theism

[ thee-iz-uhm ]

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 ).

theism

/ ˈθiːɪzəm /

noun

1. See deism
   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. See atheism
   the belief in the existence of a God or gods Compare atheism

Other Words From

• the·ist [thee, -ist], noun adjective
• the·istic the·isti·cal adjective
• the·isti·cal·ly adverb
• nonthe·istic adjective
• nonthe·isti·cal adjective
• nonthe·isti·cal·ly adverb
• unthe·istic adjective
• unthe·isti·cal adjective
• unthe·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of theism¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of theism¹

C17: from Greek theos god + -ism

Example Sentences

“Maybe we need a new category other than theism, atheism or agnosticism that takes paradox and unknowing into account,” he writes.

From The Daily Beast

But his theism does clarify some of the tension between his work and popular atheism.

From The Daily Beast

Hume and Holbach had much in common intellectually, although the latter was far more thoroughgoing in his repudiation of Theism.

From Project Gutenberg

Honestly to be of service to theism the God established must be a person.

From Project Gutenberg

In all discussions of theism there is one point that is usually overlooked.

From Project Gutenberg

In work after work dealing with theism one looks in vain for some definition of "God."

From Project Gutenberg

In his championship of theism our scientist forgets his science.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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