Unit 1 Foundations of Faith

Question 1

How do science and religion relate to one and other?

Answer 1

They can be viewed as complementary approaches to understanding the world.

Question 2

Can science provide proof that God exists?

Answer 2

Yes it can provide various arguments and observations and indications that align with religious beliefs.

Question 3

Does faith go beyond science?

Answer 3

Yes, faith goes beyond scientific or empirical evidence. This includes personal experience, community scripture, and tradition.

Question 4

What are the cosmological arguments for the existence of God?

Answer 4

1) The Big Bang Theory
2) Fine-tuning of the universe
3) Precise Balance of Physical Constants
4) Necessary conditions for life
5) Unlikelihood of Chance

Question 5

How does the Big Bang Theory align with religious beliefs?

Answer 5

The Big Bang theory is scientific support for the creation of the universe. It suggests that the universe had a definite beginning, this concept of a finite beginning supports religious beliefs. If it has a beginning something must have created it.

Question 6

What does singularity mean?

Answer 6

A point initiating the expansion of the universe

Question 7

How does the fine-tuning of the universe support the existence of God?

Answer 7

For life to exist many factors must be precise which implies the presence of an intelligent creator, as it’s unlikely that these conditions would occur randomly.

Question 8

How does the precise balance of physical constants support the existence of God?

Answer 8

Values of constants are precise, possibly created by God, any slight deviation would make Earth inhospitable. Implies that this wasn’t random.

Question 9

What are examples of physical constants?

Answer 9

Particles that constitute matter: electron, proton, neutron.

Question 10

How does the necessary conditions for life support the existence of God?

Answer 10

The fine tuning allows for the conditions to create stars, galaxies, planets and life.

Question 11

How does the unlikelihood of chance support the existence of God?

Answer 11

It’s highly unlikely that the fine-tuned conditions of the universe would arise on their own randomly, the precise combo of constants and laws indicates an intelligent creator.

Question 12

What theological arguments support the existence of God?

Answer 12

1) Complexity and Order in Nature
2) Biological information and DNA
3) Complexity of Life
4) Abiogenesis
5) Fine-tuning of Conditions

Question 13

How does the complexity and order in nature support the existence of God?

Answer 13

Evidence of intelligent design (humans), the complexity of DNA, diversity of ecosystems, and the precise mechanisms of the universe all suggest the involvement of an intelligent creator.

Question 14

How does the complexity of life support the existence of God?

Answer 14

It is unlikely that complex parts of life (molecular structures, information processing systems, self-replicating mechanisms) all are doubtful to have been created through natural processes.

Question 15

What is abiogenesis?

Answer 15

The scientific study of how life originated from non-living matter.

Question 16

How does abiogenesis support the existence of God?

Answer 16

Nobody can agree on how life originated from non-living matter, meaning it’s possible that God created it.

Question 17

How does the fine-tuning of conditions support the existence of God?

Answer 17

The origin of life requires specific environmental conditions like the atmosphere, elements, and energy sources. This leads to asking questions about how they came to be and were suitable for life.

Question 18

What are the moral arguments for the existence of God?

Answer 18

1) Moral intuitions and objective values
2) Objective moral values
3) Universal moral principals
4) Moral Realism
5) Moral Obligation

Question 19

How do moral intuition and objective values support the existence of God?

Answer 19

The presence of a moral law giver (God) is suggested by the fact that there are universal moral intuitions and objective moral values suggests the presence of this moral law giver as science alone cannot establish moral values.

Question 20

How do objective moral values support the existence of God?

Answer 20

Moral values: Principals of right and wrong that govern human behavior, making us question where they came from and how they got their objectivity.

Question 21

How do universal moral principals support the existence of God?

Answer 21

Many moral principals (honesty, compassion, fairness) are recognized across many cultures and time which suggests an objective foundation for morality (created by God?)

Question 22

How does moral realism support the existence of God?

Answer 22

It asserts that morals are rooted in a transcendent source because they’re objective and exist independently of human opinion.

Question 23

How does moral obligation support the existence of God?

Answer 23

It implies an objective moral framework that holds people accountable, it is the sense of duty and responsibility toward others. Who would have created it?

Question 24

What arguments about conscience and transcendence support the existence of God?

Answer 24

1) The nature of consciousness
2) Personal religious experiences

Question 25

The nature of consciousness supports the existence of God…?

Answer 25

While science explains the workings of the brain, it can’t explain consciousness (who made it if it can’t be explained, God?). The subjective consciousness allows us to understand transcendental ideas like the concept of God. This suggests the existence of something higher that science cannot explain.

Question 26

How do personal religious experiences support the existence of God?

Answer 26

These experiences of encountering the divine or having a sense of connecting to a higher power may be subjective but they provide a personal and compelling indication of God’s existence which are transformative and have lasting impacts on the individual’s faith and understanding of the world.

Question 27

What are personal religious experiences?

Answer 27

Subjective encounters with the divine

Question 28

What about the Limits of Science and the Need for Faith support the existence of God?

Answer 28

1) Science’s Scope and Limitations
2) The harmony between science and faith

Question 29

How does Science’s scope and limitations support the existence of God?

Answer 29

Science is powerful when understanding the natural world but it is limited. Science uses empirical observations and testable hypotheses question ultimate meaning, purpose, and the transcendent. Faith provides a framework for the understanding of this and the non-material aspects of existence including God’s existence.

Question 30

The harmony of science and faith support God’s existence because…

Answer 30

They compliment each other by having science provide insights into the natural world and faith provide a framework for understanding the transcendent and existential. Both are valuable and offer knowledge and understanding.

Question 31

How are science and God harmonious and support God?

Answer 31

1) Scientific Inquiry to Explore God’s creation.
2) Faith as a framework for moral and ethical considerations.

Question 31

What is the concept of contingency and how does it support the existence of God?

Answer 31

Concept of Contingency AKA Causation Theory: Suggests that the universe is contingent (not self-explanatory/requires a cause/ explanation outside itself. Points toward the existence of necessary being (God-provides the ultimate explanation for existence of universe)

Question 32

How can scientific inquiry to explore God’s creation support God’s existence and bring harmony?

Answer 32

It can uncover God’s design in the natural world and deepen our awe and appreciation creating wonder and reverence.

Question 33

How does faith as framework for moral and ethical considerations support God’s existence and bring harmony?

Answer 33

Guidelines help guide scientific endeavors and ensures responsible use of scientific knowledge . Offers perspective on ethical considerations and potential consequences of scientific advancement. Science is used in harmony with values and principals to promote human dignity and common good.

Question 34

What does the Church tell us about science and the existence of God?

Answer 34

Holds firm about their beliefs on the existence of God, believes it’s a truth accessible to human reason through creation, faith, and human person. The origin of the universe is God who created out of nothing and His existence and attributes are known through inquiry, reason, and the natural world.

Question 35

What is causation?

Answer 35

The belief that God is the ultimate cause and sustainer of all, rooted in the fact that He created the universe and everything within it. Also acknowledge secondary causes. Emphasizes a purposeful and ordered universe with God as ultimate cause and humans as co-creators. Scientific inquiry of the natural world is compatible with causation.

Question 36

What could God’s relationship with the universe and the relationship between cause and effect be described as?

Answer 36

Casual

Question 37

What does God’s providential causation do?

Answer 37

Asserts that all things work together for good in the lives of those who love God. He actively orchestrates events that align with His divine plan.

Question 38

Does God have purpose or intention for things.

Answer 38

Both

Question 39

How did God create humans?

Answer 39

Rational beings with the ability to initiate and control their own actions which acknowledges