Sunday mornings, just after 8, BBC Radio4 broadcasts the religious service. Invariably it is Christian, although a variety of denominations are represented through the year. So far one has not been invited, that Deist trend styling itself Christian Deism.
Deism would not usually meet the remit of this broadcasting slot as it stands as the antithesis of the Abrahamic religions. However, those deists who take their inspiration from the teachings of the human Jesus surely have a claim for consideration.
This is especially so considering the history of Deism, in that it emerged during the Enlightenment within Christianity. The BBC might argue that Christian Deism has barely a presence in Britain which is certainly true.
Nonetheless, there must be a real possibility that within the Churches, and certainly outside them, are many who do not subscribe to Christian creeds literally. They may well subscribe to basic Christian teachings, such as “Love thy neighbour…”, and even consider there to be something that could be called God they are prepared to acknowledge, even honour.
Presently, these people would not describe themselves as Christian Deists in particular, or even Deists in general. For many this would be because they are unaware of the existence of Deism, however it presents itself.
If the BBC is true to itself it should offer these people the opportunity to consider the natural religion of Deism, and Christian Deism especially in this context, as something that might meet their philosophical and/or spiritual needs.
If a full service length broadcast is considered to be not practical at the moment, there are other opportunities the BBC could offer. After 7 on Sunday mornings there’s the “Sunday Programme”, a religious magazine, which might do an item on Deism.
Or there’s “Thought for the Day”, the 3 minute slot on the “Today” programme that could offer a broadcasting space to a Deist. This might be a good starting point as various religions are already represented here and so it wouldn’t need to be specifically Christian Deism, opening it up to potential Deists of all faiths and presently none.
Then there is television where again Deism has not been represented. If the BBC, as part of its remit, is charged with the role of educator, this is an area its religious broadcasting should cover at least once.
Deism is not a proselytising religion seeking converts, looking to the BBC as a medium for propaganda. Deists do believe, though, in offering its ideas for popular consideration so people can make their own minds up. Becoming a Deist is a matter of self-determination, there is no church or sect to be joined.
Britain is often characterised as becoming increasingly secular, even intolerant of religion. Yet many are still prepared to profess very vague religious notions such as, “There must be something behind all this (meaning the world/universe)” and other non-specific inchoate ideas. This does not mean they are Deists, but they might be. Surely, they should be offered the opportunity to consider the possibility for themselves
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