CA 1: Concepts of God and the World

Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between the deistic and theistic conceptions of God?

God's involvement in the world after creation (correct)

God's existence before or after the creation of the world

God's power to create the world out of nothing

God's role as a protector or caretaker of the world

Which of the following best describes the concept of immanence?

God is very much in the world (correct)

God exists beyond the world

God has no relation to the world

God is both in and beyond the world

According to Deism, what is the role of God after creating the world?

God is not involved in the world's affairs (correct)

God periodically intervenes in the world

God destroys the world at will

God continuously sustains the world

Which conception of God reconciles the views of transcendence and immanence?

Theism Signup and view all the answers

What is the etymological origin of the term 'Deism'?

From the Latin word 'Deus' Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'causa sui' mean in the context of Deism?

The first cause of the universe Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of the Deistic conception of God?

God's apartness from the world Signup and view all the answers

In Deism, what drives the world's operations after creation?

Secondary causes like Will, Force, and Energy Signup and view all the answers

According to Deism, how should God be worshipped?

Through the practice of virtue Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Deistic God?

Omnipotent and omniscient Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of Deism?

It uses symbolism, with God as a creator and king Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of Deism's rejection of institutionalized religion?

A disbelief in idol worship and personal God Signup and view all the answers

What is the philosophical impact of Deism?

It rationalizes rather than spiritualizes Signup and view all the answers

What is a belief of Deism?

Repentance from sins is a duty Signup and view all the answers

What did Deism make the word God stand for?

Something definite, not a vague concept Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why religious faith cannot be satisfied with a purely mundane duty?

Because it requires a sense of transcendence Signup and view all the answers

How did Aristotle's theory of Deity influence modern Deism?

It gave currency to the idea of natural religion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of an Eternal being?

Being above space and time Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the term 'Henotheism' in the context of Theism?

Worship of one god at a time, while acknowledging the existence of others Signup and view all the answers

Why did ancient humans start worshipping natural elements?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of an Omnipotent being?

Being all-powerful, hence able to provide solutions to all problems Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the Theistic God is considered Infinite?

Because it has no beginning and no end Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the worship of many gods?

Polytheism Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of an Omnipresent being?

Being present everywhere and at all times Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between polytheism and monotheism?

Polytheism believes in multiple gods, while monotheism believes in one god Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a Theistic God?

The God has all the attributes and powers of the various Gods of polytheistic views Signup and view all the answers

What is henotheism?

A belief in multiple gods with a shifting order of preference Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of monotheistic faith?

It is a more simplistic view with fewer rituals and festivals Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between deism and theism?

Deism believes in a god that is not involved in the world, while theism believes in a god that is involved in the world Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following religions is often associated with henotheism?

Hinduism Signup and view all the answers

What does theism connect?

The statement of pantheism with the integrity of spiritual values Signup and view all the answers

What is true about polytheism?

It is seen more in religions like Hinduism and Buddhism Signup and view all the answers

What does theism assert about the relationship between elements in the cosmos?

All elements are related to a single experiment subject and sustained by a single will Signup and view all the answers

How does theism transform the pantheistic assertion 'All is one'?

By transforming it into 'All depends on one' Signup and view all the answers

What is the major problem that theism faces according to critics?

The problem of evil Signup and view all the answers

According to logical positivists, what is the issue with theistic statements?

They are nonsensical according to the verification principle Signup and view all the answers

What is the criticism of theism regarding its concept of God?

It is too anthropomorphic and limiting Signup and view all the answers

How does theism respond to criticisms of inconsistency and incoherence?

By attributing the limitations to human thought and expression Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate reality in the theistic worldview?

A single Supreme reality who is the source of everything Signup and view all the answers

What is the attitude of theism towards the ultimate reality?

One of unqualified adoration and worship Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Deism, Theism, and Pantheism

Relationships between God and the World:
- Deism: Transcendent (above the world)
- Pantheism: Immanent (in the world)
- Theism: Reconciles both views

Deism

Deistic conception of God:
- Formed under human analogy
- God is not immanent in the world, but exists outside or alongside it
- Characterized by the apartness of God from the world
Key beliefs:
- God is the first cause of the universe, creating the world out of nothing
- God is omnipotent and omniscient, but not directly involved in the world
- God performs the function of a protector or caretaker of the world
- Worship is through the practice of virtue and not merely rituals
- Repentance from sins is a duty, and reward and punishment will be automatically meted out

Theism

Theistic conception of God:
- Reconciles the transcendent and immanence views
- God is both above the world and involved in it
Key attributes of the Theistic God:
- Eternal: above space and time
- Infinite: no beginning or end, and has no limitations
- Omnipotent: all-powerful
- Omnipresent: present everywhere
- Omniscient: all-knowing
- Personal: can be reached by man through prayers, rituals, and worship
Types of Theism:
- Polytheism: belief in multiple gods
- Monotheism: belief in one God
- Henotheism: an extension of polytheism, with a shifting order of gods according to occasions and situations

Pantheism

Pantheistic conception of God:
- God is immanent in the world
- God is identical with the world
Key beliefs:
- All is one
- God is not a separate entity from the world

Comparison and Critique

Theism modifies the principles of Deism and Pantheism
Criticisms of Theism:
- Problem of evil: how can an all-powerful and benevolent God allow evil to exist in the world?
- Logical positivists: Theistic statements are nonsensical and cannot be verified
- Anthropomorphism: Theism limits God by describing Him in human terms
Theistic response: human thought and language are limited and cannot fully describe the essence of God.

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Description

This quiz explores the relationships between God and the world, covering concepts such as Deism, Theism, and Pantheism. Learn about the different views on God's role in the universe.