Is Deism a "cop out"?

[Angrboda]

I like Min's definition of a deist: "A deist is an atheist who is afraid to let go with both hands."

[robvalue]

Haha nice, yeah I like it. A True Deist™ is an atheist for all practical purposes, probably.

[comet]

I like Min's definition of a deist:  "A deist is an atheist who is afraid to let go with both hands."

this is not true.  observations support 'something".  Their is no xhristian god, but observations point to us being part of a more complex system.  So this letting go angle is based lack of understanding.  Some of us let observations drive a conclusion, not personal need.

[Faith No More]

More complex system =/= God.

[Thumpalumpacus]

I know little about Deism, but it appears to me like it's just a copout, a way to say that God exists and did create our universe without having to accept all the B.S. that traditionally comes with believing in God. It also sounds pointless; obviously if we were able to prove God created the universe and fucked off, it would be a huge deal. But at this point in time, all you're doing is replacing our non-explanation for the universe with God. And that's when it ends. You could say that anything created the universe / caused the Big Bang. What's the point in saying a God did it other than wishful thinking? And, from a religious standpoint, what's the point in believing a God that has no impact on your life? 

Are there any Deists or former Deists here?

Seems to me that deism is faith, sure.

What I know is that deists don't tell me how to think or feel, don't tell me I'll suffer eternally for my mistakes, and don't try to manipulate legislation in my country. They don't knock on my door, they don't ask for my money, and they don't protect child molesters in their ranks (so far as I know). They don't put up billboards in Africa asserting that condoms cause AIDS, they don't start wars based on their belief, and they don't ask for ten per cent.

Why should I have any heartburn over them?

[Thumpalumpacus]

IMO, it may be more depressing to think that we were created by something and immediately abandoned, implying that our diverse, complex lives are not relevant to our creator.

No more depressing to me, I think, than when I lost my own faith, realizing it was misplaced, realizing that my life was not relevant to anyone I could not affect at all.

[robvalue]

I know little about Deism, but it appears to me like it's just a copout, a way to say that God exists and did create our universe without having to accept all the B.S. that traditionally comes with believing in God. It also sounds pointless; obviously if we were able to prove God created the universe and fucked off, it would be a huge deal. But at this point in time, all you're doing is replacing our non-explanation for the universe with God. And that's when it ends. You could say that anything created the universe / caused the Big Bang. What's the point in saying a God did it other than wishful thinking? And, from a religious standpoint, what's the point in believing a God that has no impact on your life? 

Are there any Deists or former Deists here?

Seems to me that deism is faith, sure.

What I know is that deists don't tell me how to think or feel, don't tell me I'll suffer eternally for my mistakes, and don't try to manipulate legislation in my country. They don't knock on my door, they don't ask for my money, and they don't protect child molesters in their ranks (so far as I know). They don't put up billboards in Africa asserting that condoms cause AIDS, they don't start wars based on their belief, and they don't ask for ten per cent.

Why should I have any heartburn over them?

I agree.

The only harm I can see is that the irrational thought process could infect other modes of thought. Apart from that, it's of no consequence.

[Mystic]

I look at a Deist looking back as one who wishes to escape guidance and follow their desire all while getting best of both worlds (feeling good about this world and the next).

[Whateverist]

I look at a Deist looking back as one who wishes to escape guidance and follow their desire all while getting best of both worlds (feeling good about this world and the next).

Yeah people who try to get all the good stuff are such losers.  

[comet]

More complex system =/= God.

nope,  it doesn't, It also does not equal "nothing".   Its why I will always claim both sides have it 1/2 correct and it becomes a problem only when we start forcing beliefs, or lack of beliefs, on others when observations do not support them.  There is no god of the bible, or any other omni-thingie, but past that we don't know, but "something" is there.