Deism Ain't Dead

In seminary, we learn a lot about “isms” (such as deism, dualism, existentialism, and Platonism). To many people, study of these “isms” may seem esoteric and terribly unpractical. But the truth is that studying these centuries-old philosophical systems is pressingly relevant and critically important. Why? Simply because these belief systems never really “die out.” They always find their way into the our collective consciousness and affect how we understand and live our lives. Even the Christian, who claims to have a Bible-permeated and Christ-centered worldview, cannot help but to be effected by the prevailing philosophical assumptions of our day.
       For example, consider deism. This is the (wrong) belief that God is like a cosmic “watchmaker.” He “winds up” the universe at the beginning of time and then lets it run on its own accord without his necessary or willing involvement. In fact, deists view God’s involvement with humankind as impossible or intrusive. Does this belief exist today? Absolutely! It is alive and well and expresses itself both subtly and overtly. Does this belief even affect true Christianity? Without a doubt! Let me list some ways this worldview has had an unquestionable negative impact on the Church:

1. Deism denies the efficacy of prayer. If God does not really involve himself with human affairs as the deist believe, then the Biblical understanding that God is attentive and even sympathetic to the supplications of his children is irrational. Prayer depends on interaction of a loving and personal God.
   
2. Deism reject the sovereignty of God. With deism, God is “hands-off” with the unfolding of world history. And the idea that God wills and determines all that occurs according to the wisdom of his own divine counsel would strike the deist as too controlling. The modern error of “Open Theism” is an example of how deistic ideas find their way into the Church's thinking about God’s sovereignty.
   
3. Deism rejects the incarnation. The Bible clearly teaches that God himself invaded human history in the form of a humble baby named Jesus Christ. If true (which it is), then there is no more powerful proof that deism is wrong.
   
4. Deism rejects Scriptural inerrancy. Like the incarnation, Scripture is the “making into flesh” of something divine. In this case, we have the very “message of God” which has come to us. Biblical inerrancy, therefore, depends on the fact that God lovingly desires and then proceeds to make himself known.

As I look at my own life, I definitely see and feel the pervasive effect of deism on my life. My entire education in the medical sciences has been permeated with deistic assumptions that said, “God does not care!” or “God does not get involved!” or “God is distant!” Those are lies! Lies from hell! And as I look at the cross and the blood Christ sacrificed for me, I am reminded again of the love of an involved and expressive and intimate God.