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Theism Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Foundational Concepts in Theism and Related Belief Systems

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Foundational Concepts in Theism and Related Belief Systems Study Guide

Foundational Concepts: Theism, Atheism, and Agnosticism

Theism is exclusively defined as the belief in the existence of multiple deities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Theism is fundamentally defined as the belief in the existence of at least one deity, not exclusively multiple deities.

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When contrasted with deism, theism is often understood to encompass beliefs in God or gods that do not necessarily reject divine revelation.

Answer: True

Explanation: While deism typically posits a creator God who does not intervene post-creation and relies on reason, theism often includes belief systems that accept divine revelation.

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Atheism is considered a subset of non-theism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Non-theism is a broader category that includes atheism (the disbelief or lack of belief in gods) and other positions that do not affirm the existence of deities.

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Agnostic theism involves the belief in deities while asserting their existence is definitively provable.

Answer: False

Explanation: Agnostic theism combines belief in deities with the position that their existence is unknowable or unprovable.

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The word 'theism' is derived from the Latin word 'theos', meaning 'creator'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'theism' originates from the Greek words 'theos' or 'theoi,' meaning 'god' or 'gods,' not from a Latin word for 'creator'.

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Atheism is defined as the belief that it is unknown whether gods exist.

Answer: False

Explanation: Atheism is typically defined as the belief in the non-existence of gods. The position that it is unknown whether gods exist is known as agnosticism.

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Non-theism is a narrower category than atheism.

Answer: False

Explanation: Non-theism is a broader category that encompasses atheism, as well as other stances that do not affirm the existence of deities.

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Agnosticism involves withholding judgment on the existence of deities due to insufficient evidence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Agnosticism is characterized by the position that the existence or non-existence of deities is unknown or unknowable, leading to a suspension of definitive belief.

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The core characteristic of theism is the belief in the existence of at least one deity.

Answer: True

Explanation: The fundamental definition of theism centers on the affirmation of the existence of one or more deities.

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Atheism is the rejection of theism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Atheism is fundamentally characterized by the rejection of theism, meaning it involves a lack of belief or disbelief in gods.

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Which of the following best defines theism?

Answer: The belief in the existence of at least one deity.

Explanation: Theism is fundamentally defined as the belief in the existence of one or more deities.

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How does theism typically differ from deism in relation to divine action?

Answer: Theism generally allows for divine intervention, whereas deism posits a creator who does not intervene after creation.

Explanation: A key distinction lies in divine action: theism often accommodates the concept of God's intervention in the world, while deism posits a creator who does not interfere post-creation.

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What is the etymological root of the term 'theism'?

Answer: Greek 'theos' or 'theoi' meaning 'god' or 'gods'

Explanation: The term 'theism' derives from the Greek terms 'theos' or 'theoi,' signifying 'god' or 'gods,' thereby indicating its fundamental connection to the belief in divine entities.

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How is atheism generally defined in the provided text?

Answer: The belief in the non-existence of gods.

Explanation: Atheism is generally defined as the lack of belief or the explicit disbelief in the existence of gods.

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Which statement accurately describes non-theism?

Answer: It is a broader category than atheism, encompassing non-belief in gods.

Explanation: Non-theism is a broad classification that includes atheism and other positions characterized by a lack of belief in deities.

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Agnosticism is characterized by:

Answer: Withholding judgment on God's existence due to lack of knowledge.

Explanation: Agnosticism is defined by the position that the existence or non-existence of God is unknown or unknowable, leading to a suspension of definitive belief.

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Divine Immanence and Transcendence: Pantheism, Deism, and Pandeism

Pantheism posits that divinity is identical to the universe and reality itself.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pantheism fundamentally asserts that divinity is synonymous with the universe and all of reality, viewing the cosmos as an immanent God.

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Baruch Spinoza coined the term 'pantheism'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'pantheism' was coined by Joseph Raphson; Baruch Spinoza is credited with popularizing the concept in Western philosophy.

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Classical deism believes God created the world but actively intervenes through miracles.

Answer: False

Explanation: Classical deism posits a creator God who does not intervene in the universe after its initial creation, contrasting with theistic views that often include divine intervention.

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Deism generally accepts religious beliefs based on human reason and natural observation.

Answer: True

Explanation: A core tenet of deism is the reliance on reason and empirical observation of the natural world as the basis for religious understanding, often rejecting supernatural revelation.

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Pandeism suggests God created the universe and is now separate from it.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pandeism posits that God created the universe and subsequently became identical with it, rather than remaining separate.

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In pantheism, divinity is seen as a separate, transcendent being distinct from the universe.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pantheism posits that divinity is immanent within and identical to the universe, not a separate, transcendent entity.

