Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deism?
Deism is belief in the existence of God based on rational thought, without any reliance on revealed religion or religious authority. Deism emphasizes natural revelation, that is, God's existence is revealed in nature.

What do Deists believe?
One way this question can be answered is by using a quotation from Thomas Paine, one of the most prominent influences in the development of Deist thought. He simply asserted, "God exists, and there it lies." Let's look at that statement in two parts:

God exists: Deists, by definition, believe that God exists. However, the precise manner in which each individual Deist perceives God is personal and subjective. Some see God as the supreme or ultimate reality. Others see God as the Being perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness who is worshiped as creator and ruler of the universe. Some conceive God as the infinite Mind or incorporeal divine Principle ruling over all as eternal Spirit. However, regardless of how God is perceived by Deists, the common thread is that God does indeed exist.

And there it lies: Deism is a natural religion, which uses reason and knowledge to contemplate the nature of God and existence. Deism does not follow the fundamental beliefs of traditional religions that God revealed Himself to humanity through the writings of religious texts such as the Bible or the Qur'an.

Is this a new religion?
Deism is a new religion compared to other major world religions, but it has been around since the late 17th Century. The beliefs expressed in Deism are primarily derived from the works of early American Deists such as John Quincy Adams, Ethan Allen, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, and largely Thomas Paine. Other Deist schools of thought were developing in Europe at the same time, led by the ideas of such notables as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

The principles of Deism had a profound effect on the political and religious structures of the United States. Notable Deists played major roles in creating the principles of the separation of church and state, and the religious freedom clauses of the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

What are the political beliefs of modern Deists?
Modern Deists come from every direction on the political scale. Many are economic conservatives, many are socially liberal, but members from all points on the political spectrum can find a home in the Deist movement.

Many modern Deists maintain the tradition of active political involvement, with particular emphasis on issues regarding the continued separation of church and state. Other Deists are not inclined to political action, but rather prefer a deeply personal pursuit of God outside of the political arena.

Does Deism teach any morality?
Deism certainly has as one of its main focuses an emphasis on morality. However, most Deists believe that a practical morality can be derived from reason without the need to appeal to religious revelation or church dogma. Most Deists believe humans are too innately noble to require supernatural coercion and threats of eternal damnation to behave morally. As for the development of one morality, this is tricky because morality can be culturally subjective. From a societal standpoint, many Deists believe the basics of John Stuart Mill's "Harm Principle" provide an ample reason-based moral framework:

"...the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection. That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant. He cannot rightfully be compelled to do or forbear because it will be better for him to do so, because it will make him happier, because, in the opinion of others, to do so would be wise, or even right...The only part of the conduct of anyone, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himself, his independence is, of right, absolute. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign."
-- J.S. Mill

One suggested guideline for a personal morality is to take into account the uniqueness of one’s own mind when acting, while making certain to respect the rights of others. However, at the United Deist Church this issue is continually explored through active introspection and challenging discussion with others in our forum.

Do Deists evangelize?
Although Deists encourage the spread of critical thinking and object to traditional doctrinal assertions of what people are to believe, Deists are generally not evangelists. As previously stated, Deism espouses respect and tolerance, recognizing that people must make their own choices about what to believe. The principles of Deism speak for themselves, and need not be shouted to have impact.