Consistency and proving God (Aquinas

Definition of Consistency: Consistency refers to the ability to have the same tendencies and remain predictable over time, which can be critical in establishing trust.

• Example: A person who consistently has coffee every morning not only exhibits reliability in their actions but also creates an environment where others can anticipate their behavior and thus build stronger connections based on that predictability.

God's Consistency: God is described as unchanging and reliable, which is a central tenet in many religious beliefs.

• Biblical Reference: Malachi 3:6 states, "For I, the Lord, do not change," emphasizing God's eternal nature and unwavering character throughout history.

• This consistency enables believers to cultivate faith, as they can trust that God's nature and promises are the same in both the Old and New Testaments, providing a cohesive understanding of divine guidance over millennia.

Key Aspects of Consistency in Religion: - Reliability and Dependability: God's unchanging nature allows for a foundation of trust, encouraging believers to lean on Him during times of uncertainty and doubt. This reliability is crucial for spiritual growth and community building among followers.

• Moral Framework: The consistent nature of God aids in forming a robust moral framework where values such as truth, faithfulness, and justice can be maintained. This consistency is vital for ethical decision-making and serves as a benchmark for human behavior.

• Relationship Dynamics: Consistency in a person, such as a partner or friend, contributes to stronger relationships by fostering a sense of security and predictability. In contrast, inconsistency can create misunderstandings, conflicts, and instability in human connections.

Introduction to Logic: - What is Logic? Logic is a systematic study that addresses the principles of validity, inference, and demonstration foundational to all reasoning disciplines.

• In practice, logic aids in reasoning and establishes methodologies for drawing conclusions based on robust evidence, enhancing critical thinking skills among individuals.

• Types of Logic: - Formal Logic: Concentrates on the structure of arguments and ensuring valid conclusions are drawn.

• Example: Proving that regular exercise consistently leads to better health outcomes based on a body of empirical evidence serves as a classical application of formal logic.

• Informal Logic: Takes into account broader contexts surrounding arguments while identifying potential fallacies that may undermine the validity of reasoning.

• Dialectical Logic: Engages with discussions or arguments between contrasting viewpoints, fostering an environment for exploration and understanding of differing beliefs.

Thomas Aquinas’ Proofs of God: - Five Ways to Prove God’s Existence: 1. Argument for the Unmoved Mover:

• This argument posits that everything that changes is changed by something else; hence, there must exist a first mover (usually identified as God) that is itself uncaused and initiates change.

1. Argument from First Cause:

• Every effect has a cause, leading us back to the necessity of a first cause, which is posited to be God, as a foundation for the existence of the universe.

1. Argument for Contingency:

• Observing that all beings are contingent, deriving their existence from something else, ultimately necessitates a necessary being (God), which exists independently.

1. Argument from Degree of Perfection:

• The existence of varying degrees of goodness and perfection observed in the world suggests a greatest perfection, which Aquinas attributes to God, the ultimate standard of goodness.

1. Argument for Final Cause (End):

• Everything in existence has an inherent purpose or end, and thus this ultimate purpose must be derived from God, who embodies the ultimate intention behind creation.

The Nature of God as a Mystery: - God Beyond Time and Space: God’s existence transcends human understanding of time and space, positioning Him as a divine mystery that surpasses all human rational comprehension and logic.

• Attributes of God: God is traditionally described as holy, loving, truthful, and merciful, each of which establishes a necessity for consistency in His interactions and relationships with humanity. This divine nature fosters a sense of reverence and awe, encouraging believers to engage deeply in their faith.

• Importance of Analogies: Human understanding of God often relies on analogies, as these assist in bridging the gap between the divine and human experience, acknowledging that the fullness of God's nature remains incomprehensible.

Challenges to Philosophical Arguments about God's Existence: - Anselm’s Ontological Argument: Suggests that if God exists as the greatest conceivable being, then He must exist in reality; existence is a component of greatness that cannot be absent from the concept of God.

• Critiques from Juanilo: Raises the question of whether the same logic that applies to God could also apply to anything imagined, such as the concept of the best island, challenging the validity of Anselm's argument.

• Immanuel Kant’s Idea: Postulates that existence is not a predicate and that just because we can conceive of something (like God) does not equate to its existence in reality, prompting deeper exploration of what existence entails.

Reflective Exercises: - Ship of Theseus Problem: Explores identity and existence, inviting critical thinking about how entities, including God and humanity, maintain consistency and identity over time amidst change and evolution.

• Importance of Scripture: Reinforces God's consistency through various passages throughout the Bible, linking faith with the mechanics of reasoning, and encouraging believers to explore scripture for guidance and meaning in their lives.

Conclusion: Understanding the components of consistency, logic, and Aquinas’ proofs is crucial in grasping how faith and reason interplay in the understanding of God and morality, providing a framework for believers to navigate existential questions and ethical dilemmas in their lives.

Five Ways to Prove God’s Existence: