Irreligious theism

Irreligious theism is a form of theism in which a person believes in a God or higher being without adherence to organized religion. This belief is often confused with deism. However, irreligious theists maintain that God can and does intervene in the world, and that supernatural events such as miracles are possible, whereas deists reject divine intervention and the possibility of miracles. What irreligious theists and deists share is the belief in a God who created the universe.

Irreligious theism covers a wide spectrum of beliefs. Some may practice a form of spirituality while others are more secular. Some irreligious theists engage in prayer or other forms of personal devotion, while others do not. Similarly, while they all affirm belief in a deity, their understanding of God varies from person to person and may be personal or impersonal and belief may be grounded in personal faith, intuition, or philosophical reasoning. In matters of ethics, irreligious theists may rely on personal conscience or rational reflection rather than religious authority or scripture, emphasizing moral autonomy.

Philosophical theism is the belief in God or a higher being based primarily on reason, philosophical argument, or reflection on the natural world rather than on religious tradition or revealed scripture. Philosophical theists may affirm that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe and may allow for the possibility of divine intervention or the existence of supernatural events. However, they do not necessarily adhere to the doctrines, rituals, or institutions of any organized religion.
Philosophical theism is closely related to irreligious theism, as both reject institutionalized religion. The distinction is that philosophical theism emphasizes rational or philosophical justification for belief, whereas irreligious theism may also be grounded in personal faith, intuition, or subjective experience. Philosophical theism shares some similarities with deism, particularly in affirming God as creator, but unlike strict deism, it may allow for the belief that God can act within the world after creation.

Some notable irreligious theists include Austrian-American mathematician, logician, and philosopher Kurt Gödel, American rapper Tupac Shakur and American author Martin Gardner.

Category:Theology