What is a theist?
What Is a Theist?
In the broadest sense, a theist is an individual who affirms the existence of at least one deity or divine being. Theism fundamentally contrasts with atheism, which denies the existence of any deity, and agnosticism, which posits that the existence or nonexistence of God is ultimately unknowable or uncertain. Within the category of theism, there are several distinct perspectives:
1. Monotheism: The Belief in One God
Monotheists affirm the existence of a singular, supreme God. This belief is foundational to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—though each has a unique understanding of God. Christianity, particularly as understood through a Southern Baptist lens, teaches that this one God exists as a Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Bible asserts monotheism unequivocally. In Deuteronomy 6:4, we find the Shema, a declaration central to the Old Testament faith:
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!"
Further, Deuteronomy 4:39 proclaims:
"Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other."
The New Testament reinforces this teaching with the doctrine of the Trinity. At Jesus' baptism, the Father’s voice, the Son’s presence, and the Spirit’s descent are all revealed in unity (Matthew 3:16-17):
"When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'”
2. Polytheism: The Belief in Many Gods
Polytheists believe in the existence of multiple gods, each often associated with specific domains or aspects of life. Ancient Greco-Roman cultures, with their pantheon of gods such as Zeus, Athena, and Mars, are historical examples. Contemporary polytheistic practices can be observed in certain forms of Hinduism and neo-paganism.
From a biblical perspective, polytheism is explicitly rejected. The first commandment in Exodus 20:3 declares:
"You shall have no other gods before Me."
This exclusivity of devotion to the one true God is a consistent theme throughout Scripture.
3. Deism: The Belief in a Creator Who Does Not Intervene
Deists affirm the existence of a creator God who brought the universe into existence but does not intervene in its operations. This view denies the personal, relational nature of God as revealed in Scripture and is inconsistent with the biblical witness of God's involvement in human history, particularly through the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
In contrast, the Bible portrays God as deeply involved in creation. Colossians 1:16-17 reveals:
"For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist."
4. Pantheism and Panentheism: The Identification or Interrelation of God with the Universe
Pantheism equates God with the universe, while panentheism holds that God is both immanent within creation and transcends it. These views deny the distinct personal nature of God and His separateness from creation, which are core biblical teachings.
The Bible maintains a clear distinction between the Creator and His creation. Genesis 1:1 affirms:
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
This statement establishes God as distinct from and sovereign over all that exists.
5. Autotheism: The Claim to Be Divine
Autotheism occurs when individuals claim divinity for themselves, asserting that they are either gods or enlightened beings. This is a direct affront to the biblical teaching of God’s unique and supreme nature.
Isaiah 42:8 declares:
"I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images."
The Theist in Biblical Perspective
Scripture presumes the existence of God and calls humanity to respond to Him. Genesis 1:1 begins not with an argument for God’s existence but with the affirmation:
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Additionally, Psalm 14:1 warns of the folly of denying God:
"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good."
Christian Theism: The Triune God
Southern Baptists affirm a Trinitarian understanding of God, revealed in Scripture as one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery is foundational to the Christian faith and worship. Matthew 28:19 commands:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Christians are monotheists who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9 explains the significance of this confession:
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Conclusion
Theism encompasses a range of beliefs about the divine, but the Christian understanding of God stands distinct in its affirmation of one God who is personal, relational, and triune. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers enter into a covenant relationship with this God, who is both Creator and Redeemer. This biblical theism calls for a response of worship, obedience, and proclamation of the gospel to the world.
