Deism can be a slippery concept--there are many varieties of
deism, just as there are many variations on Christianity. The summary
that I am giving you is an overview and an oversimplification, but it'll give
you something to start from.
Deism is also known as "Natural Religion." It
is the result of the growing scientific revolution, which had been spurred by
the discoveries of Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and the members of the Royal
Society. It involves an attempt to understand the relationship of the
Supreme Being to the world by using reason and observation rather than
revelation.
Deists are not atheists; instead, they contend that we can
understand God's relationship to the created universe without reference to
religious doctrines or revelation.
God as the clockmaker:
Newton described the universe as a great clock built by the
Creator and then set in motion.
The deists viewed the universe as a machine that runs on its
own principles, independent of any interference from its Creator.
Therefore, everything had its own set of rational principles
established by God. These rational principles could be understood by human
beings solely by means of their reason.
This meant that it was unnecessary for religion, mysticism, or
divinity to be implemented in understanding these principles.
General beliefs of the deists
that the Bible, though it contained important truths, was not divinely
inspired
that important Christian theological tenets were the results of human
invention and therefore should be rejected
that God was perfect, but worked by choice through unchangeable laws;
miracles, therefore, were impossible
that free will did indeed exist, and that man could become perfect by
studying nature, which reflected divine perfection
that practical religion consisted of achieving virtue through
rational conduct
that God set the universe in operation but does not interfere
with the mechanism once it was set p
that God could interfere if He wanted, but that he chooses not
to do so
*This page is adapted from a presentation by Kristen
Nicholls delivered in English309: Neoclassical Literature (Spring 2000) (back) |
