Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam

What belief system emerged during the Enlightenment that acknowledges the existence of God but denies His active involvement in the world?

1. Theism

2. Deism

3. Agnosticism

4. Atheism

The correct answer is: Deism

The belief system that emerged during the Enlightenment, which acknowledges the existence of God while denying His ongoing involvement in the world, is Deism. This philosophical perspective was prominent among Enlightenment thinkers who advocated for reason, scientific inquiry, and the observation of the natural world as the basis for understanding existence. Deists viewed God as a creator who set the universe in motion but then refrained from intervening in human affairs or the workings of the world, contrasting with traditional theistic views that emphasize a personal, active deity. The rise of Deism was a reaction against the dogmatic practices and supernatural beliefs of organized religion, promoting a more rational and less interventionist understanding of divinity. This belief system aligns closely with the values of the Enlightenment, which sought to challenge established norms and embrace knowledge derived from human reasoning rather than from religious authorities. In contrast, theism asserts a belief in an active God who engages continuously in the world, while agnosticism questions the possibility of knowing anything about God, and atheism outright rejects belief in any deity. Each of these alternatives differs fundamentally from Deism's unique position regarding the role and nature of God.