Deists view humans as equal to each other with inherent rights which is a philosophy called Natural Law. This idea was best exemplified in the opening of the Declaration of Independence when it was stated, “all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights.” It states that all men and women are equal with certain rights and that these rights make each human equal in the eyes of the law. This includes ideas such as the freedom of religion, speech, congregation and independent thought. It is important to understand that this philosophy does not mean that all have the same potential. Not everyone can be a professional basketball player just as not everyone will be a world-class mathematician. However, when it comes to freedom, everyone is equal.

Since Deism is based on Reason, the idea of direct (special) revelation by God to mankind is seen as secondary information at best and is therefore hear-say, which includes prophets and holy books. Instead, Deists believe that nature is the only “word of God” (so to speak) we have access to and we experience inspiration rather than revelation. This being so, Deists believe that God may or may not have a purpose for man and this is left up the individual to determine. However, this does not mean that man cannot have a purpose, it simply means that we as humans must determine what that purpose is. For the Deist, mankind’s purpose is to use our Reason to determine what it means to be alive in every sense of the word so that life is lived to the fullest and that we act in a way as to secure human happiness and contentment for all involved.

As has been evidenced, Reason is the foundation of Deism. However, Reason is not just a concept that is used for developing a belief in God but is used throughout our daily lives as well. Deists believe in a pragmatic approach of Reason and Respect in all aspects of life so that it is used in all that we think, say and do. This includes the ability to learn from other viewpoints whether they are religious, political and social as long as human harm is not advocated. This is nowhere more true than in regards to alternative religious viewpoints. In fact, many Deists study these alternative viewpoints for greater knowledge and understanding. Therefore, we must respect other viewpoints and ideas regarding God. This includes other religions that Deists may disagree with but respect the realization that each person has the right and requirement to find their own path to God.