History/Founder/
important persons/saints:
Deism is a philosophy more than a religion, and
as such has no founder. However, the consensus is that The French philosophers
Rousseau and Voltaire, as well as the English philosophers John Locke
and William Tindal, were most influential in the Deist movement.
Current
leader/governing body:
None, although there are a few loosely organized Deist
groups scattered throughout the world.
Number of Adherents:
Unknown.
Deism is fairly rare, especially religious Deism.
Clergy:
None, Deists do not actively worship, and therefore have no clergy.
Requirements
to become a Deist:
None.
Scripture:
None, Deists eschew
so-called 'revealed' religions. Texts
such as Paine's "Age of Reason" are widely read, as are the
works of Enlightenment philosophers such as Locke.
Code
of Conduct: Deists
believe that one is rewarded or punished in the afterlife according to
one's behavior in life, but opinions vary as to what behavior is expected.
It is largely humanistic in the sense that one is expected to treat others
with dignity and respect.
Holidays
and observances: None.
Basic
teachings and Beliefs of Deism:
Deists
believe that God is the creator of the universe, the architect of natural
order, and the grantor of human rights, but that he does not interfere
with humanity, or favor one individual, group, or nation over another.
Deist
belief eschews all elements of 'revealed' religion- that is, any religious
laws or revelations offered by prophets or priests. Deists do not accept
the idea of avatars or incarnated deities, angels, or messengers.
Symbols
of Deism: None.
Famous
Deists include many of the
American founding fathers, with Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel
Adams, Thomas Paine,
James
Madison, and Ethan Allen among the most well known. Deism was a motivating
factor in the American revolution, fueling many of the ideas of personal
freedom and seperation of powers inherent in our system of government.
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