> T/D #1 (Theistic/Deistic definitions)
>
> Craig Rusbult (rusbult@vms2.macc.wisc.edu)
> Mon, 20 Oct 1997 20:30:43 -0500
>
> This is Part 1 of a 4-part "theistic/deistic" post. I'm splitting it to
> reduce the length, and so people can respond separately to each part -- two
> parts for some definitions, and two for their applications to psychology
> and evolution.
>
> Here are some terms that may be useful. If you disagree with them, it
> may be beneficial to clear up our disagreements at the "definition" stage
> before these terms are applied to psychology or evolution.
>
> ********************************
>
> Matter in Random Motion (MIRM): If an event occurs with everything (for
> every particle) happening according to the probabilities predicted by
> Quantum Mechanics (QM). // Of course, in calling this "matter" I'm
> including "energy" and am assuming that all forces/fields/... are also
> operating.
>
> Theistic Action (TA): If God is somehow active in changing "what would
> have happened, according to MIRM" into "what actually happens."
>
> TA is an ontological concept, re: what exists and is really happening.
> Two suffixes are useful for epistemology, re: our human knowledge of
> "what exists and is happening," and our theories/claims about these.
>
> Miraculous-Appearing Theistic Action (MTA): If God's action appears to
> be "miraculous" to a person, because it differs from our expectations for
> "how things usually happen." For example, I would classify the healing in
> Acts 3 to be MTA; from the responses in Acts 3-4, this event was perceived
> as miraculous by those who observed it.
> Smooth-Appearing Theistic Action (STA): If God's action appears to
> blend smoothly with the usual workings of nature, so a person does not
> perceive that anything "unusual" has happened, despite the TA.
>
> Of course, if TA really is smoothly-blending, by definition it is a
> matter of human judgment (epistemology) whether an event is MIM or STA, but
> the reality (ontology) is distinctly different. And it is a matter of
> subjective judgment, whether or not something appears to be STA or MTA,
> although in either case the ontology (God was active) is similar.
>
> ***********************************
>
> Deism: If God initially creates a "clockwork universe" and then takes a
> hands-off approach, simply letting everything run according to the natural
> laws he has set into operation, with all events being MIM.
> Theism: Contrasted with hands-off MIRM deism, if God is "active" in
> ways such as those described in the Bible -- by doing obvious miracles, by
> controlling environments and events, or by providing mental/emotional
> support (with wisdom, love, gentleness, courage,...) as needed for life.
> With deism, God is *never* active (so events are 100% MIRM); and with
> theism, God is *sometimes* active (STA and MTA > 0%, and MIRM < 100%).
>
> Atheism: If there is no God to create (as in deism & theism) or to be
> an active participant in the history of the universe (as in theism).
>
> *************************************
>
> This post is followed by T-D #2-#4.
>
> Craig Rusbult