Theism is a broad philosophical and theological belief in the existence of one or more deities who are actively involved in the creation, maintenance, and governance of the universe. In the context of Christian theology, theism specifically refers to the belief in a personal, transcendent, and immanent God who is both Creator and Sustainer of all things. Theism stands in contrast to atheism, which denies the existence of any deity, and to deism, which posits a non-interventionist creator.
Historical Development of Theism
Ancient and Classical Theism
The roots of theism can be traced back to the earliest human civilizations, where belief in gods or a supreme deity was central to religious life. In ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, polytheistic forms of theism were prevalent, with multiple gods associated with various aspects of life and nature.
Classical theism, particularly in Greek philosophy, began to take shape with the works of philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. Plato’s concept of the Form of the Good and Aristotle’s notion of the Unmoved Mover laid the groundwork for later theistic arguments for the existence of a singular, ultimate cause or deity.
Theism in the Bible
Biblical theism is monotheistic, centered on the belief in one God who is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. The Old Testament consistently affirms the existence of one true God, rejecting the polytheism of surrounding cultures.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV):
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
This passage, known as the Shema, is a foundational statement of Jewish and Christian monotheism, emphasizing the oneness of God and the call to exclusive devotion to Him.
The New Testament builds on Old Testament theism, revealing the Trinitarian nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Theism in the Christian sense involves belief in a God who is both one in essence and three in persons, each fully divine and engaged in the work of creation, redemption, and sanctification.
Matthew 28:19 (NIV):
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
This verse reflects the Trinitarian nature of Christian theism, where God is understood as a community of persons within the unity of one divine essence.
Medieval Theism
In the medieval period, theism was further developed by Christian theologians such as Augustine, Anselm, and Thomas Aquinas. These thinkers sought to reconcile theistic belief with philosophical reasoning, developing sophisticated arguments for the existence and nature of God.
Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD)
Augustine’s writings are foundational for Christian theism. He emphasized the sovereignty of God, the nature of God as both transcendent and immanent, and the relationship between God’s providence and human free will.
Augustine, Confessions:
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
Augustine’s view of God as the ultimate source of all goodness and the fulfillment of human desire reflects the core of theistic belief.
Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109 AD)
Anselm is known for his ontological argument for the existence of God, which posits that God is “that than which nothing greater can be conceived.” Anselm’s argument was an attempt to demonstrate the necessity of God’s existence based on the very concept of God.
Anselm, Proslogion:
“For I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For I believe this also, that unless I believed, I should not understand.”
Anselm’s approach combines faith and reason, showing that belief in God is both a matter of faith and a rational conclusion.
Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274 AD)
Thomas Aquinas made significant contributions to theistic philosophy and theology through his Five Ways, which are arguments for the existence of God based on observation of the natural world. Aquinas argued for the existence of a First Cause, a Necessary Being, and an Intelligent Designer, among others.
Aquinas, Summa Theologica:
“Therefore it is necessary to admit a first efficient cause, to which everyone gives the name of God.”
Aquinas’ arguments have been highly influential in both Catholic and Protestant theology, providing a rational foundation for theistic belief.
Theism and the Reformation
The Protestant Reformation reaffirmed theism’s centrality to Christian faith, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the authority of Scripture in understanding God’s nature and works. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin developed a robust theism that stressed God’s providence, the necessity of grace, and the centrality of Christ in God’s revelation to humanity.
John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion:
“We cannot open our eyes without being compelled to behold him.”
Calvin’s theism was deeply rooted in the belief that all of creation reveals the glory of God and that human beings are dependent on God for every aspect of their existence.
Theism in the Modern Era
In the modern era, theism has been challenged by the rise of secularism, atheism, and naturalism. However, theistic belief continues to be defended and articulated by Christian philosophers and theologians. Theistic arguments, such as the cosmological argument, the teleological argument, and the moral argument, have been developed and refined in response to contemporary challenges.
Prominent modern theistic thinkers include C. S. Lewis, Alvin Plantinga, and William Lane Craig, who have engaged with atheistic and agnostic arguments, providing robust defenses of theistic belief.
