deism a presentation by andrew tavin. some quick facts to begin deism is a philosophical position...
TRANSCRIPT
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
Voltaire-Enlightenment Writer
Maximillian Robespierre
Leader of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution
Thomas Jefferson-American Pres
Benjamin Franklin