Theist

Noun

Definition: A person who believes in the existence of a god or gods, specifically of a creator who intervenes in the universe.

Synonyms: Believer, Deist, Monotheist

Antonyms: Atheist, Agnostic

Examples:

John is a devout theist who attends church every weekend.
The panel discussion included representatives from different religious backgrounds, including a theist, an atheist, and an agnostic.

Mnemonics:

Theist sounds similar to "the-is" - "the" representing belief in a higher power, and "is" representing existence.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "theist" is derived from the Greek word "theos," meaning god or deity, which was combined with the suffix "-ist" to form "theist."

Historical Usage:

The term "theist" began to be used more prominently in the 17th century during the Enlightenment period when debates regarding the existence of God and the nature of religious beliefs became more widespread.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Theism"

Explanation:

Refers to the belief in the existence of a god or gods, usually involving a personal relationship, intervention, or influence from the divine.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Assuming all theists believe in the same specific god or gods.

Explanation:

Theism encompasses a wide range of beliefs and can be applied to various religious and spiritual traditions, such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and more. The specific deity or deities believed in may differ among theists.