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Deism accepts the possibility of divine intervention and miracles.

Answer: False

Explanation: Deism typically rejects the possibility of divine intervention and miracles, emphasizing reason and natural law as the primary means of understanding the divine.

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Deism asserts that religious beliefs should be based on human reason and natural observation.

Answer: True

Explanation: A foundational principle of deism is the reliance on human reason and empirical observation of the natural world for religious understanding, often eschewing supernatural revelation.

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The belief that God is identical to the universe is known as deism.

Answer: False

Explanation: The belief that God is identical to the universe is known as pantheism, not deism, which posits a creator God separate from the universe.

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Which term describes the belief that reality, the universe, and the cosmos are identical to divinity?

Answer: Pantheism

Explanation: Pantheism is the philosophical doctrine that identifies divinity with the universe and all of reality, asserting an immanent divine presence.

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Classical deism holds that God:

Answer: Created the world but does not alter its original plan or intervene.

Explanation: Classical deism posits a creator deity who established the universe and its natural laws but does not subsequently intervene in its affairs.

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What is the typical stance of deism regarding supernatural events like miracles?

Answer: They are rejected in favor of reason and natural observation.

Explanation: Deism typically rejects supernatural phenomena such as miracles and divine revelations, prioritizing rational inquiry and the observation of natural laws.

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Pandeism is the belief that:

Answer: God is the universe and created it.

Explanation: Pandeism posits that God created the universe and subsequently became identical with it, thus encompassing all of reality.

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Specific Theistic and Non-Theistic Classifications

Classical theism views God as an Absolute Being and incorporates concepts like divine simplicity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Classical theism posits God as the Absolute Being, characterized by attributes such as divine simplicity, where God's essence is identical to God's existence and attributes.

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Classical theistic insights are primarily found in Abrahamic religions like Judaism and Christianity.

Answer: False

Explanation: While present in Abrahamic traditions, classical theistic insights are also observed in philosophical traditions like Platonism and within certain schools of Hinduism (e.g., Vaishnavism).

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Autotheism is the belief that divinity resides within oneself.

Answer: True

Explanation: Autotheism is characterized by the belief that divinity is inherent within the individual, or that one can achieve a godlike state.

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The phrase 'aham Brahmasmi' ('I am Brahman') reflects an autotheistic concept.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Advaita Vedanta concept 'aham Brahmasmi' ('I am Brahman') exemplifies autotheism by asserting the identity between the individual self and the ultimate divine reality.

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Eutheism is the belief that a deity is entirely evil.

Answer: False

Explanation: Eutheism is the belief that a deity is wholly benevolent, meaning entirely good. The belief in an entirely evil deity is termed maltheism.

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Maltheism describes a belief system where a deity is considered wholly malicious.

Answer: True

Explanation: Maltheism is the theological position that a deity exists and is entirely malicious or evil.

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Misotheism is the belief in the existence of evil gods.

Answer: False

Explanation: Misotheism refers to active hatred toward God or gods, rather than simply the belief in the existence of evil deities.

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Alterity theism posits that the supreme being is radically transcendent and unrecognizable.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alterity theism describes a conception of a supreme being that is so profoundly transcendent that it remains fundamentally unrecognizable.

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Divine simplicity implies God has multiple, distinct attributes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The doctrine of divine simplicity posits that God's attributes are identical to God's essence, meaning God does not possess multiple, distinct attributes separate from God's being.

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Emanationism in classical theism suggests reality originates from God.

Answer: True

Explanation: Emanationism, a concept within classical theism, describes the process by which reality flows or originates from God as the ultimate source.

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Theistic finitism proposes that God is infinitely powerful and knowledgeable.

Answer: False

Explanation: Theistic finitism is the philosophical stance that God is finite in some aspect, such as power or knowledge, contrary to the traditional view of divine infinitude.

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Theopanism describes a belief where God becomes manifest in the world.

Answer: True

Explanation: Theopanism refers to the belief that divinity becomes manifest or embodied within the world or individuals.

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Transtheism refers specifically to the belief in a single, personal God.

Answer: False

Explanation: Transtheism is a broader concept that transcends traditional theistic or atheistic categories, encompassing spiritual or philosophical outlooks that may not center on a personal God.

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Dystheism is the belief that a deity is wholly benevolent.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dystheism is the belief that a deity is not wholly good and may be evil. Eutheism is the belief in a wholly benevolent deity.

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Mormonism's doctrine of exaltation aligns with autotheistic ideas of personal divine progression.

Answer: True

Explanation: The doctrine of exaltation in Mormonism, which suggests the potential for faithful individuals to attain godhood, reflects autotheistic concepts of personal divine progression.

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Which of the following is a key characteristic of classical theism?

