theism

American  

[thee-iz-uhm] / ˈθi ɪz əm /

noun

1. the belief in one God as the creator and ruler of the universe, without rejection of revelation (deism ).

2. belief in the existence of a god or gods (atheism ).

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theism British  

/ ˈθiːɪzəm /

noun

1. the form of the belief in one God as the transcendent creator and ruler of the universe that does not necessarily entail further belief in divine revelation Compare deism

2. the belief in the existence of a God or gods Compare atheism

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Other Word Forms

• nontheistic adjective
• nontheistical adjective
• nontheistically adverb
• theist noun
• theistic adjective
• theistical adjective
• theistically adverb
• untheistic adjective
• untheistical adjective
• untheistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of theism

First recorded in 1670–80; the- + -ism

Compare meaning

How does theism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• deism vs. theism

Example Sentences

References to the Creator and Nature’s God in the Declaration reflect a general theism that could be acceptable to Christians, Unitarians, deists and others.

From Seattle Times

Many who regard theism as a backward-looking social force might usefully consider how each of these holidays contains the seeds of rebellion.

From Washington Post

And the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan since Cupich wrote his essay reminds us that certain fervent forms of theism are implacably opposed to the tolerance and openness he preaches.

From Washington Post

Why not deism instead of theism, or pantheism instead of either?

From New York Times

And Collins founded an organization called BioLogos to advance a belief in the deep compatibility of science, including evolutionary science, and Christian theism.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• church
• conviction
• denomination
• doctrine
• principle
• religion
• sect
• teaching