Deism or Theism?

Deism is “belief in the existence of a supreme being, specifically of a creator who does not intervene in the universe” (Oxford English Dictionary).

Theism is “belief in the existence of a god or gods, especially belief in one god as creator of the universe, intervening in it and sustaining a personal relation to his creatures” (Oxford English Dictionary).

Look at the definitions. Deism describes a God “who does not intervene,” while Theism describes a God “who intervenes” in the universe. The single defining difference between Deism and Theism is whether God intervenes or does not intervene.

Published by

Dr. Jay N. Forrest

Dr. Jay N. Forrest is an American Philosopher, Certified Meditation Teacher, and contemplative writer advancing a rational spirituality grounded in God, Reason, and the Dharma. His work integrates meditative practice with philosophical inquiry, offering a path of wisdom and liberation beyond organized religion. Integrating insights from science, psychology, and philosophy, he reinterprets Early Buddhism to present a modern worldview that unites spiritual depth with intellectual integrity.