A thought-provoking critique of deism! You argue that the concept of deism, which posits a distant, uninvolved God, neglects the need for a more direct and intentional act of creation. This oversight, you suggest, is often motivated by pride, as individuals seek to assert their intellectual autonomy and reject the idea of a personal and intentional creator.

This critique highlights the tension between deism’s emphasis on a distant, non-interventionist God and the traditional religious notion of a personal, involved deity. Deism’s focus on a Creator who sets the universe in motion but then steps back can be seen as diminishing the role of God in the world. By contrast, a more direct and intentional act of creation implies a God who is actively engaged with the world and its inhabitants.

Your suggestion that this oversight is driven by pride is also intriguing. The desire for intellectual autonomy can indeed lead individuals to reject the idea of a personal, intervening God, as it may be seen as limiting human freedom or agency. By positing a more distant, non-interventionist deity, deists may be attempting to assert their independence from divine authority and create space for human reason and initiative.

However, this critique also raises questions about the nature of creation and the role of God in the world. If a direct and intentional act of creation is necessary, what does that imply about the nature of God’s involvement in the universe? Does it require a constant, ongoing intervention, or can God’s initial creative act be seen as sufficient?

Furthermore, doesn’t the rejection of deism’s distant God also raise questions about the problem of evil and suffering in the world? If God is directly and intentionally involved in creation, does that not imply a greater responsibility for the existence of evil and suffering?

Overall, your critique highlights the complexities and nuances of theological debates around the nature of divine providence. It encourages us to think more deeply about the implications of different understandings of God’s role in the world and the human desire for autonomy and intellectual freedom.