Introduction

 Defining Deism

   The American Heritage Dictionary, defines Deism as:

   "The belief, based solely on reason, in a God who       created the universe and then abandoned it,           assuming no control over life, exerting no influence     on natural phenomena, and giving no supernatural      revelation."
  Whereas this is a typical definition given by dictionaries, the modern Deist will not necessarily agree that it is a completely correct definition of what a modern Deist believes.

   A modern Deist may prefer the definition of Deism as: A religion where the adherents freely attest to the belief in God as being discovered through nature and reason, rejecting revealed religion and it's authority over humanity. And believe that all humans are equal. Further, modern Deists believe that as God has not shown favor for one people over another and has given us all that we need, we should follow God's example and help others as we can.

   The modern Deist will also define God in their own way. Some will prefer the word "Creator" over the word "God." Others will speak of "God" as "The Greatest Conceivable Being." Of course the word "Deity" may be preferred. Some will just think of God as something that cannot be defined, so there is no word which will serve to describe their concept of God. So, Deists as a whole just use the word "God" to describe what they think the ultimate guiding force of the universe is. Deists almost all agree that there is not an anthropomorphic God as portrayed by most of the holy books. They do not believe in the God of Abraham, or the Hindus, or any other God of the revealed religions.

   The phrase "revealed religion" is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary, as: "A religion founded primarily on the revelations of God to humankind." As contrasted with "natural theology"defined as: "A theology holding that knowledge of God may be acquired by human reason alone without the aid of revealed knowledge." Revealed religions are all of the religions that rely upon others' revelations, supposedly from God. Or in the case of Buddhism, from Buddha.

   Deists do not believe that a revelation could be shared with another, without the revelation being misunderstood.  Some Deists take the idea of revelation a step further to conclude that there are no revelations from God to humans period. Others will recognize that God may give some token revelation or epiphany to those seeking answers. Usually an 'epiphany;' meaning a comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization. But, even those Deists that believe in this type of revelation don't feel that it can be shared with others without it being misunderstood. As intuition cannot be shared, neither can a revelation coming from intuition be shared.  Therefore, any revelatory books or statements cannot be an accurate means of understanding God.

   The word "reason" is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary, as:

 "1. The basis or motive for an action, a decision, or a    conviction. See note at because . See note at why.       2. A declaration made to explain or justify an action,    a decision, or a conviction: inquired about her reason   for leaving.
 3. An underlying fact or cause that provides logical     sense for a premise or an occurrence: There is reason   to believe that the accused did not commit this crime.
 4. The capacity for logical, rational, and analytic       thought; intelligence.
5. Good judgment; sound sense.
6. A normal mental state; sanity: He has lost his        reason.
7. Logic A premise, usually the minor premise, of an    argument. v"

   Many Deist tend to consider the analytical and logical type of reasoning to be the best form of reason when trying to understand God. But, some Deist prefer to use the more intuitive type of reasoning to guide them in their quest for a better understanding of God. Which is a reasonable tact to take, as intuitive reasoning usually uses what a person has learned over their lifetime. This may lead to conclusions about the nature of God that cannot be analytically explained easily, but are no less valid to the person using intuitive reasoning. As everyone is different and unique, they should strive to find their own best way of using reasoning for themselves. Some may concentrate on using analytical reasoning and form good logical explanations for their beliefs. Whereas others are more comfortable just having an intuitive understanding that there is a God, and that God is best understood by enjoying nature. But, I think most Deist use a combination of the two types of reasoning. Maybe more of some and less of the other, but they find a happy medium that suits themselves. Other Deists will hopefully treat other Deists' ways of reasoning with respect and will try to learn from those that use different approaches to reach similar if not the same conclusions.

   Using reason does not preclude feelings in the Deist religion. Even those that use an analytical type of reasoning, will find joy in coming to some conclusions. In finding that there is a God, and therefore purpose to their life, the Deist can hardly disregard a feeling of joy. And for a Deist, the feelings they have through the reasoned discoveries which they make, don't go away very easily. This is because they have used their own reasoning to come to the conclusions that they have. With revealed religions, without a continual barrage of indoctrination, the adherent will begin to doubt the conclusions of their religion. But the Deist has come to the conclusion in the deepest part of their mind, using their own reasoning ability. Contrary information is not going to change the conclusions of the Deist, but only tends to shape the conclusions so as to fit the available facts. Therefore, Deism does not in anyway find itself at odds with science. In fact, most Deist embrace science as a way to better understand God and God's creation.

   The word "nature" can be defined as: The forces and processes that produce and control all the phenomena of the universe and what is in it, excluding human influences. This doesn't allow for the human nature of being "out of grace with God," that some of the revealed relgions use as human nature. The nature that Deists study, is that which is wrought by God. God's creation. That which shows that God loves life and diversity. Deists see the wonders of nature and awe at the power and sensitivity which God has formed for us to behold. A Deist sees a blade of grass and recognizes that millions upon millions of things had to fall into place, for that one blade of grass to be. And marvel that we exist at all to even consider the ramifications of the existence of that blade of grass. That is how a Deist uses nature to better understand God.

   Man's study of nature is called "science." Many Deist study science to better understand nature. Thus, better understanding God and marveling at God's creation as they do. When a Deist learns something new from scientific investigation of nature, they learn something new about God. If a scientific investigation shows that a previously held notion is wrong, then the Deist adjusts their views of nature and God. They don't adjust the science to suit their preconceived ideas. Deists are free, and in some cases even self-compelled, to search out new ideas in their understanding of nature. Most if not all Deists, love nature and some find that they can easily transfer this love of the created to the creator.

   Nature has given the means for man to exsist and prosper. As the creation has given us all that we need, then we can reason that the creator intended for us to have all that we need. We should be grateful for the bounty of what we have. Deists will thank God in prayer, of their own choosing, and not beg God for more. Many Deists will show their appreciation of all that they have, by sharing what they have with others. Not because they have an obligation to do so, but because they want to give a prayer of appreciation in a physical way. Whether they are giving of their time or possessions, the Deist offers appreciation to God by sharing. The Deist gives what is theirs to give, not taking that which is others and giving it to others and calling it sharing.

   Revealed religions are religions founded primarily on the revelations of God to humankind. These religions are the most prevalent religions on earth. Examples include, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism. There are more revealed religions, but those are the big five. With revealed religions someone has supposedly had a revelation from God, then they pass on that revelation to others. Deists do not believe that some humans are favored so much more than others, that God would give just them special insight. And even if God did, then men would change the actual revealed revelation to suit their own purposes. That is assuming of course, that one person could actually communicate a revelation they had to another in any meaningful way. So Deists reject revealed religion and look to nature to better understand God.