Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or characteristic of deism: Pertaining to the philosophical belief that a supreme being created the universe but does not intervene in its operation through miracles or supernatural revelation, relying instead on reason and observation of nature.

Usage

• The term is used to describe ideas, arguments, or thinkers associated with the system of thought known as deism.
• It is typically used in academic, historical, or philosophical contexts.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The philosopher's arguments were fundamentally deistic, emphasizing a distant creator governed by natural laws.
  • Many Enlightenment-era thinkers held deistic beliefs, rejecting organized religion in favor of rational theism.

Advanced Usage

• "deistic conception of God": Refers to the view of God as an impersonal creator, akin to a watchmaker who sets the universe in motion but does not interfere.
  • The deistic conception of God contrasts sharply with the personal, intervening God of the Abrahamic faiths.

Variants and Related Words

• Deism (n): The philosophical belief system itself.
  • Deism was particularly influential during the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Deist (n): A person who holds deistic beliefs.
  • Thomas Paine is often considered a famous deist.

Synonyms

• Rationalistic theism: Emphasizes the role of reason in understanding God, similar to deism.
• Unitarian (in some historical contexts): Some Unitarians historically held beliefs overlapping with deism, though the terms are not identical.

Antonyms

• Theistic: Often implies belief in a personal, intervening God, especially within specific religious traditions.
• Atheistic: Denying the existence of any deity.
• Fideistic: Emphasizing faith over reason in religious belief.

Adjective

1. of or relating to deism