Skip to content

Deism Quote by Fred Kaplan

“His own deism allowed for a God who, having made the world, having made the world, did not participate in the working out of its ends, whose management of human destiny only inherited in his allowing the patterns and values established by His will to work themselves out in human affairs. Lincoln's…” quote by Fred Kaplan
Download Open image
““His own deism allowed for a God who, having made the world, having made the world, did not participate in the working out of its ends, whose management of human destiny only inherited in his allowing the patterns and values established by His will to work themselves out in human affairs. Lincoln's response to his own question is to change his tone and focus.””

Fred Kaplan

About This Quote

Source Article: "The New York Times", 2018, discussing Lincoln's philosophical shift

Lincoln's deism sees God as a distant creator, prompting a change in tone toward active human agency.

In simple terms: God as distant leads to human responsibility.

Key Takeaway

Embrace agency over passive destiny.

Themes

philosophy religion agency

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • political leadership
  • ethical decision‑making
  • personal belief systems

Key Concepts

deism free will humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does belief in an active vs. passive deity affect actions?
  • Can moral agency replace divine guidance?
A Different Perspective

Relying on a distant deity may diminish personal responsibility.

2.8 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Fred Kaplan

Explore all 34 Fred Kaplan quotes

More Deism quotes

Browse all 100 Deism quotes