This recent article begins with "the world's most famous atheist" becoming a Deist, i.e. Professor Antony Flew. The reason was this:

New scientific discoveries persuaded him, he said, “that intelligence must have been involved” in producing life.

In other words, natural reason necessitates belief in a Creator. But the article goes on to describe the difference between Deism, Atheism, and Theism.

Any discerning reading (contrary to modern Christian attempts) of America's founders and documents absolute supports that they were not Christians, but Deists, whom, like Thomas Paine, sometimes quoted the Bible, but denied its historical trustworthiness and inspiration, and denied miracles recorded, etc..

It appears Deism is likely to be revived as natural "intelligent design" (which is Deistic, but anti-scriptural philosophy) is made popular and too difficult to deny. Deism is incompatible with Christianity but compatible with Freemasonry, like the Founders.

Correction, original article link here. (Another link inadvertently captured).