Q&A: From Deism to Theism
From Deism to Theism
Question
Hi Michi,
Again I read articles in Makor Rishon in which the writers lament the fact that some graduates of religious education leave religion. On the other hand, they take comfort in the fact that many secular people believe in God. And they wonder how it is that belief in God does not lead a Jew to live a religious lifestyle.
If those asking were ignorant, I would understand their puzzlement, but I cannot expect such a question from educated people. Do you have an answer to that?
All the best
Answer
A general belief in God is certainly not necessarily connected to observing the commandments. But belief in the revelation at Sinai and the giving of the Torah really should lead to that.
I think people do not distinguish between belief in a philosophical God and belief in a revealed religious God (at Mount Sinai), that is, between theism and deism.