FAQ: What is The Definition Of Theism?

Learn what ”Theism” means:

Theism, in a broad sense, is the belief in at least one deity or God. * 9&10

In a more specific sense, theism refers to a particular doctrine concerning the nature of God and his relationship to the universe. *11 Here, God is personal and is presently active in the governance and organization of the world and the universe (in contrast to Deism).

The negation, rejection, or absence of theism is known as atheism or nontheism.

Words related to “theism” include:  Polytheism, Monotheism, Pantheism, Panentheism, Autotheism, Eutheism, Henotheism, Deism, Atheism or Nontheism.

Definitions of (ordinary) Theism:

• “The doctrine or belief in the existence of a God or gods” *1
• “A philosophical system which accepts a transcendent and personal God who not only created but also preserves and governs the world, the contingency of which does not exclude miracles and the exercise of human freedom.”*2
• “The belief that there is a supreme personal being or God who created everything but himself.”*3
• “God is separate from the world, of which God is Creator.”  & “God is still active in a world that continues to be dependent on the divine will.” *4
• “the belief that a god or gods exist.”*5
• “the idea that there is a supreme God (or Goddess) who generates or creates the cosmos, and who maintains it and finally destroys it. This God has the power to save beings through his grace. Two major theistic gods in Hinduism are: Vishnu and Shiva.” *6
• “theism – Believing in a deity or deities (god/gods). A belief in religion. (Greek theos: god).”*7
• “The term “theism” derives from the Greek theos meaning God. The term theism was first used by Ralph Cudworth (1617–1688).”^{* 8}

You can see from the above definitions of ordinary theism and god, the word “god” is not exactly appropriate for use within Classical Pantheism. The word “theism” in the term “Pantheism” means META theism, beyond, outside and above ordinary theism.

Sources:

1. wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
2. www.stsams.org/dictionary.html
3. www.theologicalstudies.citymax.com/page/page/4378925.htm
4. www.srsp.net/new/sample_material/primary/extras/glossary.html
5. www.strongatheism.net/intro/lexicon/
6. http://www.queens.edu/undergraduate/courses/RELG349Aglossary.asp
7. http://www.reasoned.org/glossary.htm
8. Halsey, William; Robert H. Blackburn, Sir Frank Francis (1969). Louis Shores. ed. Collier’s Encyclopedia. 22 (20 ed.). Crowell-Collier Educational Corporation. pp. 266–267
9. Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition
10. “Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary“. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
11. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Second Edition; The Oxford Dictionary of World Religions, 1997, or the current Encyclopedia Britannica

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