Topic 5 - The existence of God and Revelation

What is the Design Argument?

The Design Argument states that God designed the universe because everything is so intricately made in detail that it could not have happened by chance.

It was created by many philosophers such as William Paley, Isaac Newton and Thomas Aquinas.

William Paley’s design argument (Teleological Argument) focuses on the complexity and purposefulness of a watch and how we would not understand it without recognizing a watchmaker. This analogy illustrates the belief that just as a watch implies a designer, so too does the universe.

A modern argument uses our modern knowledge of science to state that if any small thing was different then life would not have existed.

What are some Objections to the Design Argument?

A lot of things like the eye or thumb which Newton used are due to natural selection and evolution.

If God designed the universe, then why is there suffering as he is Omnipotent and Omnibenevolent.

Humans prefer to maintain a sense of order so they try to impose a structure.

What is the First Cause (Cosmological) Argument?

The First Cause Argument posits that everything that exists has a cause, and since the universe exists, it must have a first cause, which is identified as God.

This argument is often attributed to Thomas Aquinas, who argued that an infinite regress of causes is impossible, thus necessitating a first, uncaused cause.

What are some Objections to the First Cause?

The argument contradicts itself as then what would cause God.

If God has always existed then why can the universe not have always existed.

Just because events have a cause, it does not mean that the universe does.

What are Miracles?

A seemingly impossible event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws, so is thought to be an action of God.

The two types of miracles are coincidences and impossible events.

Marie Bailly was suffering from a disease with no signs of hope but went to Lourdes and prayed to Mary and she was healed.

What are some Objections to Miracles?

Often miracles are lucky coincidences.

They may have scientific explanations not yet discovered.

Miracle healings could be a placebo effect from the mind.

Some miracles are fake, made up for fame or money.

What are two arguments against the existence of God?

Science - many scientific theories explain the origins of the universe and life without needing a divine creator.

Evil and Suffering - The problem of evil questions how a benevolent and omnipotent God could allow suffering and injustice in the world.

What is Special Revelation?

God making himself known through a direct or personal experience or an unusual specific event like visions, prophecies or dreams.

Saul on the Damascus Road is a famous story of special revelation, where he experienced a vision of Jesus when, going to arrest his followers, that transformed his life and mission.

What is General Revelation?

God making himself known through ordinary and common human experiences. This includes nature, conscience, and moral understanding, revealing God's existence and attributes to all people.

What is the value of Revelation?

Revelation provides insight into God's nature and will, guiding individuals in their faith and moral decisions. It helps believers understand their relationship with God and the purpose of life.

For Buddhists it also helps achieve enlightenment and understanding of the nature of reality.

Nicky Cruz was a former gang leader who converted to Christianity after experiencing a transformative revelation, emphasizing the power of personal change through faith.