I'm way confused. If theism is following any religion, then it would seem to nullify previous suggestions that Atheism/Theism are 50/50. If theism is belief in a higher power, ok, I can roll with that. If theism is being in support of organized religion in general, that would make the title atheist too general for most.
What is theism?
- Thread starter Mr. Hamtastic
- Start date
Enmos
Valued Senior Member
the·ism
–noun
1. the belief in one God as the creator and ruler of the universe, without rejection of revelation (distinguished from deism).
2. belief in the existence of a god or gods (opposed to atheism).
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/theism
–noun
1. the belief in one God as the creator and ruler of the universe, without rejection of revelation (distinguished from deism).
2. belief in the existence of a god or gods (opposed to atheism).
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/theism
thanky
Yes. As Enmos said, via dictionary (or as the dictionary said, via Enmos?), theism is simply the belief in god or gods.
In short, it is a theological stance, irrespective of religion, that demonstrates belief in deity. The only other stance is atheism. Agnosticism pertains, not so much to belief, but knowledge, hence "gnos" in the middle of it. You can be an agnostic theist just as much as you can be an agnostic atheist.
And theism is not restricted to monotheism. That is but on sub-category within theism. There is also polytheism, deism, henotheism, etc.
Pantheism and animism fall somewhere in between, interestingly. So I guess my previous statement of there only being atheism/theism stances is a tad inaccurate. There is a somewhat grey area betwixt wherein lies pantheism and animism.
In short, it is a theological stance, irrespective of religion, that demonstrates belief in deity. The only other stance is atheism. Agnosticism pertains, not so much to belief, but knowledge, hence "gnos" in the middle of it. You can be an agnostic theist just as much as you can be an agnostic atheist.
And theism is not restricted to monotheism. That is but on sub-category within theism. There is also polytheism, deism, henotheism, etc.
Pantheism and animism fall somewhere in between, interestingly. So I guess my previous statement of there only being atheism/theism stances is a tad inaccurate. There is a somewhat grey area betwixt wherein lies pantheism and animism.