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Deism. A presentation by Andrew Tavin. Some quick facts to begin. Deism is a philosophical position which emerged during the Enlightenment Deism is derived from the Latin word Deus, meaning G-d Many Deists were born Christians who could not believe all of their faith
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Deism A presentation by Andrew Tavin
Some quick facts to begin • Deism is a philosophical position which emerged during the Enlightenment • Deism is derived from the Latin word Deus, meaning G-d • Many Deists were born Christians who could not believe all of their faith • Deism consists of both Critical and Constructive parts
The Critical Part • The Critical Part of Deism consists of the rejection of all “revealed religions”, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which are dependent on a revelation from G-d.
Critical Part, Part 2 • Deism also rejects the occurrence of miracles as well as the doctrine of Original Sin and all other similar beliefs.
The Constructive Part • G-d gave men reason which they use to gain knowledge from the world around them. Additionally, G-d created the universe, and wants human beings to act morally. After they die, there is an after-life.
So, essentially… • Deists believe that G-d created the world and may even maintain it, but that he does not have any interaction in the day to day workings of man.
G-d as the clockmaker A common metaphor for the Deist G-d
Some historical context • Although Deism became popular during the Enlightenment, its roots came much earlier. Early philosophers, such as Plato, had espoused the idea of G-d as the craftsman, or “Demiurge”.
Lord Herbert-Father of Deism British, Founded Early Deism with his work De Veritate
Maximillian Robespierre Leader of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution