Reasonable Faith Podcast

Question of the Week #979: “Am I a Deist?”

Mar 12, 2026
A listener’s struggle over whether their beliefs fit theism or deism sparks a focused exploration. The difference between revealed religion and natural religion is contrasted and re-evaluated. A historical resource on the resurrection is recommended for further reading. The conversation closes with suggestions for continued study.
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ANECDOTE

Listener Dan Explains His Deist-Leaning Beliefs

  • Dan describes his personal religious journey, leaving Christianity while retaining belief in a personal creator and openness to miracles.
  • He lists beliefs: moral argument, divine will ethics, soul dualism, creationism lean, afterlife, but rejects special revelation or scripture.
INSIGHT

Craig Says Deism Is Theism But Falls Short

  • William Lane Craig identifies Dan as a classic deist and clarifies deism is a form of theism.
  • Craig urges Dan to consider Christian theism by reexamining Jesus' claims and the resurrection as decisive revelation evidence.
ADVICE

Reexamine Jesus And The Resurrection

  • Craig advises Dan to examine Jesus of Nazareth closely and assess his claim to be the absolute revelation of God.
  • He recommends studying the resurrection historically and cites his book The Historical Argument for the Resurrection of Jesus During the Deist Controversy.
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