Deism is a well-established theology with a long history. It is said to originate in the Age of Enlightenment, according to Wikipedia, but it could be argued that it goes all the way back to the days of the great Greek philosophers. It was popular with several of the American Founding Fathers, including Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and more, and is experiencing a resurgence.
Thomas Paine once said “God exists, and there it lies.” This brilliant man summed up Deist theology in a single sentence, and demonstrated the simplicity of Deist belief. This simple phrase illustrated his belief in a Creator while simultaneously stating that anything else you may have heard about God has been invented by men.
Put simply, Deism is the belief in a Creator of the Universe and that the Deity that created it wants us to be good to each other. The Church of Deism teaches that the Deity fashioned a masterful sculpture we call the Universe, but for a mere human to try to comprehend their Creator is like the stone in Michelangelo’s David attempting to understand the artist himself. The doctrine of the Church of Deism is based on individualist theological values, and states that all peaceful religious philosophy has equal validity, or more accurately equal invalidity, because no beliefs in the realm of spirituality can be proven over another. Indeed, none can be proven at all. Deism is known as the Religion of Reason.
Most Deists believe that all religious doctrine was written by man and that the proof is self-evident, but we give respect and understanding to the peaceful beliefs of others regardless. That is not to say that members can’t point out and discuss the dangerous practices of revealed religions, however. In fact, a favorite pastime of Deists is pointing out inconsistencies, hazards and hypocrisies of organized religion. As Deists we strive to remain respectful to individuals who hold beliefs we don’t agree with, but the religions themselves enjoy no such protection. It could be said that we have our own version of the phrase “Love the sinner, hate the sin.”
Because of this, peaceful followers of Christianity, Hinduism, Wicca, Islam, and every other spiritual belief are looked upon only as fellow souls seeking the truth regarding the origins of the universe and subsequently, mankind. Due to the individualist nature of the Church, spirituality beyond the existence of a Creator is accepted or rejected by the person’s own proclivities.
That being said, members of the Church of Deism have a well-founded suspicion of organized religion as a whole. One only needs to open a history book or read the latest headlines to see that organized religion has a sometimes simultaneous capacity of great good and incredible evil. The difference usually only depends on which way the winds of the day were blowing, and who claimed to be the keeper of the sacred knowledge. The Crusades, witch burnings, and Jihad are all prime examples of the terrible harm that organized religions have brought upon the human race throughout time.
The Church of Deism recognizes the existence of the Creator as self-evident. One only has to feel the emotion of love, see the smile of an innocent child, observe the complexities of DNA, or watch the graceful movements of a tree in the breeze to see divine inspiration. The Church also teaches that the need for humanity to get along is self-evident too. Some say that organized religion is good because it demonstrates the differences between right and wrong, but Deists attest that morality is self-evident as well. Unlike many organized religions, our members debate the validity of moral issues that injure no one.
Yes. Anyone 13 years of age and over can become a member of the congregation of the Church of Deism. There is no requirement, or even a request to attend religious services but Deists are free to attend any religious ceremonies they choose of any religious persuasion while seeking the path to enlightenment. All Congregants have unlimited access to the news announcements, articles, and are encouraged to share in the fellowship available at the Church Forum. Differences of opinion are welcome. It is free to join the congregation of the Church of Deism.
All men and women over the age of 13 may become ordained in the Church of Deism at no charge. One only has to fill out the Ordination form completely and honestly.
A minister of Deism may officiate weddings, funerals and baptisms, perform prison ministry, and take confessions. Ministers may also recruit other congregants and prospective ministers to the faith. Your level of involvement is your decision, and the methods used to perform these tasks are up to you. All 50 states recognize the religion of Deism, but there are some counties that have different requirements for marriage officiants. Prospective Deistic Ministers outside of the United States will have to check their own local laws.
You may choose your own honorary title such as Reverend, Pastor, Rabbi or whatever you like, but ultimately, the choice is yours. You may not call yourself a doctor.
The Church can provide you with a Letter of Good Standing if you need it to perform a wedding, but contact your local County Clerk to find out if it is required before ordering. Chances are your Certificate of Ordination is good enough, and many places won’t even require that.
