Unit 2 Flashcards
What is proof?
Evidence that makes other explanations unreasonable
What is the problem with saying that the universe has been “fluctuating” for an eternity?
Current evidence doesn’t show any signs of future collapse
What is the law of causality?
Anything with a beginning must have a cause.
i.e The start of our universe. –> created. Not just popping into existence - magic.
Why can’t time, in relation to human beings, go back into the past forever?
If the past were infinite, we’d never reach today. Today would slip further into the past.
How does Dr. Craig argue that the cause of the universe is an intelligent being?
The only immaterial things that could cause the universe are abstract conditions or a supernatural being. Since abstract conditions require a cause, the cause of the universe IS a being who chose to make it
In conversation, why is it important to define what each person means by “proof”?
So you can know if it’s possible to provide the proof. Otherwise it is just a theory. i.e. Start of life on earth
What is the Kalam cosmological argument?
1- Anything with a beginning has a cause
2- Universe had a beginning
3- Therefore universe has a cause (GOD)
What premise of the Kalam argument is normally attacked by its critics?
That the universe had a beginning
What is some of the scientific evidence for an ultimate beginning to the universe?
Big Bang theory evidence. Shows a definite point of beginning.
Anthony Flew is a deist who used to be a well known A Atheist B Theist C Biblical scholar D Agnostic
A Atheist
What argument convinced Flew to convert?
Teleological (fine-tuning) argument
Universe shows things designed just as needed for life to exist on earth therefore must be designed as chances of it happening are astronomically small.
What does a deist believe?
God created the universe but doesn’t intervene beyond that. Similar to the Greek and Roman beliefs
Bertrand Russell was the first in a modern line of famous \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ philosophers A Atheist B Greek C Roman D Deist
A Atheist
The strongest argument for atheism is A Darwinism B Evolution theory C The problem of evil D Kalam theory
C The problem of evil
Can God create a rock so big that he cannot lift it?
No All powerful
Why is it that Christian philosophers an still say that God is omnipotent, even if he cannot create a rock that he cannot lift?
God cannot be more that all powerful (omnipotent)
How does the theist respond to the skeptic who says “There’s no real proof” about God?
Define “proof”
Present argument for God
Hold skeptic accountable to respond to each point
Why is it so detrimental for a Christian to simply say, “That’s just what I believe” or “It’s only a matter of faith” when questioned about their Christianity/belief in God?
Provides no evidence at all.
Puts Christian in same category as any completely unreasonable or irrational belief i.e. The earth is flat or aliens abduct earthlings