1. The belief that God exists and created the world but does not actively intervene in human affairs or reveal himself through scripture or miracles.
Usage: philosophical/religious; often contrasted with theism and atheism

Examples

• Deism was popular among Enlightenment thinkers who valued reason over religious doctrine.
• Many of the American Founding Fathers were influenced by deism.
• Unlike traditional Christianity, deism rejects the idea of divine revelation.
• Deism attempts to reconcile belief in God with scientific rationalism.
• The deism of the 18th century emphasized natural law and human reason.