Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD) is not a formal religion but a sociological term that describes a widespread, informal set of beliefs about God and faith, particularly prevalent among younger generations in Western cultures. I believe it is a remarkably accurate reflection of a significant trend in society today, as it captures the underlying cultural assumptions many people hold about religion, even if they would not use this specific term to describe their beliefs.
The power of MTD as a descriptive framework lies in its ability to explain how faith has become increasingly individualized, therapeutic, and non-dogmatic. Here are relevant examples that support this conclusion, indicating which of the five points of MTD I am responding to throughout the discussion.
1. A God exists who created and orders the world and watches over human life on earth.
This tenet describes a distant but benevolent God, a cosmic creator who is generally hands-off. In modern society, this is reflected in the widespread growth of the “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR) demographic. Many people today will readily state that they believe in a “higher power” or “the universe” but have no connection to a specific, institutionalized faith. They acknowledge a creator and a sense of order in the world but do not feel the need to adhere to a specific church, mosque, or temple. This is a clear departure from traditional, intimate religious relationships with a specific, personal God and instead embraces a more general, deistic worldview.
2. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most religions.
This is the “moralistic” component of MTD, and it is arguably one of the most visible tenets in contemporary culture. The moral code of MTD is simple and universally agreeable: be a good person, don’t harm others, and be kind. This sentiment is pervasive in social media culture, where phrases like “be kind” or “good vibes only” serve as a simplified ethical framework. When asked to define their faith, many people, including those who may not regularly attend religious services, will primarily define themselves as a “good person.” This moralism often overshadows any complex theological doctrines or specific ethical mandates found within traditional religious texts. It is a palatable, low-cost morality that prioritizes social harmony and personal feelings over rigorous ethical debate.
