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Theism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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theism

[หˆฮธiหษชzษ™m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

belief in God

Theism is the belief in the existence of one or more deities, traditionally seen as gods. It contrasts with atheism, which denies the existence of any deity, and agnosticism, which holds that the existence of a deity is unknown or unknowable. Theism encompasses a variety of religious perspectives, including monotheism, polytheism, and panentheism.

Synonyms

faith, religion, spirituality.

Examples of usage

  • Many philosophers have debated the validity of theism.
  • Christianity is a prominent example of theism.
  • Theism is central to many world religions.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Theism contrasts with atheism (belief in no gods) and agnosticism (uncertainty about gods).
  • Philosophers like Renรฉ Descartes and Thomas Aquinas argued for the existence of god through reason and observation of the world.

Cultural Impact

  • Theism has influenced art, literature, and music throughout history, inspiring countless works that explore humanity's relationship with the divine.
  • Major religious traditions that are theistic include Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, each offering unique perspectives on the divine.

Science and Theism

  • Many scientists throughout history have been theists, including Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, who saw their work as uncovering the laws set by a creator.
  • The debate between theism and science continues, with discussions about how they can coexist or contradict each other.

Modern Perspectives

  • In contemporary discussions, theism often integrates with moral values, as believers seek meaning and guidance in their lives.
  • New movements such as process theology reinterpret traditional theistic views, offering innovative ways to understand the nature of god.

Origin of 'theism'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'theism' comes from the Greek word 'theos,' meaning 'god.'
  • The word began to be used in the 17th century, as philosophers distinguished between different types of belief.

The term 'theism' originates from the Greek word 'theos', meaning 'god', combined with the suffix '-ism', which denotes a belief system. The concept has been discussed throughout history, tracing back to ancient civilizations that worshipped various deities. Theism has played a significant role in the development of Western philosophy and theology, particularly during the Middle Ages with the rise of Christianity and its doctrines. The formulation of the term 'theism' itself is credited to the 17th century, although discussions regarding the existence of a deity have been prevalent since antiquity. Over time, theism has evolved to encompass diverse interpretations of God's nature and relationship to the universe, leading to further distinctions like deism, which suggests a creator who does not intervene in the universe, contrasting with the more interventionist views found in many traditional theistic faiths.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,387, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.