Who were the Deists?
The Deist movement was a religious and philosophical movement that emerged in Europe in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It was a reaction to the strict religious dogmatism of the time and sought to return to the original, pure teachings of Christianity and other monotheistic religions.
Deists believed in the existence of a single, all-powerful deity who created the universe and set it in motion, but who does not actively interfere in the day-to-day affairs of the world. They rejected the idea of miracles and divine revelation, and instead relied on reason and nature as the sources of their beliefs.
Deists held that religion should be based on reason and natural law, rather than on faith or the authority of religious institutions. They believed that the true religion of humanity was simple, universal, and capable of being understood by all people, regardless of their cultural background.
The Deist movement was influenced by Enlightenment ideas and the scientific revolution, and its followers saw themselves as part of a larger intellectual and cultural movement that sought to challenge traditional beliefs and promote progress.
Deism was especially popular among educated, middle-class people in Britain, France, and the American colonies. Many of the American founding fathers, including Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, were influenced by Deist ideas and advocated for the separation of church and state.
Although the Deist movement was influential in its time, it declined in the late 18th and 19th centuries as more organized religious movements and denominations emerged. However, its ideas and ideals continue to influence contemporary thought and debate, and many people today still see themselves as Deists or hold Deist beliefs.
In a sense a Deist believes in a God that is a clock maker. Builds and sets the clock up and then lets it run without interference. So an impersonal Deity or Force that set everything into motion with no Spiritual Father above who deals out blessings or punishments.
Links to additional resources
https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Founding-Fathers-Deism-and-Christianity-1272214