Along with the rest of it I do consider it contrarian or I wouldn't have said so. Argument means a back and forth discussion that requires a degree of open mindedness. Without it you simply have contrarianism.
The word "religion" implies a lot more than just belief in a higher power. If you want to do some research, try to find two authoritative definitions for religion which are the same. If you can't open your mind to the idea the word is highly ambiguous, then we are back to contrarianism and I really don't care to discuss the subject further.
The word deism in its strictest sense refers only to the belief in a creator. That doesn't fit what I'd call a religion. If it does for you, more power to you. The word "religion" is certainly ambiguous enough I'm sure you'd could find a definition that fits somewhere, but we'd still be talking about two different things.
That doesn't mean there aren't forms of deism that include a system of beliefs, a moral code, a philosophy, along with rites and rituals that most certainly make it a religion, but then you're back to using hocus pocus to control people.
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