A worldview is the widest view that a mind is able to take of things in order to grasp or understand them together as a whole from the perspectives of some specific theology or philosophy. Indeed according to Sire (2009, pg. 18), a developed worldview provides solutions or answers to various questions regarding purpose, origin and destiny in addition to other things, or as he puts it, the " whither, why, and whence" of things. Deism and Naturalism are two of such views that though very important, share some similarities and differences.
In essence, there are some similarities between these two worldviews. First, deism believes that God created the universe a closed system of cause and effect, there is no possibility that God can break into the system and change or effect history ( no miracles, in incarnation) (Sire 52). On other hand, the cosmos exists in a closed system of cause and effect without purpose. The primary principle in the cause and effect equation is evolution always toward a higher (better) order of existence (sire 70).
Secondly, naturalist and deist ethics share similar attributes for instance, both believe in right and wrong. According to Sire (2009, pg.56), Deists believe that right and wrong can only be known by what we rationally observe in the world, it is not given to us by revelation from outside our world. Similarly, naturalists believe that right and wrong came into being as humans appeared (Sire 75). Human beings, socially and individually determine what is ethical and what is right.
However, there are also some differences between Deism and Naturalism. First, from definition, while deism according to Sire (2009, pg. 50), is not a school of thought per se, Deism is a belief that a supernatural God (supreme) exists and made the universe in its physical form, and that truth can be achieved through the use of observation, logic and reason. On the other hand, Naturalism proposes an intellectual and or spiritual way approach life without supernatural suppositions (Sire 67). It is religious because it advocates for an abstract understanding of, and behavior towards the world and life. According to naturalism, those things which are considered most vital are respected and deemed sacrosanct. Unlike deism, naturalism relies on reason, evidential truth and objective science, as opposed to supernatural explanations (Sire 68).
Secondly, deism believes in a superior God, as a First cause, who made the universe then left it to keep running alone. Sire (2009, pg. 51) point out that accord to deist, God is the Universal Creative Force. This is fundamentally different from naturalists who believes that God does not exist. Therefore in naturalism, God is additionally reduced and loses his very existence (sire 68).
Thirdly, the two worldviews also differ in their perception of life after death. Because the Deist believes in the existence of an objective moral law and that man has a soul and is free, they believe in life after death (Sire 53). Nonetheless, it is a life for the soul, not the body. Conversely, Naturalists' dismissal of a spiritual reality implies that eternal life (life after death) is not possible. Without God and the soul, we are not logically capable to talk about eternal life (sire 74). Since, there is no God to raise the body according to naturalists, there is no soul to keep on living after the death of the body.
Conclusion
It is evident that Deism and naturalism have different world views that not only exist independently and differ in beliefs, they also share similar aspects of these beliefs. Generally, the two worldviews characteristically dismiss majority of the supernatural events for instance, miracles, and prophecies et cetera, even though Deism recognize the existence of God.
Works Cited
Sire, James W. The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog. 5th ed., InterVarsity P, 2009.
