(December 4, 2014 at 2:46 pm)DeistPaladin Wrote: 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.
I'm curious, have theists ever tried to co-opt you into their camp when you've asserted your deism (i.e. claim you as "on their side" when it comes the the existence of god)? Or are they generally aware that you disbelieve nearly exactly 100% of what they believe?
In every country and every age, the priest had been hostile to Liberty.
- Thomas Jefferson
- Thomas Jefferson
