Theism

The term Theism (from the Greek theos, or "god") refers to two important concepts in the classification of religion. Specifically, theism is the view that all finite things are dependent in some way on one supreme reality which is typically spoken of in anthropomorphic terms. Here, God/god(s) is immanent in the world, yet also transcends it. This view of divinity is also known as classical theism. More generally, theism refers to a wide variety of philosophical or religious beliefs which assert the existence of one or more personal deities. The term is attested in English from 1678, and was probably coined to contrast with atheism, a term that is attested from ca. 1587 (see atheism).

Classical Theism

The belief system of classical theism is often placed in direct counterpoint to the views of deism. While deism typically asserts that a deity created nature but does not interact with it, theism holds that god not only created the world but also interacts in it, as well. While deism emphasizes the deity's transcendence over humanity, classical theism stresses the immanent nature of god in the world.

Typical theistic religions are Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Saivism, Vaishnavism, Bahá'í, and Sikhism.

Variations of Theism

Theism also refers to a wide range of beliefs which assert the existence of one or more deities. Views about the existence of deities are commonly divided into these categories:

1. Nontheism: The absence of clearly identified belief in any deity
   • Atheism: It has two distinct, commonly used meanings:
     • Strong atheism: The belief that no deity exists.
     • Weak atheism: An absence of belief in the existence of deities.
   • Agnosticism: The belief that the existence of God or gods is unknown and/or inherently unknowable.
     • Strong agnosticism: The view that the question of the existence of deities is inherently unknowable or meaningless. "It is impossible to say whether or not there is a god"
     • Weak agnosticism: The view that the question of the existence of deities is currently unknown, but not inherently unknowable. "For now, we cannot know. Maybe if we find evidence of god…"
   • Nontheistic religions:
     • Taoism
     • Zen buddhism
2. Deism: The doctrine that a deity created nature but does not interact with it. This view emphasizes the deity's transcendence.
3. Theism (second definition): The doctrine God(s) is immanent in the world, yet transcends it:
   • Polytheism: The belief that there is more than one deity.
     • Polytheism proper: The belief there is a distinct pantheon of distinct deities which all are to be worshipped
     • Animism: The belief there are immense amount of deities and spirits, which are to be placated and worshipped.
     • Monolatry: The belief that there may be more than one deity, but only one should be worshipped.
     • Henotheism: The belief that there may be more than one deity, but one is supreme.
     • Kathenotheism: The belief that there is more than one deity, but only one deity at a time should be worshipped. Each is supreme in turn.
   • Monotheism: The belief that there is only one deity.
     • Inclusive monotheism: The belief that there is only one deity, and that all other claimed deities are just different names for it.
     • Exclusive monotheism: The belief that there is only one deity, and that all other claimed deities are false and distinct from it, either invented, demonic, or simply incorrect.
4. Panentheism: The belief that the universe is entirely contained within a deity that is greater than just the universe.
5. Pantheism: The belief that the universe is identical to a deity.

Within polytheism there are hard and soft varieties. Hard polytheism views the gods as being distinct and separate beings, while soft polytheism views the gods as being subsumed into a greater whole. Most forms of Hinduism serve as examples of soft polytheism.

The Hindu denomination of Smartism serves as an example of inclusive monotheism. Most Abrahamic religions, and the Hindu denomination of Vaishnavism, which regards the worship of anyone other than Vishnu incorrect, serve as examples of exclusive monotheism.

It should be noted that these belief labels are often not as rigid in the literature and in practice as this classification scheme may suggest. For instance, classical Christianity asserts the existence of "lesser" deities such as angels and demons, causing some to argue that the belief system is properly a form of henotheistic polytheism. Most Christians, however, would resist being labeled as polytheists.

Finally, the distinction can be made between belief in the existence of deities, and beliefs about their characteristics, or the belief in a deity as the summum bonum: see eutheism and dystheism.

See also

• Agnosticism
• Antitheism
• Atheism
• Existence of God
• Freethought
• Nontheism
• Omnitheism
• Open theism
• Panentheism
• Pantheism
• Pandeism
• Philosophical theism
• Transcendentalism
• Transtheism

References

ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

"Systems of Religious and Spiritual Belief." The New Encyclopedia Britannica: Volume 26 Macropaedia. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica Inc., 2002. 530-577.

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