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deism vs. theism

deism vs. theism: What's the difference?

Deism and theism are both general terms for belief systems. Deism holds that a god must exist, based on the evidence of reason and nature only, not on supernatural evidence. Some deists believe that a god created the world but is indifferent to it. Theism holds that there is one God who is still actively engaged with the universe in some way. Theists do not reject supernatural evidence.

deism

[ dee-iz-uhm ]
noun
  1. belief in the existence of a God on the evidence of reason and nature only, with rejection of supernatural revelation (distinguished from theism).
  2. belief in a God who created the world but has since remained indifferent to it.

theism

[ thee-iz-uhm ]
noun
  1. the belief in one God as the creator and ruler of the universe, without rejection of revelation (distinguished from deism).
  2. belief in the existence of a god or gods (opposed to atheism).