Answer: God as the Absolute Being incorporating divine simplicity

Explanation: Classical theism posits God as the Absolute Being, characterized by attributes such as divine simplicity, where God's essence is unified and identical to God's existence.

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Which philosophical tradition is mentioned as exhibiting classical theistic insights alongside religious ones?

Answer: Platonism

Explanation: Platonism is cited as a philosophical tradition that exhibits classical theistic insights, alongside religious traditions like Sufism, Vaishnavism, and Sikhism.

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The concept of 'aham Brahmasmi' ('I am Brahman') is an example of which belief?

Answer: Autotheism

Explanation: The phrase 'aham Brahmasmi' from Advaita Vedanta exemplifies autotheism, signifying the identity between the individual self (atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman).

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Which belief system suggests that faithful individuals can attain godhood in the afterlife?

Answer: Mormonism (doctrine of exaltation)

Explanation: The doctrine of exaltation within Mormonism posits that devoted individuals may achieve godhood in the afterlife, aligning with autotheistic notions of personal divine progression.

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Eutheism is the belief that a deity is:

Answer: Wholly benevolent (entirely good)

Explanation: Eutheism is defined as the belief that a deity is entirely good or benevolent.

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What is dystheism?

Answer: Belief that a deity is not wholly good and may be evil.

Explanation: Dystheism is the theological position asserting that a deity is not wholly good and may possess malevolent characteristics.

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Maltheism is characterized by the belief that:

Answer: A deity exists and is wholly malicious (entirely evil).

Explanation: Maltheism is the belief that a deity exists and is entirely malicious or evil.

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Misotheism refers to:

Answer: Active hatred toward God or gods.

Explanation: Misotheism is defined as the active hatred or animosity directed towards God, gods, or divine beings.

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What does 'alterity theism' propose about the supreme being?

Answer: The supreme being is radically transcendent and unrecognizable.

Explanation: Alterity theism posits that the supreme divine entity is so profoundly transcendent that it remains fundamentally unrecognizable.

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Which concept describes God as the Absolute Being without parts or composition?

Answer: Divine Simplicity

Explanation: Divine simplicity is a theological doctrine asserting that God is the Absolute Being, without parts or composition, meaning God's essence, existence, and attributes are identical.

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The idea that all reality flows or emanates from God is referred to as:

Answer: Emanationism

Explanation: Emanationism is a concept within classical theism that describes the process by which all reality originates or flows from God.

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The philosophical stance that God is finite in some aspect is known as:

Answer: Theistic finitism

Explanation: Theistic finitism is the philosophical position that God is finite in certain attributes, such as power or knowledge, challenging traditional notions of divine infinitude.

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Which term describes the belief that God becomes manifest in the world or in individuals?

Answer: Theopanism

Explanation: Theopanism is the belief that divinity becomes manifest or embodied within the world or within individuals.

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Transtheism is best described as:

Answer: A belief system transcending traditional theistic or atheistic categories.

Explanation: Transtheism encompasses spiritual or philosophical frameworks that move beyond conventional theistic or atheistic classifications, offering alternative perspectives on divinity and existence.

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Philosophical and Empirical Dimensions of Belief

According to a 2020 Philpapers survey, a majority of professional philosophers identified as theists.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2020 Philpapers survey indicated that a significant majority of professional philosophers leaned towards atheism, not theism.

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Ralph Cudworth defined theists as those who believed a conscious, eternal mind caused all things.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ralph Cudworth, an early user of the term, defined theists as adherents to the belief in a conscious, eternal mind as the cause of all existence.

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The Philpapers survey showed more philosophers leaning towards theism than atheism in 2020.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2020 Philpapers survey indicated that a substantial majority of professional philosophers accepted or leaned towards atheism, with a smaller percentage leaning towards theism.

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The term 'theism' was first used by Joseph Raphson.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ralph Cudworth is credited with first using the term 'theism'. Joseph Raphson coined the term 'pantheism'.

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Who is credited with first using the term 'theism' and defining it?

Answer: Ralph Cudworth

Explanation: Ralph Cudworth is recognized as the first to use the term 'theism,' defining it as the belief in a conscious, eternal mind as the cause of all things.

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Who popularized the term 'pantheism' in Western culture through his work 'Ethics'?

Answer: Baruch Spinoza

Explanation: Baruch Spinoza's philosophical work, particularly his 'Ethics,' was instrumental in popularizing the concept of pantheism within Western intellectual discourse.

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The Philpapers survey of 2020 indicated that:

Answer: A significant majority of philosophers lean towards atheism.

Explanation: The 2020 Philpapers survey revealed that a substantial majority of professional philosophers identified with or leaned towards atheism, with a smaller proportion aligning with theism.

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