Section 1 - Believing in God

Question 1

4 reasons why atheists don’t believe in God:

Answer 1

Science explains the world.
No physical proof of God.
Many events, such as miracles, can be explained by science or as coincidence.
Evil and suffering prove that an all-powerful God can’t exist.

Question 2

2 reasons why Christian families raise their children to believe in God:

Answer 2

Believe their duty is to marry, have a family and raise their children in faith.
Believe that religion gives a secure basis.

Question 3

6 ways in which Christian families encourage their children to believe in God:

Answer 3

Baptism
Worship
Confirmation
Community
Parents' example
School

Question 4

4 types of religious experience:

Answer 4

Numinous
Conversion
Miracles
Prayer

Question 5

Overview of the design argument (5 steps)

Answer 5

1. Design is result of intelligence.
2. Universe has evidence of design.
3. Suggests that an intelligent being designed the universe.
4. Universe is too complex to have happened by chance.
5. Therefore God exists.

Question 6

Paley’s Watch Theory (6 step overview)

Answer 6

1. Paley compared world to a watch.
2. Watch is designed due to its complexity.
3. Watch has many components so it would’ve been planned and designed.
4. Paley argued the same of universe.
5. Only thing capable is God.
6. God exists.

Question 7

2 reasons against design:

Answer 7

Cannot prove God’s existence as design only suggests.

Appearance of design could be result of evolution.

Question 8

Overview of causation argument in 6 steps:

Answer 8

1. Nothing happens by itself.
2. Everything must have a cause.
3. Universe needs a cause.
4. Powerful cause necessary.
5. Cause has to be God.
6. God exists.

Question 9

5 reasons against causation:

Answer 9

Can't be proven. 
Universe doesn't have to have a cause. 
Only suggests God is the cause. 
Other possible causes. 
What caused God?

Question 10

What are the 3 scientific explanations of the origins of the world?

Answer 10

‘Big Bang’
Evolution
Natural selection

Question 11

Give 2 reasons as to how scientific theories lead people to doubt God’s existence:

Answer 11

They offer alternative explanations, with no reference to God.
Science offers evidence that can be seen and tested.

Question 12

3 Christian responses to scientific explanations:

Answer 12

The Bible’s description is a story
Six days were ‘stages’
Science describes how, bible explains why.

Question 13

What are the three problems with unanswered prayers?

Answer 13

If they’re not answered people will think God is not listening.
If God doesn’t do anything about evil and suffering, they feel they’ve been unanswered.
May lead people to question their belief in God.

Question 14

5 Christian responses to unanswered prayers:

Answer 14

May accept that they do not have enough faith so continue trying
Feel God is not listening
God doesn’t answer selfish prayers
Go on trusting him even if they don’t understand
Not part of God’s divine plan.

Question 15

What are the two main types of evil and suffering?

Answer 15

Moral evil

Natural evil

Question 16

Why does evil and suffering suggest that God doesn’t exist?

Answer 16

TRIANGLE DIAGRAM

Question 17

4 Christian explanations for evil and suffering:

Answer 17

Free will
Test from God
God’s plan
Following Jesus’ example

Question 18

4 Christians responses to evil and suffering:

Answer 18

Praying
Helping others
Volunteering
Strengthening their faith

Question 19

What 3 things do Christians believe about God?

Answer 19

He is omnipotent, omniscient and omni-benevolent.
Created the world and everything in it.
Answers prayers and performs miracles.