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The Challenge of Deism: The Minimalist Theology

There are many challenges in life whether we want them or not. These challenges come from many places and entail many things. While all the areas can be challenging, there is one that causes more problems than the others. The area that can challenge us to no end is religion and theology. This is nowhere more true than the religion of Deism. Deism has its similarities to many religions in that it is a belief system that postulates the existence of God. However, Deism is defined differently than other religions as it is takes a minimalist approach and this is most challenging indeed.

Deism is a natural religion that has a belief in God based on Reason, Experience and Nature (nature of the universe) rather than faith, divine revelations and supernatural events that define so many other religions. The following tenets of Deism show the lack of specifics and why it is a minimalist theology by definition but a challenging and rewarding theology by practice:

Foundation for Belief

Reason

Basis for Belief

Nature and Experience

Relationship with God

Transpersonal

Nature of God

Generally Incomprehensible

Morality

Humanist and Utilitarian

Communication with God

Private Revelation with the rejection of Special Revelation

Gods involvement with the Creation (Nature)

Varying degrees of interaction that range from mere observance to guidance but must remain within the laws of nature

Gods involvement in Mans Affairs (Providence)

Non-interventive (ranges from non-interest to interest) but must remain within laws of nature

Purpose of Life

To honor God by using our God-given reason and understand what it means to be alive in every sense of the word and to act in such a way as to secure human happiness and contentment

Rights of Man

Natural Law

Afterlife

Skeptical and non-dogmatic about it's existence, but "hope" there is one

Primary Thought Process

Critical Thinking and Free Thinking

Primary Way to Live

Pragmatism

The above tenets define Deism and as can be seen, it is not specific in the way many religions are. A minimalist approach is one that does not specifically define all aspects of God and creation but rather focuses on the fact that human reason and knowledge are limited. Thomas Paine uttered these profound words regarding the use of Reason, “Reason can be used to determine that God exists, but it falls far short in discovering all of God's qualities.”

Reason is the foundation of Deism but it is limited as profoundly stated by Thomas Paine. However, while these limitations lead to the minimalist theology that characterizes Deism, it also empowers Deism as it makes it one of the most challenging theologies for believers. While there are many people who do not want such a challenge, those that are directed to Deism based on their use of Reason desire just such a challenge.

The challenge comes from the minimalist approach that is Deism. Deism does not strive to tell its adherents what to believe but rather lets them determine their beliefs based on their own reasoning. Rather than say that God is this or that, Deism says we can only know so much based on Reason and the rest is speculation. It is this personal and searching speculation based on Reason that is a challenge, as it is not laid out before us with easy answers.

The majority of religions give their adherents specific answers and have a maximalist approach that leaves little room for speculation nor does it offer much of a challenge. Certainly, to live ones life by a specific set of rules can be challenging, but there is little mental challenge. However, this “way of living life” is set in stone before you and does not require the fortitude or the challenge that comes with minimalism.

With many of life’s questions having no direct answers, the Deist must speculate on what these answers are and has to use many resources for such an effort. All available resources at mans disposal must be used for such an endeavor. While others may turn to set answers in books and scripture, there are no such comforts for the Deist who must look both inward and outward for such answer. To further complicate matters, Reason must be maintained throughout and one cannot venture into non-reasoned territory, thus the challenge increases.

Unfortunately, there are no definite answers for Deists and the search is a life-long act of discovery. There is a constant re-examination of the answers that we find as Reason dictates that this must be so. Deism is not an easy route and the challenges are great with the only reward being unique to the individual Deist. Deism is a minority religion everywhere and as such is constantly under scrutiny. However, Deists thrive on questions and scrutiny as it sharpens the mind and causes new questions to be pondered.

Overall, Deists have an awe and reverence for God and nature. Ironically, it is the very challenge of not knowing the truth that causes this awe and reverence. There is a constant amazement at the order and complexity that is our universe and how it interacts and evolves. Very few religions require the determination and fortitude that Deism does. The constant questioning of belief coupled with the desire to seek new answers is not condoned in most religions but is a requirement for Deism.

The minimalist and challenging approach that characterizes Deism is not a path that all would desire. This soul-searching (no pun intended) is a necessary component of Deism and defines it to the core. Other religions (or lack thereof) can be challenging but few will ask its adherents to question themselves in such a deep and profound way. There are no easy paths or answers in life and we should not expect there to be. It is only by challenging ourselves that our real perseverance is able to shine and that we may seek to find those answers that remain just beyond our grasp.

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