Theism and Atheism?

“Do you really believe ... that everything historians tell us about men – or about women – is actually true? You ought to consider the fact that these histories have been written by men, who never tell the truth except by accident.” 

-- Moderata Fonte

Consider the question of God.  God either exists or doesn't. Is it really that simple? Well, consider the following, and think again:

Deism:  The belief that one God exists and created the world, but that the Creator does/does not alter the original plan for the universe, but presides over it in the form of Providence; however, some classical Deists did believe in divine intervention.  Deism typically rejects supernatural events (such as prophecies, miracles, and divine revelations) prominent in organized religion. Deism holds that religious beliefs must be founded on human reason and observed features of the natural world and that these sources reveal the existence of a supreme being as the creator.

Pandeism:  The belief that God preceded the universe, created it, but is now equivalent to it.

Polydeism:  The belief that multiple gods exist, but do not intervene in the universe.

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Theism:  The belief in the existence of the Supreme Being or deities.

Autotheism:  The viewpoint that, whether divinity is also external or not, it is inherently within 'oneself' and that one has the ability to achieve godhood.

Eutheism:  The belief that a deity is wholly benevolent.

Dytheism:  The belief that a deity is not wholly good, and is possibly evil.

Misotheism:  The belief that a deity exists, but is wholly malicious.

Pantheism:  The belief that the physical universe is equivalent to god and that there is no division between a Creator and the substance of its creation.

Panentheism:  Like Pantheism, the belief that the physical universe is joined to a god or gods. However, it also believes that the divine pervades and interpenetrates every part of the universe and also extends beyond time and space.

Atheism: The absence of belief in the existence of deities.  Atheism is the rejection of the belief that any deities exist and, specifically, is the position that there are no deities.

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Agnosticism:  The existence of God, the divine or the supernatural, is unknown or unknowable.  Thomas Henry Huxley coined the word agnostic in 1869, “It simply means that a man shall not say he knows or believes that which he has no scientific grounds for professing to know or believe.”

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Taoism:  The Tao that can be spoken is not the real Tao.  The name that can be named is not the true name.  From the Tao all the myriad of objects derive their meaning, their illusory separateness being wrought by the interplay of yin and yang.

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The questions concerning "God" are numerous.  I can see the point of any label but "atheism," due to atheism's lack of imagination. A deity, by definition, has divine status, quality, or nature, and can be a creator and supreme being. How we interpret this definition causes much discourse. Atheism says that we are born, live, and die.  There is nothing more? So, why work your ass off?  If life is a simple struggle to live a finite period, why put yourself through a lifetime of struggle to become something more?  It takes a lot of imagination to believe there is something more on the other side of death.  Go figure.

For me, I see a creative force, an energy, that salted the universe with numerous life forms.  Is it an omnipotent "being" to be worshiped?   Maybe not, but I think a prayer of thanks to the energy that creates everything, especially the gift of life we receive, every morning, is in order.  

There must be balance in the universe, so we have good and bad.  "Good" is a struggle, whereas "bad" is so much easier.  Ever wonder why this is? If you think your life is shit, and thanks are a waste, well, it is your life. If you choose to waste it, remember that it is your life. Knock yourself out. The rest of us will try to remain positive and strive to move forward, preparing for the possible lives to come.

"Faith is the belief in something for which there is little or no proof. Theists and atheists both have faith that their belief is correct. For the theist, there is a chance that life will continue after this existence. For the atheist, death is the end of all. I like to pad my bets. Believing in a supreme creative power in the universe is not a great stretch., and I intend to live through as many lives as I can."

-- F.A. Villari

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions, and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I have come to believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance... he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

 Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com