Not all members of the congregation may wish to have the additional responsibilities of ordination due to personal reasons or age restrictions, but of course all Deistic Ministers are welcome to become members of the congregation. Your ordination is good for as long as you remain a Deist.
The Church of Deism recognizes the possible dangers of organized religion because we are ardent students of history, however the Church has no problem with like-minded individuals gathering in fellowship to discuss the Mystery of the Creator.
Deistic belief precludes the need for a central church for its congregation, so there is no physical church to attend. Congregants are welcome to join in fellowship in the Church Forum and gain inspiration from the various topics and articles. Because of the dangers of organized religion, congregants are encouraged to practice their faith as they see fit, following the path of Deism alone or with others. Some Deists believe that worshiping a Creator is a necessary part of spiritual enlightenment, however most do not. If you feel that communion with your Deity through prayer or fellowship brings you closer together, by all means do so.
This is the 21st century. Virtually all churches have a website because it is the future of spreading the word. In a world of declining church memberships and various church scandals, the world wide web may someday be the only place to find a church where you feel comfortable. Others may want to attend church, but for a myriad of reasons aren’t able to. The Church of Deism realizes this and coupled with a reluctance to engage in anything approaching organized, or “revealed” religion, feels it is the best option. Because real human interaction of some kind will naturally always remain the Church feels that it is important to ordain Ministers to maximize interpersonal relationships with the congregation.
Yes, but the Church of Deism doesn’t see it as important to maintaining Deistic spiritual beliefs, and depending on the religion may actually run counter to Deistic thought. Avoid any religious service that advocates hate or violence in particular, as you become especially susceptible to the most dangerous aspects of organized religion if you do.
Celebrate your own individualism by not running with the herd. By its age, history, and past memberships alone it could be argued that Deism itself is a traditional religion, but many historic adherents of Deism were members of other churches. Einstein was Jewish. Thomas Jefferson was an Episcopalian. Thomas Paine was a Quaker. If membership in another “traditional” religion enhances your spirit, follow your heart. Deism exists to propel the Human Race forward, not to hold us all back.
Thomas Paine once said “God exists, and there it lies.” This brilliant man summed up Deist theology in a single sentence, and demonstrated the simplicity of Deist belief. This simple phrase illustrated his belief in a Creator while simultaneously stating that anything else you may have heard about God has been invented by men.
What do Deists believe?
Put simply, Deism is the belief in a Creator of the Universe and that the Deity that created it wants us to be good to each other. The Church of Deism teaches that the Deity fashioned a masterful sculpture we call the Universe, but for a mere human to try to comprehend their Creator is like the stone in Michelangelo’s David attempting to understand the artist himself. The doctrine of the Church of Deism is based on individualist theological values, and states that all peaceful religious philosophy has equal validity, or more accurately equal invalidity, because no beliefs in the realm of spirituality can be proven over another. Indeed, none can be proven at all. Deism is known as the Religion of Reason.
Most Deists believe that all religious doctrine was written by man and that the proof is self-evident, but we give respect and understanding to the peaceful beliefs of others regardless. That is not to say that members can’t point out and discuss the dangerous practices of revealed religions, however. In fact, a favorite pastime of Deists is pointing out inconsistencies, hazards and hypocrisies of organized religion. As Deists we strive to remain respectful to individuals who hold beliefs we don’t agree with, but the religions themselves enjoy no such protection. It could be said that we have our own version of the phrase “Love the sinner, hate the sin.”
Because of this, peaceful followers of Christianity, Hinduism, Wicca, Islam, and every other spiritual belief are looked upon only as fellow souls seeking the truth regarding the origins of the universe and subsequently, mankind. Due to the individualist nature of the Church, spirituality beyond the existence of a Creator is accepted or rejected by the person’s own proclivities.
That being said, members of the Church of Deism have a well-founded suspicion of organized religion as a whole. One only needs to open a history book or read the latest headlines to see that organized religion has a sometimes simultaneous capacity of great good and incredible evil. The difference usually only depends on which way the winds of the day were blowing, and who claimed to be the keeper of the sacred knowledge. The Crusades, witch burnings, and Jihad are all prime examples of the terrible harm that organized religions have brought upon the human race throughout time.
