Chapter 7

Question 1

What are the three most common objections to proofs for God’s existence?

Answer 1

1. Our finite minds cannot comprehend the infinite essence of God, so it is impossible to prove He exists
2. What is the point of proving God exists if I already believe in Him?
3. We simply cannot prove the existence of a supernatural being

Question 2

The three arguments that will be used are all ___________ arguments that do not use the scientific method but rather _________.

Answer 2

A posteriori

Forensic science

Question 3

Forensic science

Answer 3

Process of discovering what caused an event or series of events

Question 4

Necessary conditions

Answer 4

A prerequisite that must be obtained before the possibility of an event can occur

Question 5

Teleological argument

Answer 5

Contends that if there is a design to the world then there must be a designer

Question 6

Moral argument

Answer 6

If there is an objective moral law in this world then there must be a lawgiver

Question 7

Cosmological argument

Answer 7

If there is a finite world there must be an infinite creator

Question 8

Infinite regress

Answer 8

The idea there is no starting/beginning point for a series of effects

Question 9

Principle of causality

Answer 9

For every effect there must be a cause

Question 10

Chance

Answer 10

A random, unintentional process

Question 11

Ontological argument

Answer 11

God is He that none greater can be conceived. Based on the nature of God

Question 12

What are four necessary conditions for a campfire to occur?

Answer 12

Matches/fire starter, something to burn, oxygen, a person to start the fire

Question 13

Who is the philosopher and theologian of the 18th century who gave the famous analogy of “the watch in the forest”?

Answer 13

William paley

Question 14

If there is no designer, the naturalist must assume that everything occurred by what? How does Hardy critique this position?

Answer 14

Chance. The teleological and cosmological argument

Question 15

What are two points that Hardy makes regarding the monkeys typing a work of Shakespeare?

Answer 15

1. The material is too complex to appear by chance

2. There is an intelligent being as a source of God

Question 16

Who is the most vocal proponent of the moral argument?

Answer 16

C.S. Lewis

Question 17

What are two ways that a nonbeliever might critique this argument?

Answer 17

1. Deny that an absolute moral law implies there is a lawgiver
2. Deny there is an absolute law at all

Question 18

How does Hardy respond to these critiques?

Answer 18

1. Herd instinct does not explain absolute law. Altruism v. Self-preservation
2. There are central moral issues that transcend particular cultures
3. If there are no absolute laws there is only opinion. No judgments can be made.

Question 19

The cosmological argument addresses what untenable idea by addressing the principle of causality?

Answer 19

Infinite regress

Question 20

What is Bertrand Russell’s contention and how does Hardy address it?

Answer 20

Russell believes that if everything must have a cause, God must have a cause.
Hardy says it should be stated that every effect has a cause. Russell argued against infinite regress. To suggest that the world is uncaused is to suggest that it is infinite, but decay suggests the world is infinite.

Question 21

Romans 1:20

Answer 21

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.