Wednesday Feb 11th

1. Exam Overview & Format

Original Format: 50 multiple-choice questions (now reduced).

Current Format: * Matching section for key terms and definitions.

Short-answer and longer-form essay questions based on lecture topics.

Pro-tip: Be very detailed in your answers; do not leave them "thin."

2. Philosophical Arguments for God

These arguments explore the "how" and "why" of existence:

Ontological Argument (Dependence): Examines the properties of being. Every being’s existence is dependent upon a "Higher Being" (God).

Cosmological Argument:

First Cause: God is the initial cause of the universe; without a first cause, nothing would exist.

Necessary Being: A being that must exist for all other contingent things to exist.

Teleological Argument (Fine-Tuning): The specific distance of the Earth from the Sun allows for life (not too close, not too far). The universe shows evidence of design and purpose.

Entropy & Physics: Concepts of energy affecting the universe's fate (Big Crunch vs. Eternal expansion).

3. Creation Ex Nihilo

Definition: Latin for "Out of Nothing."

Doctrine: The belief that God created the universe from nothing, not from pre-existing matter.

Scientific Parallel: Closely relates to the "Big Bang" theory, where space and time came into existence at a specific point.

4. Genesis: The Creation Narrative

The Book of Genesis describes the origin of the cosmos through a unique theological lens.

Divine Power: The phrase "In the beginning, God created..." signifies absolute power. The Hebrew word for God used here is singular yet implies a distinct majesty, separating this account from polytheistic myths.

Order vs. Chaos: Unlike other ancient myths, creation is not the result of a battle or sexual nature; it is a calm, ordered process.

The Sabbath: God rested on the seventh day after finishing his work, establishing the significance of the "rest."

The Six Days of Creation

Note: These are often interpreted as theological periods rather than strict 24-hour intervals.

Light: Separation of light from darkness.

Firmament: Separation of the "waters above" and "waters below."

Life/Land: Creation of vegetation; humans are told to steward, not exploit, the land.

Celestial Bodies: Sun, moon, and stars.

Animals: Creation of sea creatures and birds.

Humans: Declared "very good," made in the Imago Dei (Image of God).

5. Human Nature & The Imago Dei

A distinction is made between Genesis 1:26 and 2:7 regarding the creation of man:

Intelligence & Morality: Reflects humans as more than just animals; we possess a capacity for moral reasoning and stewardship.

Dual Nature: Humans are made of the "dust of the earth" (physical) and the "breath of life" (spiritual).

6. Conclusion: Nature of the Creator

Omnipotence: Emphasis on God’s all-powerful nature.

Transcendence: God is separate from creation. Nature is not to be worshipped as a god; it is a creation dependent on a divine, cosmic designer.