Deism

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Deism

• A presentation by Andrew Tavin

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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

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Wait, Critical and Constuctive parts? Huh?
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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.

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Critical Part, Part 2

• Deism also rejects the occurrence of miracles as
  well as the doctrine of Original Sin and all
  other similar beliefs.

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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.

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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.

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G-d as the clockmaker
A common metaphor for the Deist G-d
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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.

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Some Famous Deists...
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Lord Herbert-Father of Deism
British, Founded Early Deism with his work De
Veritate
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Voltaire-Enlightenment Writer
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Maximillian Robespierre
Leader of the Reign of Terror during the French
Revolution
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Thomas Jefferson-American Pres
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Benjamin Franklin
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We hope you Enjoyed