Freethought & Rationalism Archive

xorbie · 07-30-2003, 03:16 AM

What exactly is the point of Deism? If God just started the universe and never interferes, why even believe in God? I am seriously wondering.

JetBlckNewYr03 · 07-30-2003, 03:26 AM

Quote:

What exactly is the point of Deism? If God just started the universe and never interferes, why even believe in God? I am seriously wondering.

I think you mean "why even worship in God?" But I have no clue why people would if He doesn't do anything.

xorbie · 07-30-2003, 03:40 AM

Well, not really. I do mean "why believe in God?".. worship is its whole other issue.

Asha'man · 07-30-2003, 04:00 AM

People don't believe in God for rational reasons, they do it because of emotional needs.

Diesm provides an explanation for why the universe is here, it provides a purpose to our existance.

That explanation is comforting, it fills an emotional need, so people believe in it.

emotional · 07-30-2003, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by xorbie
What exactly is the point of Deism?

The point is that it provides a background for purpose and an afterlife.

Quote:

If God just started the universe and never interferes, why even believe in God?

Isn't this utilitarian thinking? "I shall believe in God only if He can change the laws of nature to do me good personally"? Alladin's lamp perhaps?

Deism stems from recognising that everything in the universe operates according to strict natural law, from which there is no deviation ever. It is sort of a naturalism with a supernatural originator (God) and provision for an afterlife (which I don't know if it is natural or supernatural).

xorbie · 07-30-2003, 07:30 AM

Right, that is basically my question. How exactly does the idea of deism actually give our lives any point that atheism would not? How does it give moral guidance? How does it give emotional support?

07-30-2003, 07:32 AM

It offers a figleaf for people who don't want the disgrace of being labelled "atheists".

Shadowy Man · 07-30-2003, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by xorbie
What exactly is the point of Deism? If God just started the universe and never interferes, why even believe in God? I am seriously wondering.

You answered your own question. If God started the universe then you know there's a God and that's why you believe in it. If you don't believe that a God started the universe then you aren't a Deist, now are you?

emotional · 07-30-2003, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DMB
It offers a figleaf for people who don't want the disgrace of being labelled "atheists".

When I was an atheist I didn't see the title as a disgrace at all.

Normal · 07-30-2003, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by xorbie
Right, that is basically my question. How exactly does the idea of deism actually give our lives any point that atheism would not? How does it give moral guidance? How does it give emotional support?

A creator implies purpose in creation.

Also, it opens up the wonderously self-indulgent concept of the afterlife.

07-30-2003, 03:16 AM	#1
xorbie Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Champaign, IL or Boston, MA Posts: 6,360	Deism What exactly is the point of Deism? If God just started the universe and never interferes, why even believe in God? I am seriously wondering.

07-30-2003, 04:00 AM	#4
Asha'man Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: southeast Posts: 2,526	A Reason for the Universe to Exist People don't believe in God for rational reasons, they do it because of emotional needs. Diesm provides an explanation for why the universe is here, it provides a purpose to our existance. That explanation is comforting, it fills an emotional need, so people believe in it.

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07-30-2003, 03:40 AM	#3
xorbie Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Champaign, IL or Boston, MA Posts: 6,360	Well, not really. I do mean "why believe in God?".. worship is its whole other issue.

07-30-2003, 07:30 AM	#6
xorbie Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Champaign, IL or Boston, MA Posts: 6,360	Right, that is basically my question. How exactly does the idea of deism actually give our lives any point that atheism would not? How does it give moral guidance? How does it give emotional support?

07-30-2003, 07:32 AM	#7
DMB Guest Posts: n/a	It offers a figleaf for people who don't want the disgrace of being labelled "atheists".

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