first cause arguement theme c

What is the First Cause Argument?

An argument suggesting that God’s existence can be proved by logical argument and the evidence of a universal chain of causes and effects. Therefore, the universe requires an uncaused cause at the start, which must be God. Known as the ‘Kalam Argument’ in Islamic philosophy.

What does Genesis 1 (Bible) say?

In the beginning, God created heaven and earth (Genesis 1, Bible).

What does Surah 112 (Qur’an) say?

God the one, God the eternal (Surah 112, Qur’an).

What does St Thomas Aquinas say about the First Mover?

It is necessary to arrive at a First Mover (St Thomas Aquinas).

What did St Thomas Aquinas write in the 13th century about motion?

St Thomas Aquinas wrote in the 13th century that ‘whatever is in motion must have been put into motion’ and there must be a ‘First Mover’ who started everything.

How is the First Cause Argument consistent with Christian scripture?

The Bible teaches Christians that ‘in the beginning, God created heaven and earth’ (Genesis 1:1). This is consistent with the belief that God is the ‘First Cause’ of the universe.

How is the First Cause Argument consistent with Islamic scripture?

The Qur’an teaches Muslims that God is ‘God the eternal’ (Surah 112). This is consistent with the belief that God is the ‘uncaused causer’ who is ‘First Cause’ of the universe. God does not need a cause because He is eternal.

What is the weakness: Big Bang was the First Cause?

There is no evidence or proof that God was the First Cause. Scientists today believe the Big Bang was the ‘First Cause’ of the universe.

What is the weakness: If everything needs a cause, what caused God?

The First Cause Argument is based on the belief that ‘nothing can come from nothing’ and that everything must have a cause. By this logic, God must also have a cause. If God doesn’t need a cause, then why does the universe?

What is the Fallacy of Composition according to Bertrand Russell?

Bertrand Russell argued that just because things within the universe have a cause, that doesn’t mean the universe must have a cause. Instead, he said that ‘the universe is just there, and that is all’.