Theological Perspectives on Theism
Classical Theism
Classical theism refers to the traditional understanding of God as an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent being who is both transcendent (above and beyond the universe) and immanent (present and active within the universe). This view of God is rooted in both Scripture and the philosophical reflections of theologians like Augustine, Aquinas, and the Church Fathers.
Key Attributes of Classical Theism:
- Omnipotence: God is all-powerful, able to do anything that is logically possible and consistent with His nature.
Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV):
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” - Omniscience: God is all-knowing, possessing complete knowledge of all things past, present, and future.
Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV):
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” - Omnibenevolence: God is all-good, the source of all moral values and the standard of goodness.
Psalm 100:5 (NIV):
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” - Immutability: God is unchanging in His nature, character, and purposes.
Malachi 3:6 (NIV):
“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” - Transcendence and Immanence: God is both beyond creation and intimately involved in it.
Isaiah 57:15 (NIV):
“For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'”
Theistic Arguments
Theism has been defended through various philosophical arguments that seek to demonstrate the existence of God. These arguments include:
- Cosmological Argument: This argument posits that everything that begins to exist has a cause, and since the universe began to exist, it must have a cause—namely, God.
Hebrews 3:4 (NIV):
“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” - Teleological Argument (Argument from Design): This argument observes the order, purpose, and complexity in the universe and concludes that it is best explained by the existence of an intelligent designer—God.
Psalm 19:1 (NIV):
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” - Moral Argument: This argument asserts that the existence of objective moral values and duties is best explained by the existence of a moral lawgiver—God.
Romans 2:14-15 (NIV):
“Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.”
Theism and Revelation
Theism also involves the belief that God has revealed Himself to humanity, both through general revelation (the natural world) and special revelation (Scripture, and ultimately, Jesus Christ).
Romans 1:20 (NIV):
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
General revelation refers to the knowledge of God that can be obtained through observing the natural world and human conscience. Special revelation, on the other hand, is God’s self-disclosure through His Word and through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 1:1-2 (NIV):
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”
Practical Implications of Theism
Worship and Devotion
Theism has profound implications for worship and devotion. Belief in a personal, sovereign God leads to a life of prayer, worship, and obedience. Theistic worship involves both adoration of God for who He is and gratitude for what He has done.
Psalm 95:6 (NIV):
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
Theism calls believers to live in a relationship with God, characterized by trust, reverence, and commitment.
Ethics and Morality
Theism also shapes one’s understanding of ethics and morality. The belief in an omnibenevolent God who is the source of moral law provides a foundation for objective moral values and duties. Theistic ethics are rooted in the character of God and the commands He has given in Scripture.
Micah 6:8 (NIV):
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Purpose and Meaning
Theism offers a coherent framework for understanding the purpose and meaning of life. According to theism, human beings are created by God for a purpose—to know, love, and serve Him—and this purpose gives life meaning and direction.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV):
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Theism provides answers to the fundamental questions of existence: Why are we here? What is our purpose? What happens after death?
Broader Biblical Themes
Creation and Providence
Theism is closely linked to the biblical themes of creation and providence. God is not only the Creator of all things but also the Sustainer who governs the universe according to His will.
Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV):
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Theistic belief affirms that the universe is not a product of random chance but is purposefully created and upheld by God.
Covenant and Relationship
Theism also emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His people. God enters into covenants with humanity, revealing His will and purposes and calling people to respond in faith and obedience.
Genesis 17:7 (NIV):
“I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.”
The theistic view of God as a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God underscores His faithfulness and His desire for a relationship with His creation.
Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine
Impact on Theology and Philosophy
Theism has been foundational to the development of Christian theology and philosophy. The doctrines of the Trinity, creation, providence, and redemption are all rooted in theistic belief. Theistic arguments have also played a crucial role in the defense of the Christian faith against atheism, agnosticism, and secularism.
Modern Theological Discussions
In modern theological discussions, theism continues to be a central topic, particularly in debates about the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the relationship between science and religion. Theistic belief remains a vital aspect of Christian apologetics and the ongoing dialogue between faith and reason.
In conclusion, theism is the belief in a personal, transcendent, and immanent God who is actively involved in the world. It is a foundational concept in Christian theology, shaping the understanding of God’s nature, the purpose of creation, and the meaning of human existence. Through theism, believers are called to worship, ethical living, and a deep relationship with God, who is both Creator and Redeemer.