Deism

1. Axioms

The following axioms function as foundational premises within Deism. They are treated as starting points for a rational “natural theology” rather than as revealed doctrines.

1. Existence of a creator: There exists a supreme cause or creator responsible for the existence and order of the universe.
2. Nature is intelligible: The world is structured in a law-like way that human reason can, at least partly, understand.
3. Reason as primary authority: Human rational inquiry is the main route to religious knowledge, superior to claims of special revelation.
4. Non-interventionist creator (typical form): The creator does not ordinarily suspend natural order through ongoing miracles or direct governance.
5. Moral order: Human beings are morally responsible, and ethical truths are accessible through conscience and reason.

2. Derived Doctrinal Commitments

From these axioms, Deism derives a theological stance that emphasizes universality and minimalism.

• Natural religion: Core religious truths are those that any rational person could, in principle, discover without scripture.
• Skepticism toward revelation: Particular revelations and miracle claims are treated cautiously or as non-essential.
• Providence as order: “Providence” is often interpreted as the stability of natural law rather than ongoing intervention.
• Universal ethics: Moral duties are framed as broadly human rather than tied to a covenantal or ecclesial structure.
• Religious plural tolerance (common implication): Since reason is shared, coercive sectarian boundaries are typically rejected.

3. Ethical Framework

Deist ethics emphasize rational morality, conscience, and responsibility within natural order.

• Conscience and reason: Moral discernment relies on reflection, empathy, and public reason rather than revelation.
• Virtue and civic responsibility: Ethical life is often expressed as integrity, justice, and beneficial participation in society.
• Non-coercion: Moral persuasion is preferred over religious enforcement.

4. Practices

Deism is often low-ritual and individualized; “practice” may be framed more as orientation than liturgy.

• Reflection on nature and the order of the world
• Private prayer or gratitude (varies by deist strand)
• Ethical self-cultivation and moral discipline
• Study of philosophy, science, and moral reasoning
• Community participation where aligned with civic virtue

5. Internal Diversity

Deism includes a spectrum of positions, often defined by how they handle revelation and divine involvement.

• “Classical” Enlightenment Deism (strong emphasis on reason and natural religion)
• Variants closer to theism (allowing some providence or moral governance)
• More skeptical variants (treating God as explanatory hypothesis with minimal commitments)
• Differences in views on afterlife, prayer, and moral realism