Re: T/D #1 (Theistic/Deistic definitions)

Craig Rusbult (rusbult@vms2.macc.wisc.edu)
Mon, 27 Oct 1997 18:40:45 -0600

In reviewing some old un-read messages,
I found this interesting question (from 10-20) by Sho Takagaki:

>Can anyone think of any positive aspects of deism which
>theism doesn't have..including arguments people
>have used in history?

>That is, reasons different from the standard pejorative:
>"It puts God way out there so that we don't have to
>obey his commands"?

Why were many people (especially in the 1700s?) eager to adopt deistic
ideas?
To avoid the embarassment of defending miracles?
{And don't most deists advocate obeying God's commands, and believe that
God will "hold them accountable"?}

Craig