Existence of God Flashcards
1
Q
Natural knowledge
A
- We have a basic understanding that beauty comes rom God as it reflects the beauty of creation.
- Natural theologians believe that this is a way of experiencing God.
- Design arguments reflect the idea of purpose in creation.
- Challenges us to use reason to deduce that God exists.
2
Q
Strengths of natural knowledge
A
- It works in a way that we are used to as we use our brains to reason.
- Traditions show people using their reason to know God.
- It is understandable that a loving God who created humans would allow there to be a point of contact.
- It is reasonable to suggest that those who have faith shows that there is a point of contact with God.
3
Q
Weaknesses of natural knowledge
A
- The gap may be too great between God and humans to accept sensus divinitas.
- Reason can also be used to suggest that God does not exist therefore it can be subjective.
- Order and purpose in nature can be explained by other factors such as science and evolution.
- Just because beauty has made us feel awe it does not mean that God has made this feeling.
4
Q
Revealed theology
A
- Some Christians suggest that natural theology is not enough as human intellect is too finite hence revealed theology may be needed.
5
Q
Strengths of revealed theology
A
- Revealed theology emphasizes the special nature of Jesus and gives him purpose.
- Understanding the Bible as a revelation shows how God has left it for humans to use.
- Grace shows how humans need to appreciate that God is higher than them; this is done through revealed theology.
6
Q
Weaknesses of revealed theology
A
- Revealed theology is of no use to the non- believer.
- Revealed theology suggests that God will only choose to reveal himself in certain circumstances.
- Revealed theology assumes that Christianity is correct.
- How do you interpret what is revealed to you?
7
Q
Calvin and sensus divinitas
A
- Calvin argued that we all have a sense of God within us that is innate.
- he referred to this as a ‘seed of religion’ meaning there is no need for external sources to know God.
- An example of this is the conscience (a feeling of guilt inside us that proves God exists)
- However, it is not clear whether his views agreed with the usefulness of natural theology.
8
Q
What does the Roman Catholic church say about God and humans?
A
‘the desire for God is written in the human heart’
9
Q
What does Romans 8 say about Jesus and sin?
A
’ he condemned sin in flesh’ - naively suggests that Jesus could eradicate original sin.
10
Q
Flaws of Calvin’s sensus divinitas
A
- Humans are more innately sinful and egotistical than they are spiritual and religious.
- This underestimates the effects of The Fall.
- Human reason may just reflect one’s own desires - Hobbes: ‘humans are selfish’.
11
Q
Brunner’s beliefs
A
- It is possible for us to know God through sensus divinitas.
The Fall could not affect humans on a spiritual level. - Humans have a point of contact with God and become aware of their sinfulness.
12
Q
Barth’s beliefs
A
- God is so radically other that we cannot use human reason to know him.
- Human reason can’t be trusted so can’t be put above God.
- Human nature was too corrupted by The Fall.
13
Q
Faith
A
- Allows a person to let go of reason alone.
- Aquinas stated that faith meant we could accept something that wasn’t certain- it could be used in parallel to reason.
- Calvin saw faith as accepting Jesus as the Redeemer - Jesus is a special revelation that shows true knowledge of God.
14
Q
Grace
A
- Christians believe that because they have God’s grace they are given faith - leads to faith being a real connection with God.
15
Q
Is natural theology the same as revealed theology?
A
- The Acts passage about the alter suggests that there is an ‘unknown God’, worshipping an unknow God leaves the question as to whether belief is enough.
- The points of contact in natural theology are God choosing them to be there.
- The Bible (revealed) requires reason to know its authentic message.
