Theistic Frameworks

💡 Defining Theism

Theism, in its broadest definition, is the philosophical and theological stance affirming the existence of at least one deity.^[1][2] In common discourse, particularly when contrasted with deism, the term often refers to the conception of God prevalent in classical theism, encompassing monotheistic and polytheistic traditions that do not reject divine revelation.^[3][4]

⚖️ Contrasting Beliefs

Theism stands in contrast to non-theism and atheism, which generally involve the non-acceptance or outright rejection of belief in deities.^[5][6] Agnosticism, conversely, posits that the existence or non-existence of deities is fundamentally unknown or unknowable.^[7][8] Agnostic theism specifically combines the belief in deities with the epistemological stance that their existence remains unknowable.

📊 Academic Perspectives

Contemporary philosophical discourse reveals a spectrum of views. A 2020 survey indicated that a significant majority of professional philosophers (66.72%) accept or lean towards atheism, with 18.64% favoring theism and 14.64% holding other positions.^[9] This highlights the ongoing academic engagement with theistic and non-theistic worldviews.

🏛️ Classical Theism

This perspective characterizes God as the Absolute Being, emphasizing concepts such as emanationism and divine simplicity. Classical theistic theology is evident across major religious and philosophical traditions, including Sufism in Islam, Vaishnavism in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Platonism.^[13][14]

☝️ Monotheism

Monotheism is the belief in the existence of a single deity. Prominent modern monotheistic religions include Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Mandaeism, Druze faith, Baháʼí Faith, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, and Rastafari, among others.^[15]

👥 Polytheism

Polytheism involves the belief in multiple deities, often organized into a pantheon with associated religious practices. Historically prevalent, it remains a feature of many contemporary religions such as Taoism, Shenism, Japanese Shinto, Santería, and various traditional African religions.^[16] Hinduism is often described as polytheistic, though it also encompasses monotheistic and pantheistic interpretations.

🌌 Pantheism

Pantheism posits that reality, the universe, and the cosmos are identical to divinity. It views the universe as an immanent, potentially expanding, creator deity.^[22][23][24] Pantheistic thought does not typically recognize a distinct personal or anthropomorphic God.^[26] The philosophy of Baruch Spinoza is a seminal example of pantheistic thought.^[30]

⚙️ Deism

Classical deism asserts the existence of a creator God who established the universe but does not intervene in its affairs. Deism emphasizes reason and natural law over supernatural revelation or miracles.^[33] Related concepts include Pandeism (God created the universe and became identical with it) and Polydeism (multiple gods exist but do not intervene).

👤 Autotheism

Autotheism centers on the belief in inherent divinity within oneself, suggesting individuals can achieve a godlike state. This concept appears in traditions like Advaita Vedanta ("I am Brahman") and Mormonism's doctrine of exaltation, as well as in philosophical ideas like Nietzsche's Übermensch.^[34][35]

⭐ Value-Judgment Theisms

These classifications relate to the perceived moral character of deities:

• Eutheism: Belief in a wholly benevolent deity.
• Dystheism: Belief that a deity is not wholly good, possibly evil.
• Maltheism: Belief that a deity exists but is entirely malicious.
• Misotheism: Active hatred towards deities.

🚫 Non-Theism and Atheism

Atheism is typically defined as the disbelief or lack of belief in gods or deities. Some atheists actively reject the existence of such entities.^[5] Non-theism broadly encompasses beliefs that do not affirm the existence of any gods.

❓ Agnosticism

Agnosticism holds that the existence of deities is unknown or unknowable. Agnostics withhold judgment due to insufficient evidence for definitive conclusions about the existence or non-existence of God.^[7]

↔️ Alterity Theism

This perspective posits a supreme being so radically transcendent that it cannot be recognized as having any genuine existence, challenging conventional notions of being.

📚 Key Areas of Study

The study of theism intersects with numerous related concepts within philosophy of religion and theology. These include:

• Atheism & Antitheism: The rejection or opposition to theism.
• Deism: Belief in a creator deity without divine intervention.
• Theistic Evolution: The view that God guided the evolutionary process.
• Classical Theism: A specific philosophical framework for understanding God's attributes.
• Conceptions of God: Diverse philosophical and theological views on God's nature, existence, and attributes.
• Agnosticism: The position that knowledge of deities is unattainable.

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📜 Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI model for educational and informational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it may not encompass all nuances or represent the absolute latest scholarly consensus.

This content does not constitute philosophical or theological advice. The information presented is intended for academic exploration and should not substitute consultation with qualified experts in philosophy of religion, theology, or related fields. Always engage with primary sources and scholarly discourse for a comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or interpretations derived from this content.