DeismA presentation by Andrew Tavin

Some quick facts to beginDeism is a philosophical position which emerged during the Enlightenment Deism is derived from the Latin word Deus, meaning G-dMany Deists were born Christians who could not believe all of their faithDeism consists of both Critical and Constructive parts

The Critical PartThe 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 2Deism also rejects the occurrence of miracles as well as the doctrine of Original Sin and all other similar beliefs.

The Constructive PartG-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, essentiallyDeists 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 clockmakerA common metaphor for the Deist G-d

Some historical contextAlthough 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 DeismBritish, Founded Early Deism with his work De Veritate

Voltaire-Enlightenment Writer

Maximillian RobespierreLeader of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution

Thomas Jefferson-American Pres

Benjamin Franklin