The Existence Of God Flashcards
What is the teleological argument and what is a weakness?
Arguments from design:
If every intricate thing in the world has a maker then the world must have one too - most things about the world are well designed - William Paley’s analogy of a watch
Weakness - Why does evil and suffering exist - “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” - Psalm 22
What is the cosmological argument and what is a weakness?
Arguments from causation:
Everything has a cause for happening so there must have been an original, independent being who caused the world to happen
Weakness - There is no evidence so why is a God a logical solution
What is the conscience and moral argument and what is a weakness?
The existence of morals in the world points to the existence of a moral law giver - conscience is the voice of God (Christian view) - can’t be a coincidence everyone has a conscience - “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.” - Isaiah
Weakness - If it’s all one voice, why does everyone have a different view of what’s right - could be parents/society/law/teachers
What is the anthropic argument and what is a weakness?
The chances of the world being created by chance are really low - finely tuned for the world to develop
Weakness - What about illnesses
Do we need to try and prove God exists? Give arguments for and against.
For:
- It helps with evangelism
- It strengthens faith because it makes belief logical
Against:
- Belief in God is about the faith - we can never prove God exists
- We can focus on prayer
What do the RCC and Liberal Christians believe about God revealing himself through the scriptures?
RCC - It’s the Church’s role to interpret the Bible - Pope+Bible are equal
Liberal Christians - Wouldn’t think it’s the Word of God in a literal way
“All scripture is God-breathed”
What do Evangelical Christians believe about God revealing himself through the scriptures?
Believe the Bible is direct revelation from God
“For the Word of God is alive and active”
What are the 4 types of miracles?
Healing
Excorcisms
Nature
Resurrections
What are criticisms against miracles?
- They could be fake - Hard to prove
- If they prove God is real then why are they in other religions
- Hard to accept/believe
- Doesn’t align with science
- Why do they only happen to some people?
What do the denominations believe about modern day miracles?
Catholics and Anglican Churches - believe God still performs miracles today - Shows his personal relationship with us
Charismatic Churches - God continues miracles today by empowering his followers to perform them
Some Christians believe miracles used to happen but don’t anymore
Outline one healing at Lourdes.
Healing of Jeanne Fretel (1948) - Had acute peritoneal tuberculosis (deemed irreversible), leaving her bedridden - Then was brought to Lourdes, received the Eucharist and was strong and healthy
Give 3 examples of Jesus’ miracles.
- Jesus calming the storm - “said to the sea, ‘Peace be still’ and the wind ceased and there was great calm” - Mark 4
- Feeding the 5000 (John 6)
- Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14)
What are 4 descriptions of religious experiences?
Passive - Not in control
Ineffable - Can’t be described
Noetic - Learn something new
Transient - Event passes quickly but effect is long lasting
What forms do religious experiences take?
- Conversions
- Mystical
- Visions
- Charismatic
- Ecstatic
- Sacraments
Are religious experiences evidence for God’s existence? - also list criticisms.
Yes because some have proof like the golden teeth and a lot of people can experience them
Criticisms:
- Majority happen to Christians
- Could be acting - Lack of evidence
- Why does God only choose some people
- Not all Christians think humans have the power to perform miracles
