Deist

/ˈdeɪɪst/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who believes in the existence of a supreme being, specifically a creator who does not intervene in the universe.

As a deist, she felt that the universe was created by a higher power but that this power did not interfere with human affairs.

One who believes in God based on reason and nature rather than revelation or scripture.

The founding fathers of the United States included several deists who valued reason and scientific inquiry.

A proponent of deism, often emphasizing the belief that natural laws govern the universe.

Many deists in the Enlightenment period sought to reconcile faith with the discoveries of modern science.

A person skeptical of organized religion but still holding a belief in a divine creator.

He identified as a deist, often critiquing religious dogma while maintaining his belief in a divine origin of the universe.

From Latin 'deus' meaning 'god' and the suffix '-ist' denoting a believer.

deist belief

The belief in a creator who does not intervene in daily life.

deistic philosophy

A philosophical standpoint that emphasizes reason and the observation of the natural world in understanding existence.

theism

The belief in the existence of a god or gods who intervene in the universe.

agnosticism

The belief that the existence of God or the divine is unknown or unknowable.

A person who believes in a creator but not traditional religion.

He calls himself a deist, not wanting to be tied down by specific doctrines.