Arguments against the existence of God Do you believe in God? Why or why not?

The Ontological Argument Ontos = “being” - to exist God is: “…that than which nothing greater can be conceived” (St. Anselm, 11 th cent.) “…the most perfect being” (Descartes, 17 th cent.) Existence is a perfection A god that does not exist is not perfect = the most perfect being must necessarily exist As I understand it…

The Cosmological Argument Thomas Aquinas’ (13 th Cent.) “five proofs”: 1. God is “first mover” 2. God is “first cause” 3. God is necessarily self-existent 4. God is the standard of all goodness 5. God is the intelligent designer of the universe…

Why might some people disagree with this theory? Why should the causes stop at God? Surely God needs a cause? A better explanation is that the matter of the universe itself is eternal and so the process of causes goes on for ever. Even if the First Cause were to exist it would not have to be God, it could be any sort of creator or even the matter of the universe.

The Teleological Argument William Paley (18 th century) The argument from design: “teleos” = “purpose” - order, goal Complexity and order in the universe suggests there must be an intelligent designer of the universe (= God)

Arguments AGAINST God’s existence 1) Scientific explanations of the world, agnosticism and atheism

Science can explain how the world came about… Matter exists forever, it simply changes shape. 15 billion years ago the matter compressed and exploded (Big Bang) The matter joins together as stars etc. Solar system formed 5 billion years ago Life on earth begins simple and changes. 2.5 billion years ago humans evolved

Evidence for the Big Bang Evidence for Evolution Main evidence comes from the Red Shift Effect where the red shift in light from other galaxies is evidence that the universe is expanding. The fossil record shows life developed becoming more complex.

How does this lead to Agnosticism or Atheism? Science can explain how things came about without referring to God. Puts existence of God in doubt = Agnostic. Others become Atheist because they are convinced God is not the only explanation for the world. Science for them is proof enough.

How Christians respond to Scientific Explanations of the world Response 1 Many Christians believe the scientific explanation proves that God actually exists. E.g. Big Bang had to happen at exactly the right microsecond. Too early or late and life would not have happened.

Response 2Response 3 Believe both science and religion is correct. Main points of Bible story match the science one. God’s ‘days’ could be millions of years. Plants, birds, animals, humans made in same order. Science is wrong! Big Bang and evolution can be explained by Noah’s Flood story. Apparent Age Theory – God made the world look much older than it is e.g. planted fossils.

2) Unanswered Prayers

 They may understand selfish prayers not being answered e.g. let me win the lottery. However, if God doesn’t answer good prayers e.g. end wars, then they may see this as evidence he doesn’t exist.  If prayers are unanswered they may begin to question a God who answers some prayers and not others.  If people pray and God does not answer them then they might feel frustrated. Or begin to doubt if God exists.

Christian responses to unanswered prayers Prayers are answered but may appear unanswered however… Selfish prayers = God gives opportunity for you to work hard to get what you want God knows what is best for people and may not grant certain things. Jesus said faith is needed to have prayers needed.

3) EVIL AND SUFFERING

An argument against the existence of God The problem of evil: There is evil and suffering in this world God is supposed to be all good, all knowing, all powerful Why would an all good, all knowing, all powerful God allow evil and suffering in this world that God supposedly created? = such a god must not exist How do you respond to this?

Poverty?

Could you spot any similarities and differences between those images? Moral evil – actions done by humans which cause suffering. Natural evil – things which cause suffering but have nothing to do with humans. Free Will – the idea that human beings are free to make their own choices.

How does the existence of evil lead to people doubting God’s existence?  Why would a good God have designed a world with natural evil?  If he is all-powerful why does God let people suffer?  Why does he help people in the Bible but not our children and relatives?

If God is Omnipotent he can remove evil. If God is Benevolent he must want to remove evil. If God exists there should be no evil. Evil exists so God is either not Omnipotent/Benevolent or he does not exist

Defending God from the problem of Evil and Suffering

Response 1 Christians believe God wants us to help those who suffer like Jesus did e.g healing miracles. Christians respond by praying for those who suffer. This is called intercessionary prayer.

They also help to reduce suffering by being doctors or by founding charities. Christian Aid was started by Christians to help ease suffering for those in less economically developed countries.

Response 2 Evil and suffering is not God’s fault. God gave humans free will and when they misuse it evil happens.

Response 3 Evil and suffering in this life is part of a plan. Those who suffer will be rewarded in heaven when they die. This life prepares us for paradise. We can only improve by coming into contact with evil.

Response 4 God has a reason for not using his power to remove evil but humans cant understand it. He is too complicated for us to understand.

Pain is a test of our faith in God. The story of Job in the Old Testament is an example. His family is killed. He loses all his money and he becomes ill. This happens even though Job is a good man who worships God. He passed God’s test and got everything back. If we get through pain and misfortune we will be rewarded by God.

The problem of Evil and God. How do you respond to the problem of the existence of evil and belief in God? Do you agree / disagree with any of the responses [1 – 4 ] given in Slides 53 – 57?

Why Believe? Pascal’s Wager Blaise Pascal (17 th century) We have two choices: to believe or not believe There are two possibilities: God exists or does not exist 2x2=4 possible outcomes: Believe in a god that exists and be rewarded in the afterlife Believe in a god that does not exist and suffer no consequences Do not believe in a god that does not exist and suffer no consequences Do not believe in a god that does exist and be punished in the afterlife Which is the “safest” bet? Best to believe “just in case” - an argument for the agnostic

Deep Thinking Questions: Which argument makes the most sense to you? Why? I was confused by… What are some logical arguments against… Your deep thinking questions: