Deist: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Latin 'deus', which means 'god', and it was first used in the late 17th century.
• Deism gained popularity during the Enlightenment, a time when reason and science were important.

Historical Context

• In the 18th century, many Enlightenment thinkers, like Thomas Jefferson and Voltaire, identified as deists.
• Deism was seen as a middle ground between traditional religious beliefs and atheism, promoting rational thought.

Philosophy

• Deists often reject the notion of divine intervention in the world, believing that the creator set natural laws in motion.
• This belief often leads to the view that morality can be understood through reason, rather than religious doctrine.

Pop Culture

• Some characters in literature, such as those in works by Mark Twain, subtly reflect deist ideas through their skepticism of organized religion.
• Modern films often portray deist-like figures who create but do not intervene in the lives of their creations.

Science

• Deism aligns with the idea of a 'clockmaker' god – a creator who designs the universe and lets it run on its own, akin to how clocks work.
• Many scientific figures, like Albert Einstein, expressed views that resonate with deist principles, promoting a rational understanding of the universe.

This word's position of #34,792 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 34791 dudgeon
• 34792 deist
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