theism

[ thee-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the belief in one God as the creator and ruler of the universe, without rejection of revelation ( deism ).
2. belief in the existence of a god or gods ( atheism ).

theism

/ ˈθiːɪzəm /

noun

1. the form of the belief in one God as the transcendent creator and ruler of the universe that does not necessarily entail further belief in divine revelation Compare deism
2. the belief in the existence of a God or gods Compare atheism

Other Words From

• the·ist [thee, -ist], noun adjective
• the·istic the·isti·cal adjective
• the·isti·cal·ly adverb
• nonthe·istic adjective
• nonthe·isti·cal adjective
• nonthe·isti·cal·ly adverb
• unthe·istic adjective
• unthe·isti·cal adjective
• unthe·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of theism¹

First recorded in 1670–80; the- + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of theism¹

C17: from Greek theos god + -ism

Example Sentences

References to the Creator and Nature’s God in the Declaration reflect a general theism that could be acceptable to Christians, Unitarians, deists and others.

From Seattle Times

Many who regard theism as a backward-looking social force might usefully consider how each of these holidays contains the seeds of rebellion.

From Washington Post

And the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan since Cupich wrote his essay reminds us that certain fervent forms of theism are implacably opposed to the tolerance and openness he preaches.

From Washington Post

Why not deism instead of theism, or pantheism instead of either?

From New York Times

And Collins founded an organization called BioLogos to advance a belief in the deep compatibility of science, including evolutionary science, and Christian theism.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• church
• conviction
• denomination
• doctrine
• principle
• religion
• sect
• teaching