I seem to be getting this question a lot lately so others please pardon me if I'm repeating what I've posted before.
In practical application, deism is atheism with poetic flourishes. If atheism were a city, deism would be a suburb within the greater metropolitan area. This is why I don't even bother to correct anyone who calls me an "atheist" anymore.
The abstract philosophical distinction is borne from a sense of awe I have both for the natural universe and of the potential of the human mind (and civilization we've subsequently created). Atheists often have similar feelings but just don't need to use the word "God". It's not something I can prove beyond my own instincts but then again, I'm not asking anyone to believe it. I have no "souls" to save (I don't believe in an afterlife) and I don't perceive a personal god that would either desire or be aware of our worship.
In practical application, deism is atheism with poetic flourishes. If atheism were a city, deism would be a suburb within the greater metropolitan area. This is why I don't even bother to correct anyone who calls me an "atheist" anymore.
The abstract philosophical distinction is borne from a sense of awe I have both for the natural universe and of the potential of the human mind (and civilization we've subsequently created). Atheists often have similar feelings but just don't need to use the word "God". It's not something I can prove beyond my own instincts but then again, I'm not asking anyone to believe it. I have no "souls" to save (I don't believe in an afterlife) and I don't perceive a personal god that would either desire or be aware of our worship.
Atheist Forums Hall of Shame:
"The trinity can be equated to having your cake and eating it too."
... -Lucent, trying to defend the Trinity concept
"(Yahweh's) actions are good because (Yahweh) is the ultimate standard of goodness. That’s not begging the question"
... -Statler Waldorf, Christian apologist
"The trinity can be equated to having your cake and eating it too."
... -Lucent, trying to defend the Trinity concept
"(Yahweh's) actions are good because (Yahweh) is the ultimate standard of goodness. That’s not begging the question"
... -Statler Waldorf, Christian apologist
