What about deism? (Introduction)

by dhw, Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 14:15 (6001 days ago) @ Cary Cook

On the subject of deism, Cary suspects that he's pointed out something I'm already agnostic about. - In the "brief guide", one section is devoted to speculation on "The nature of a 'Creator'", which includes the deist concept of the designer sitting back and watching what happens. Perhaps I might quote one sentence which I think you might approve of: "Once you are free from the scientific faith of atheism and the dogma of religion, you can pick any scenario you like, because they are all equally possible/impossible." - However, what I'm looking for on this website is responses to the different theories ... explanations from people about why they do or don't believe in them. For instance, you said that you were not a deist, but you didn't explain why, even though you and I have agreed on various arguments in its favour. George Jelliss has said precisely why he rejects the whole concept: Darwinism, Dawkinism and modern cosmology make the postulation of a designer "a pointless exercise". Although I think he has exaggerated the scope of science and has underestimated the size of the mysteries science has yet to solve, I can understand his arguments and find them helpful. But I'm looking for more. Why do Christians and other believers reject the concept of deism ... or any other concepts of God, for that matter? Embracing one theory means rejecting others, so what are the decisive factors? - Cary, please keep raising these different issues. It doesn't matter two hoots whether I've already covered them in the "guide" ... that's only meant as a starting point, and the purpose of the website is to exchange ideas and opinions. If nothing else, this may help all of us to clarify our own beliefs and non-beliefs.