Belief In God

Question 1

Why do some people believe in God?

Answer 1

1) Influence of religious Upbringing (religious parents, church, faith school)
2) Personal religious experience (miracle, prayer, conversion, numinous)
3) Argument from causation (universe needs a first cause-must be god)
4) Argument from design (Universe is perfect for humans-must be designed-God)

Question 2

Why do some people not believe in God? (Science)

Answer 2

Scientific explanations can explain the origins of the world without God

• Evolution (explains completely of life)
• Big bang theory (explains first cause)
• Matter is eternal

Question 3

How do Catholics respond to people not believing in God? (Science)

Answer 3

There is no conflict between Science and Religion

• Theory of evolution was confirmed by Mendel (monk)
• Big bang theory partly discovered by Lemaitre (priest)

Question 4

Why do some people not believe in God? (Evil and suffering)

Answer 4

INCONSISTENT TRIAD

e.g. If god was omnipotent he would have the ability to stop evil and suffering but doesn’t so God isn’t real

Question 5

How do Catholics respond to people not believing in God? (Evil and Suffering)

Answer 5

1) Preparing for Heaven
2) Suffering comes from abuse of free will
3) Suffering gives us a chance to be loving (Donate to charities)
4) Gods plan

Question 6

Why do some people not believe in God? (Unanswered Prayer)

Answer 6

1) When a specific prayer goes unanswered (e.g. Asking god to heal someone who then dies)
2) When a person doesn’t feel the presence of God when praying they may wonder if anyone is actually listening

Question 7

How do Catholics respond to people not believing in God? (Unanswered prayer)

Answer 7

1) God can’t always answer prayers since they may conflict (e.g. if two fans from opposing teams pray for their teams to win)
2) God can’t answer selfish prayers (e.g. if you ask for help passing your exams)
3) Some prayers may interfere with other people’s free will
4) The answer may just be “no”

Question 8

What is the inconsistent triad?

Answer 8

Omni-words
Example:
1)If god was real then he would be omnibenevolent (all loving) so he would want to stop evil and suffering, but he doesn’t so he doesn’t exist
2) If god was real then he would be omnipotent (all powerful) so he is strong enough to stop evil and suffering, but he doesn’t so he doesn’t exist
3)If god was real then he would be omniscient (all seeing), so he would know about evil and suffering, and would stop it but he doesn’t so he doesn’t exist