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
