To whomever did the original definition, I changed some of the terminology to some more standard theological terms and added the more general initial definition. Since there was also no talk section, I added this one.
-Craig Pennington
By definition, wouldn't monotheism, pantheism, and panentheism all be considered different sorts of theism? How can a monotheistic religion be only "typically" theistic? If a few adherents claim to be atheistic, then it would seem that those adherents are therefore neither monotheistic nor theistic as a consequence. --
Wesley
Panentheism definitely is a form of theism! In fact, it is a specific type of monotheism. Pantheism (note the subtle spelling difference) is debateable. Some forms of pantheism are indistinguishable from atheism, while others are in effect a form of monotheism. If we get technical, even polytheism can be thought of as a form of theism; however, in everyday English useage the word "theism" refers to a belief in only one God, while polytheism is thought of as very distinct from this! RK
More specifically, in everday English usage, "theism" refers to a belief not merely one god, but a creator God who is active in the Universe. I think the article should focus on this usage of theism, but should note the more general technical usage as well. -
Craig
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