate? We as a species have evolved and apparently continue to do so. If God were omnipotent, certainly It could simply instantly create beings as desired instead of growing us over time. However being omnipotent isn't necessary to be a First Cause to the universe. Therefore, God, having limitations, might also operate according to laws that, like our technology might be to the Stone Age humans, is beyond our comprehension.

Food for Thought: Is God necessarily immortal or is immortality necessary to be called "God"? Deism defines God as "First Cause" or "The Creator" (put simply, the mysterious intelligence behind the design of the universe). Immortality doesn't seem to be a necessary component any more than omnipotence. Ironically, if God were dead, this would be a way that both the Atheist and Deist would be right. The Deist would be right in that the order and architecture of the universe were indications of Design. The Atheist would be right in that there is no God (currently). Actually, it wouldn't be a bad philosophy. God created life before dying. We are the inheritors of Its legacy and fortune. We can either squander this wealth or build upon the foundation and continue the work that this great being got started. At least it would be a lot more productive to think of God in this manner than the religions that exist now.

18. Do Deists believe in evolution?

Deists believe in understanding God by observing the universe. Science is the true theology. Therefore, Deism as a philosophy defers to science for the answers as to how our universe works. Deism is not in conflict with any of the teachings of science, including evolution.

Note: "Intelligent Design Theory" is so-called "Creation Science" masquerading as Deism.

19. How do you serve God?

Logically, the way to serve any being is to see what that being is doing and lend assistance, however small or insignificant your efforts may be in comparison. As God has provided us with a great foundation, this earth, the best way to serve God is to find a way to constructively build upon that foundation. No matter how little we may be able to accomplish in comparison, if when we die we have left our world better off than when we found it, we will have been successful.

Praise and glorification are always nice but I have little illusion that God requires any validation from me. Of greater service to God is the construction of a school or library than a church.

20. Do you feel the need to convert others to Deism?

With no "souls to save" there is little incentive to disturb a group of people who believe differently and get them to change to be more like us, assuming their beliefs don't harm others and they give like consideration to others. The problem is fanatical religious beliefs don't end with the individual's faith. They can be harmful to others or infringe upon the rights of others who don't believe as they do. Generally, it's fair to say that most Deists are more concerned with creating a more tolerant and free society than in establishing any conformity of belief.

21. Are there any symbols for deism?

The Masons once created a symbol for deism, one which appears on our dollar bills. The symbol is of a pyramid with its peak floating above and an all-seeing eye set within. The all-seeing eye represents God while the body of the pyramid represents Creation.

Unfortunately, this would not be an appropriate symbol today because it has come to be associated with the Illuminati, a fictional secret society that controls all of civilization.

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