| Basic Concepts: Deism
Deism is a set of religious and philosophical assumptions that became popular in the American colonies in the 18th century. Rejecting specific tenets of most religions and antagonistic particularly to orthodox Christianity, the basic principles of deism complemented the spirit of the Enlightenment and expansive humanism. . 1) There is a god, creator of the universe. 2) Humans have souls. 3) The greatest service is doing good to one's fellow human. 4) Good or ill will be rewarded in life after death. 5) The universe is governed by discernible natural law. . Additionally, most deists declined to accept the claims of miracles and dismissed the supernatural character of both Jesus and Mohamed. . To the extent that these principles or assumptions are to be found in several of the world's religious systems, deism acknowledges them as universal truths, more deserving of respect than the particular tenets unique to any of those same religions. . Online Connections For an extensive introduction to the influence of deism on major seventeenth and eighteenth-century English philosophers, see English Deism. The "European Enlightenment Glossary: Deism" explores the radical deism of the French revolution. You will find in "The Victorian Web: Deism" a useful definition and delineation of the major points of Deism. Thomas Paine wrote extensively on the deistic philosophy, including his essay, "Of the Religion of Deism Compared with the Christian Religion." While you should be cautious of sites by any apologist, "The Deist Roots of the United States of American" details the deist believes of several major colonial American "founding fathers." . Our Course Connections Several influential members of the Continental Congress and other "founding fathers" embraced the ideology of deism including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and George Washington. .  |