Theistic Models
Explore how different philosophical and religious traditions understand the relationship between God and the universe. Each model offers a unique lens on divine transcendence, immanence, creation, and knowledge of God.
God–World Relationships
Before diving into specific cosmologies, compare several basic ways theologians and philosophers describe how divine reality relates to the universe. Click any card to learn more.
Basic Biblical Theism
God is wholly distinct from the universe yet actively sustains it through creation, providence, prophecy, and miracles.
Pantheism
God and the universe are identical. There is no distinction between creator and creation.
Panentheism
The universe exists within God, but God is more than the universe. Creation is part of the divine, yet God transcends it.
Deism
God created the universe but does not intervene afterward — a distant watchmaker.
Atheism / Materialism
No God exists. The material universe is self-existent and self-sufficient — only matter and energy are real.
Agnosticism
Whether God exists is unknown or unknowable. The question may be beyond human capacity to answer.
Polytheism
Multiple gods with divided powers govern different aspects of reality. The cosmos is ruled by many divine agents rather than one ultimate source.
Henotheism
One supreme God is worshipped while acknowledging that other gods may also exist. Devotion is directed to a single deity above all others.