Theism

Theism Definition

Theism is the philosophical and theological belief in the existence of a divine being, typically understood as a single, personal God who is regarded as the creator of the universe. This concept inherently involves the notion of divine revelation—knowledge provided by God—and is often contrasted with deism, which posits a rational belief in divinity independent of faith or revealed truth.

Related Concepts

Theism is closely related to monotheism, which is the specific form of theism asserting the existence of only one God. Religion is the broader social and cultural framework that often encompasses the practices and institutions associated with theistic beliefs.

Contrast with Deism

The distinction between theism and deism highlights a fundamental difference in epistemology regarding divinity. Theist belief relies on faith and revealed truths, whereas deism emphasises reason and natural law as the primary means to understand the divine, independent of specific religious revelation.