Theism

Theism often has multiple meanings for various Deists. It can be used as a term to simply describe anyone who believes in a God (or gods), since Theism comes directly from the Greek 'Theos' which means 'god.' It can also be used as a term for people who still adhere to the organized monotheistic religions, notably the Christians, Jews and Muslims. Finally, it is also used by other Deists to separate themselves from the more strictly defined forms of Deism, for example the Voltaire or 'Clockmaker' God of Enlightenment era Deism. In this capacity the term Theist is the least defined, and therefore most open, label of belief in a God.
== Theism vs Deism?: ==
Deism has two main strands of theological thought both in the modern day as well as in recent centuries. Some Deists hold that God is involved, while others do not. This theological difference has several important ramifications.
Deists who disagree on whether God is involved or not will also not agree on the use of prayer or other spiritual practices. A Voltaire Deist will likely not pray, or at least won't expect it to make a difference. However, a Theist, who does believe in an involved Deity, will have no problem with prayer and may fully expect it to make some kind of difference.
A Deist (Voltaire Deist) will probably come to associate with Agnostics and Atheists more often than not. A Theist would probably associate with members of organized religions more than with Agnostics or Atheists, simply because traditional religion is largely about spirituality and Atheists/Agnostics reject non-material notions.
== So Which Am I, Theist Or Deist?: ==
Speaking for myself, I wouldn't worry about it.
By all accounts a Theist is really a Deist who believes in a God who is involved. Also, a Deist (Voltaire Deist) is a sub-set of Theist, since Theism is the most basic form of monotheism.
Labels are important because they help us to convey the truths and principals that give each of us our identity, but it's also far too easy to get hung up over making sure you have the most precise label possible. Not all Deists on the web adhere to the more recent, far stricter 'Voltaire' form of Deism. Many do, but than many do not.
By all accounts a Theist, when defined as someone who rejects external religious authority over internal authority, and who believes in a God who is involved in the world in some way, is essentially a 'Spiritual Deist,' that other group listed here on Deism Wikia.
Category:Theism