Frequently Asked Questions

Deism is a philosophical and spiritual (not religious) belief that emphasizes the existence of a creator or higher power who is responsible for the creation of the universe but does not intervene in its workings. Deists typically reject the notion of revealed religion, such as scriptures, miracles, or divine intervention. Instead, deists rely on reason, observation of the natural world, and the laws of nature to understand the creator’s existence and attributes.

In essence, deism holds that:

• The universe is rationally ordered and operates according to natural laws.
• The creator set the universe in motion but does not interfere with it, akin to a clockmaker winding a clock and letting it run.
• Spirituality and morality should be rooted in reason and common sense rather than dogma, doctrines, or supernatural claims.

Pantheism is a philosophical and spiritual belief system that identifies God or the divine with the universe and all its natural phenomena. In pantheism, the divine is not seen as a distinct, personal deity but rather as being identical to everything that exists. It emphasizes that the universe, nature, and everything within it are sacred and interconnected.

• Unity of the Divine and the Universe: Pantheism posits that God is not separate from the universe but is synonymous with it. The divine encompasses all that exists.
• Non-Personal Deity: Unlike theistic religions that worship a personal god, pantheism often does not involve a personal deity. Instead, it views the divine as an impersonal force, principle, or reality.
• Focus on Nature: Pantheism often emphasizes reverence for nature and the cosmos, seeing them as expressions of the divine.
• Interconnectedness: It highlights the interconnectedness of all living and non-living things, suggesting that everything is part of a greater whole.

• Philosophical Roots: Early forms of pantheism can be traced back to ancient philosophies like those of the Stoics, who believed in a divine rationality (logos) pervading the universe.
• Spinoza: The 17th-century philosopher Baruch Spinoza is often associated with pantheism. In his work Ethics, he argued that God and nature are one and the same.
• Eastern Traditions: Certain aspects of pantheism are present in Eastern philosophies and religions like Hinduism, Taoism, and some interpretations of Buddhism, which stress the unity and sacredness of all existence.

• In contemporary times, pantheism is embraced by some as a worldview that aligns spirituality with scientific understanding. Organizations like the World Pantheist Movement promote pantheism as a way to find meaning and reverence in the natural world without adhering to supernatural beliefs.

Pandeism expands upon deism and pantheism by suggesting that the Creator not only created the universe but also became the universe, imbuing it with divine essence. It incorporates into one philosophy the tenets of pantheism and deism.

Pandeism sees deism as a partial understanding of divine reality, focusing solely on the Creator’s role as the origin of the universe while overlooking the possibility of deeper integration, or union, between the Creator and creation.

• Deism emphasizes separation: The Creator remains distinct and uninvolved after the act of creation.
• Pandeism emphasizes unity: The Creator transforms into the universe itself, dissolving any strict separation and making all of existence an expression or manifestation of the Creator.

Pandeism views deism and pantheism as important stepping stones toward understanding the Creator-universe relationship but may critique them for not addressing the deeper metaphysical implications of divine immanence within the created world. Thus, the integration of two philosophies into one, that is, pandeism. The founders of the Philippine Deism Society advocates the pandeistic philosophy.

Deism is more of a philosophical framework than a structured religion. It emphasizes individual reasoning over collective dogma, making it distinct from many traditional religions with organized systems of faith and practice. Thus, deism occupies a unique space, often described as a philosophical approach rather than a religion in the conventional sense. The Philippine Deism Society defines it as a “Philosophy of Spirituality.”

• Reverence for nature and the acceptance of natural laws as the proofs of the existence of God.
• Reliance on reason, observation and experience.
• Reject the concept of a humanesque God, or something that resembles or has qualities similar to a human, such as appearance, behavior, emotions, or characteristics.
• Rejection of miracles or the supernatural.
• Rejection of the “authority” of sacred books like the Bible, Koran, etc.
• Acceptance of scientific discoveries.

Anyone who believes that God exists, as well as anyone who believes that he/she can connect with the Creator directly, independent of any ritual, dogma or creed, and without believing in and identifying with any religion.

While the PDS is primarily a Filipino group at his time, membership is likewise open for people of other nationalities who are deists or leaning towards deism.

It’s impossible for Deism to be a cult because Deism teaches self-reliance and encourages people to constantly use their reason. Deism teaches one to “question authority” no matter what the cost. Unlike the revealed religions, Deism makes no unreasonable claims of power and authority, and to miracles and revelations.
Likewise, it makes no demands from its adherents to pay tithes and offerings, make sacrifices or make pilgrimages. Most of all, it does not threaten anyone with everlasting conscious punishment in an eternal fire.

Stemming from the society’s focus on reason, individual freedom, and morality based on universal principles rather than religious orthodoxy, the following are some of the potential advantages:

1. Encouragement of Rational Thought – Deist societies value reason and critical thinking as the primary means of understanding the world and making ethical decisions. This emphasis can lead to a culture that prioritizes science, education, and innovation.

2. Religious Tolerance – Deism’s focus on a non-dogmatic belief system can foster greater acceptance of diverse religious or spiritual views. It avoids sectarian conflicts by steering clear of rigid doctrines or exclusive claims to truth.

3. Separation of Church and State – Deist principles often align with the idea of keeping religion out of governance. This ensures that laws and policies are based on reason, evidence, and universal ethical principles rather than specific religious beliefs.

4. Focus on Universal Morality – Deists often believe in a moral code derived from nature or reason, emphasizing universal values like justice, compassion, and equality. This can create a society rooted in shared humanistic values rather than divisive religious rules.

5. Promotion of Freedom of Belief – A deist society supports individual freedom to explore spiritual beliefs without fear of persecution. It encourages personal responsibility for one’s moral and spiritual development.

6. Reduced Religious Dogmatism – Without rigid scriptures or rituals, a deist society avoids conflicts over theological interpretations. It can also reduce guilt or fear-based practices tied to religious dogma.

7. Harmonization with Science – Deists traditionally see no conflict between belief in a creator and the discoveries of science. This alignment can lead to a society that supports scientific advancement while maintaining spiritual inquiry.

8. Environmental Stewardship –Many deists view nature as a manifestation of the creator’s design, encouraging respect and care for the environment. This perspective can inspire sustainable living and environmental ethics.

9. Open Dialogue on Spirituality – In a deist society, spirituality is seen as a personal and evolving journey, fostering open and inclusive discussions on metaphysical and existential topics.

10. Focus on Human Potential – By emphasizing reason and morality, deist societies often encourage individuals to maximize their intellectual, ethical, and creative potential. A deist society, while not without challenges, has the potential to create a culture that balances spirituality with rationality, promoting harmony, progress, and respect for individual and collective well-being.