The Church of Deism recognizes the existence of the Creator as self-evident. One only has to feel the emotion of love, see the smile of an innocent child, observe the complexities of DNA, or watch the graceful movements of a tree in the breeze to see divine inspiration. The Church also teaches that the need for humanity to get along is self-evident too. Some say that organized religion is good because it demonstrates the differences between right and wrong, but Deists attest that morality is self-evident as well. Unlike many organized religions, our members debate the validity of moral issues that injure no one.
Can I become a Deist?
Yes. Anyone 13 years of age and over can become a member of the congregation of the Church of Deism. There is no requirement, or even a request to attend religious services but Deists are free to attend any religious ceremonies they choose of any religious persuasion while seeking the path to enlightenment. All Congregants have unlimited access to the news announcements, articles, and are encouraged to share in the fellowship available at the Church Forum. Differences of opinion are welcome. It is free to join the congregation of the Church of Deism.
Can I become a Deistic minister?
All men and women over the age of 13 may become ordained in the Church of Deism at no charge. One only has to fill out the Ordination form completely and honestly.
A minister of Deism may officiate weddings, funerals and baptisms, perform prison ministry, and take confessions. Ministers may also recruit other congregants and prospective ministers to the faith. Your level of involvement is your decision, and the methods used to perform these tasks are up to you. All 50 states recognize the religion of Deism, but there are some counties that have different requirements for marriage officiants. Prospective Deistic Ministers outside of the United States will have to check their own local laws.
You may choose your own honorary title such as Reverend, Pastor, Rabbi or whatever you like, but ultimately, the choice is yours. You may not call yourself a doctor.
The Church can provide you with a Letter of Good Standing if you need it to perform a wedding, but contact your local County Clerk to find out if it is required before ordering. Chances are your Certificate of Ordination is good enough, and many places won’t even require that.
Not all members of the congregation may wish to have the additional responsibilities of ordination due to personal reasons or age restrictions, but of course all Deistic Ministers are welcome to become members of the congregation. Your ordination is good for as long as you remain a Deist.
Doesn’t it violate Deistic doctrine to organize Deists?
The Church of Deism recognizes the possible dangers of organized religion because we are ardent students of history, however the Church has no problem with like-minded individuals gathering in fellowship to discuss the Mystery of the Creator.
Is there a brick and mortar Church of Deism?
Deistic belief precludes the need for a central church for its congregation, so there is no physical church to attend. Congregants are welcome to join in fellowship in the Church Forum and gain inspiration from the various topics and articles. Because of the dangers of organized religion, congregants are encouraged to practice their faith as they see fit, following the path of Deism alone or with others. Some Deists believe that worshiping a Creator is a necessary part of spiritual enlightenment, however most do not. If you feel that communion with your Deity through prayer or fellowship brings you closer together, by all means do so.
Why the internet?
This is the 21st century. Virtually all churches have a website because it is the future of spreading the word. In a world of declining church memberships and various church scandals, the world wide web may someday be the only place to find a church where you feel comfortable. Others may want to attend church, but for a myriad of reasons aren’t able to. The Church of Deism realizes this and coupled with a reluctance to engage in anything approaching organized, or “revealed” religion, feels it is the best option. Because real human interaction of some kind will naturally always remain the Church feels that it is important to ordain Ministers to maximize interpersonal relationships with the congregation.
Can I belong to a “traditional” or organized religion and still be a Deist?
Yes, but the Church of Deism doesn’t see it as important to maintaining Deistic spiritual beliefs, and depending on the religion may actually run counter to Deistic thought. Avoid any religious service that advocates hate or violence in particular, as you become especially susceptible to the most dangerous aspects of organized religion if you do.
Celebrate your own individualism by not running with the herd. By its age, history, and past memberships alone it could be argued that Deism itself is a traditional religion, but many historic adherents of Deism were members of other churches. Einstein was Jewish. Thomas Jefferson was an Episcopalian. Thomas Paine was a Quaker. If membership in another “traditional” religion enhances your spirit, follow your heart. Deism exists to propel the Human Race forward, not to hold us all back.
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