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Theism, Atheism, Deism

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Theism, Atheism, Deism
Philosophy
“Theism/ Atheism/Deism”

THEISM
Philosophical theism is the belief that God exists (or must exist) independent of the teaching or revelation of any particular religion. It represents belief in a personal God entirely without doctrine. Some philosophical theists are persuaded of God's existence by philosophical arguments, while others consider themselves to have a religious faith that need not be, or could not be, supported by rational argument.
Philosophical theism has parallels with the 18th century philosophical view called Deism.
“Philosophical theism” is sometimes also used as a synonym for classical theism.
Relationship to organized religion
Philosophical theism conceives of nature (science), humanity (logic), and rational thought (reason), although possibly never completely understandable. It implies the belief that nature is ordered according to some sort of dual relations to existence and the ever changing matter in motion, however incomprehensible or inexplicable. However, philosophical theists do not endorse or adhere to the theology or doctrines of any organized religion or church. They may accept arguments or observations about the existence of God advanced by theologians working in some religious tradition, but reject the tradition itself. (For example, a philosophical theist might believe certain Christian arguments about God while nevertheless rejecting Christianity.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophical_theism

The Pragmatic Working of the Theistic Belief

It is not very long since there was current in America a system of philosophy called pragmatism. It was in very great vogue about thirty years ago, and it left a great impress upon our thinking. One of the great progenitors of that vogue was William James, the psychologist. Surely be has a right to think in this realm of metaphysics, because he is a scientist of a psychological turn, as Mr. Barnes is. Then it was carried on by Professor George Burman Foster of the

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