Related Terms • theism

Definition:
Deism was a rationalistic movement which arose in England in the 17th century and argued that it was possible to know that God existed not through revelation (like the Bible) but through a study of nature. According to deists, blind faith in revelation created religions which oppressed humanity.

In contrast, deists hoped to create a new religion based upon the use of reason and logic. In essence, deism relies upon traditional design arguments to support belief in some sort of god or force which is responsible for the origin of the universe.

Deism during the 17th and 18th centuries was not a coherent movement because individual deists differed so greatly in what they actually believed. Nevertheless, they did agree on the rejection of revelation and promotion of reason.

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What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.