The Nature Of Reality P209-217

Question 1

The design argument / teleological argument

Answer 1

• observation of the natural world reveals an order and complexity that can only be achieved through intelligent design
• this means the world is designed by a creator
• the world was designed for a specific purpose

William paley:
- a watch has many parts that work together to meet a purpose. Therefore it must have a designer who made the world for a specific purpose.

John Mill:
- disagreed with Paley’s argument as he looked to the cruelty in the natural world and faults in the earths structure e.g earthquakes

Question 2

The anthropic principle

Answer 2

The universe was structured to ensure that life would develop.
Evolution was evidence for the existence of God as every process of evolution had a purpose, suggesting that this evolution was guided by God.

• the need for precision in the universe in order to allow our existence supports this idea.
• god created the universe in this way to ensure human existence.

Question 3

The first cause argument / cosmological argument

Answer 3

Aristotle:
- no event in the world doesn’t have a cause
- Everything must be created by a cause so the universe must also have a cause
- God is the first cause of the world
God doesn’t have a cause

Question 4

Moral argument

Answer 4

John Newman:
- our sense of guilt is the voice of God speaking through our conscience
- god allows everyone to know right and wrong
- Gods voice within us is a reminder that we are responsible to him
If there was no god humans would not have a sense of right and wrong

Question 5

Soul making judgement

Answer 5

John Hick :

• suffering and evil are opportunities for humans to learn
• in this way, humans can become more good
• through moral decisions a persons soul is able to develop
• this process continues after death

-This does not fit with the idea that god will judge people after death and a persons soul will be sent to heaven or hell

Question 6

Ethical living

Answer 6

• Christians aim to live in a way that it ethical
• Christians want to live in a way that shows obedience to God. By doing this, they show the authority and worth they five to God.

Examples of ethical living include:

• buying fair trade products
• using renewable sources of energy - Methodist churches use solar panels

Christians try to be aware of the needs of people in the world and respond effectively
- trees for live to increase reforestation