APLA Christian Evidences Manila, PI Jan, 2010 Introduction: The Existence of God

Cosmological Argument Cosmological Argument Teleological Argument Teleological Argument Moral Argument Moral Argument Ontological Argument Ontological Argument Inspiration of the Bible Inspiration of the Bible

The Cosmological Argument Assumes General (as opposed to Special) revelation is valid, at least to some extent. If this is not true, then significant parts of Christian Apologetics is of dubious usefulness. Assumes General (as opposed to Special) revelation is valid, at least to some extent. If this is not true, then significant parts of Christian Apologetics is of dubious usefulness. God is the “uncaused cause.” God is the “uncaused cause.” Hebrews 11:3 Hebrews 11:3 Scientific support for the Big Bang lends at least some “scientific” credibility to this argument. Scientific support for the Big Bang lends at least some “scientific” credibility to this argument.

The Teleological Argument Argument from Psalms 19:1-4, Psalms 139:14 Argument from Psalms 19:1-4, Psalms 139:14 Watchmaker design. Watchmaker design. Argument (William Paley) Argument (William Paley) Cosmological fine tuning a very strong support for this argument. Cosmological fine tuning a very strong support for this argument. Existence of information/life also a strong support for this argument. Existence of information/life also a strong support for this argument.

The Moral Argument That moral absolute exists implies a source of this moral absolute, which is, by definition, God. That moral absolute exists implies a source of this moral absolute, which is, by definition, God. Do the words good, evil, right and wrong have any objective meaning? Do the words good, evil, right and wrong have any objective meaning? If so, then there must be a metaphysical authority. If so, then there must be a metaphysical authority. Alternatives: Naturalism and Postmodernism. Alternatives: Naturalism and Postmodernism.

The Ontological Argument Anselm of Canterbury 1077 Anselm of Canterbury 1077 God is the thing “that than which nothing greater can exist.” God is the thing “that than which nothing greater can exist.” Questionable value as apologetics Questionable value as apologetics

Argument From the Inspiration of the Bible If the Bible is supernaturally inspired, then God exists. If the Bible is supernaturally inspired, then God exists. Fulfilled prophecy Fulfilled prophecy Fulfilled prefigure and foreshadow Fulfilled prefigure and foreshadow Consistency Consistency Historical/Archaeological accuracy Historical/Archaeological accuracy Scientific accuracy Scientific accuracy It works It works