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What does it mean to live as a Deist? That is
different for every Deist.
First of all, there is no prescribed way you have to live. You do not
have to live
differently in any way at all if you don't want to. Like all else in Deism, it is all your choice. Living the way
that seems reasonable to you is the way you should live.
I don't think that I live that much differently since
becoming a Deist, but I have made some changes in my life, and I
am much happier as a result. The outward changes you would find in me are
subtle. The internal changes are more profound since Deism has become a
bigger part of my life.
Since hardly any of us are born and raised as Deists, we likely began
to think and live the way we do before we realized we were Deists. So
becoming a Deist does not always result in a profound change in our lifestyles.
Since no one is doing our thinking for us, and no one is defining us, It takes a little while for some of us to
sort out just what we do believe in as Deists. And it may take a while
after that to decide whether we want to make any changes in the way we
live based on our Deist beliefs.
The links to the right point to a variety of thoughts on what it is to be and
live as a Deist: testimonials, essays, and thoughts on
prayer,
study,
meditation and
contemplation. And if you are a Deist, be sure to share if you would like to add
your thoughts. See the Email Suggestions link at left.
Among Steve Zinn's original thoughts on this subject, he shared the
following on practicing Deism:
- Be true to yourself.
- Have faith in yourself.
- Think, and think about thinking.
- Find wonder and awe in the universe.
- Love yourself. Love the Deity. Love others.
- Don't be a beggar when praying. Just be thankful.
- Know that all others are just as special as you. But also know, that there is no one who is any more special than you.
- Know that you are not perfect, and that it is okay!
- Be respectful and tolerant of others. They too are imperfect.
- Search for the truth, and embrace any truths you may find along the way, but be willing to change your ideas about those truths when you learn new information.
Even though these are numbered here, Steve felt they do not need to be in
any particular order. Steve also stated that each Deist must decide how
to practice Deism. This list is his alone, but most Deists would
agree with most things on this list. For other thoughts, see the links at
the right.>>