Definitions and Accusations, 1670–1700: ‘Deism’ as a Term of Opprobrium

Abstract

The novels of Foigny and Veiras, and some of Saint-Evremond’s writings, already show which general factors are of significance for the origins of French deism: the idea of natural religion, distinct from revelation; knowledge of foreign countries and their religions, gained from experience or books of travel; and the divisions between the Christian churches. Only as regards Foigny are all three factors operative. Veiras does not employ a concept of natural religion, still less does Saint-Evremond. All three have personal knowledge of the antagonism between Protestantism, in Switzerland, Holland or England, and Catholicism in France. Foigny and Veiras depend on travel books for much of the background detail in their works. However, in none of the three do we find deism pure and simple, since sooner or later they fall back on the religion of the nation-state, as exemplified by Genevan Calvinism, French Catholicism, Anglicanism or, in fiction, the religion of Sevarambe.