Is Moralistic Therapeutic Deism an accurate description of contemporary religion?

Question

The default religion of modern USA has been called Moralistic Therapeutic Deism.

1. A god exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth.
2. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.
3. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.
4. God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem.
5. Good people go to heaven when they die.

Do you think that this is an accurate description of contemporary religious belief, do you think it's a pogressive turn in religion and should be encouraged, or do you view it with suspicion?

Please state your religious affiliation and your agreement with the 5 points.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moralistic_therapeutic_deism

Answer 1

I actually read an article in the Christian Post about this, and I actually agree that's what religion in America is becoming.



But that's because we live in a society where religious diversity and inclusiveness are celebrated. It's something we as Americans take deep pride in.



To say that just ONE religious path is valid, and all others are false, is seen as outrageous and unrealistic among many religious Americans today.

Answer 2

Well, 1, 2, 4 and 5 aren't really deistic, I don't think. And I don't think that 3 is even true for most people; more likely the central goal is to do some good in the world, and happiness would just be nice to have if you can manage it.



As for what most people believe, at least in the U.S., I would say they believe 1 and 2 only.



Whose ridiculous idea was this anyway?

Answer 3

true christianity is a relationship not a religion



4. God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem.

5. Good people go to heaven when they die.



4..God is involved in every area of your life as your in a relationship with him



5 there are no "Good" people...Rom 3:23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;





Act 2:38 And Peter said, Let your hearts be changed, every one of you, and have baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will have the Holy Spirit given to you.

Answer 4

I agree that none of them are religions. I disagree about theism and atheism being philosophies though, they are simply labels for belief/disbelief in god(s). I think deism can be considered to be a philosophy depending on how it's defined.

Answer 5

I think you are right and this is also the reason why christianity is in decline, in my opinion we will never know if God exists or how He interreacts with our lives, finally the central goal of our life is to have a sense of fulfillment

Answer 6

The answer is Yes unless you consider Mary or Isis.