Translation guide
A philosophical belief in a creator who does not intervene in the universe, often contrasted with revealed religion. This concept is not native to Japanese culture, so learners must use borrowed terms or explanatory phrases.
The general concept of deism as a rational belief in a creator based on reason and nature, rejecting revelation and miracles.
The standard Japanese translation for deism, used in academic and philosophical contexts. Literally 'rational god theory'.
Referring specifically to the intellectual movement in Europe and America that emphasized a distant, non-intervening creator.
Contextualizes deism within the Enlightenment, making it clearer for Japanese audiences familiar with that historical period.
啓蒙主義の理神論は、奇跡や啓示を否定した。
Enlightenment deism rejected miracles and revelation.
Deism is a Western philosophical concept with no direct equivalent in traditional Japanese thought. Using the term 理神論 without explanation may not be understood by general audiences. Consider adding a brief explanation when first introducing the term.
理神論とは、世界を創造したがその後は介入しない神を信じる考え方です。
Deism is the belief in a God who created the world but does not intervene afterwards.
In Japanese, both deism and theism can be translated as 理神論 and 有神論 respectively, but these terms are not widely known. 有神論 (ゆうしんろん) is the general term for theism, while 理神論 specifically denotes deism. When contrasting them, explain the difference in divine intervention.
彼は理神論者です。
He is a deist.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a deistic way of thinking', useful when explaining the concept rather than using the technical term.
彼の世界観は理神論的な考え方に近い。
His worldview is close to a deistic way of thinking.
Refers to natural theology, which shares similarities with deism in its emphasis on reason and nature, but is not a direct synonym. Used in historical or theological discussions.
自然神学は啓示ではなく理性に基づく。
Natural theology is based on reason, not revelation.
A straightforward temporal reference to 18th-century deism, useful in historical contexts.
18世紀の理神論は、アメリカ独立宣言に影響を与えた。
18th-century deism influenced the American Declaration of Independence.
有神論は神の介入を認めるが、理神論はそれを否定する。
Theism accepts divine intervention, but deism rejects it.
有神論は神の介入を認めるが、理神論はそれを否定する。
Theism accepts divine intervention, but deism rejects it.