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1. Cosmological Argument
The term “cosmological” comes from the Greek word “kosmos” which means “world.”
The cosmological argument for God’s existence goes like this: The world could not exist on its own so there must have been a first cause that brought it into being. This first cause is God. Or put another way, the universe could not just exist on its own—someone or something must have made it. This cause of the universe is God.
Three criticisms of the cosmological argument have been offered. First, some say matter is eternal and is not in need of a “first cause.” Second, some say “If everything needs a cause, what caused God?” Third, some say that even if it is true that some being caused our universe to exist, this does not prove the existence of the Christian God. All it shows is that there is some powerful being that created the universe, but this does not necessarily mean that this creator was the God of the Bible.
2. Teleological Argument
The teleological argument is also known as “the argument from design” (The Greek word “telos” means “purpose” or “design.”). The argument goes like this: The universe evidences great complexity or design; thus, it must have been designed by a great Designer or God.
The argument from design can be likened to a watch. A watch is obviously made by a watchmaker. The world, which is much more complex than a watch, must also have been designed by a great Designer or Divine Watchmaker (God).
In sum, the teleological argument asserts that the universe evidences too much complexity to be the product of random chance. We know that the celestial bodies move with perfect accuracy in their orbits. Our bodies, too, are incredibly complex. According to the teleological argument, there’s just no way all this complexity could “just happen.” God must have created it all.
There have been three responses to the teleological argument. First, some say the teleological argument is guilty of a “weak analogy” because it assumes a significant resemblance between natural objects (ex. rocks, trees) and objects we know have been designed (ex. watches, skyscrapers). Thus, comparing natural objects with objects we know have been created by humans is like comparing apples and oranges. The analogy just doesn’t work. Second, some say that the theories of the big bang and evolution better explain the complexity in the universe. Third, some say that even if the teleological argument is true, it does not prove the existence of the Christian God.
3. Ontological Argument
The third argument for God’s existence is the ontological argument. This argument is unlike the cosmological and teleological arguments in that it does not argue from evidence in the natural world. Thus, it is not a “cause and effect” argument.
The ontological argument can be stated in this way: “God is the greatest being imaginable. One of the aspects of perfection or greatness is existence. Thus, God exists.” Or put another way—“The fact that God can be conceived means that he must exist.”
This argument for God’s existence was developed by the twelfth century theologian and philosopher, Anselm. It is based on Anselm’s declaration that God is “that which nothing greater can be conceived.”
The ontological argument has been very controversial. Even many who believe in God’s existence question its validity. A contemporary of Anselm named Guanilo responded to Anselm. Guanilo said that one could imagine a perfect island but that did not mean a perfect island exists. Others have said you can imagine a unicorn but that does not mean unicorns exist. Thus, many challenge the idea that the idea of God must mean that God exists.
4. Moral Law Argument
Another argument for the existence of God is the moral law argument. It goes like this: Without God morality would be impossible. There must be a Lawgiver (God) who originates and stands by moral law. A universal moral law cannot exist accidentally. There must be a basis behind it—God.
According to this view, every person is born with an inherent understanding of right and wrong. Everyone, for instance, understands that killing an innocent person is wrong. Everyone understands that helping a drowning person is right. Where did this internal understanding of right and wrong come from? According to adherents of the moral law argument, this understanding comes from God. He put it into the hearts of every person.
There have been two responses to the moral law argument. First, some deny that there are universal truths. Many today believe that truth is subjective and relative. Societies and individuals determine what is true for them, but there is no God that does this. Second, some say that the presence of evil in the world argues against a Moral Lawgiver. If God is all-powerful and all-good, how can evil exist in the world?
The arguments and counterarguments for God’s existence remain controversial. The cosmological, teleological, and moral law arguments remain popular with Christian apologists today. The ontological argument is not as well received although some today still asserts its validity.
It should be noted that most Christian theologians and philosophers believe that God never intended for his existence to be something that could be proven with 100% certainty. They point out that faith is an important component in understanding God and his existence.
Originally posted by conspiracyrus
heh there really cant be any debate on the issue as any "evidence" is speculation at best , and even worse Occam's razor doesn't work ... everything randomly happened vs some all knowing all powerful super being made it happen... both are equally ridiculous conclusions imo
yeah im agnostic...
[edit on 22-11-2009 by conspiracyrus]
Originally posted by DraconianKing
There is no evidence for any of the countless gods, none at all. Same can be said for evidence proving there are no gods, it can't be done. ......
Originally posted by godless
My best evidence AGAINST God is that I have found no convincing evidence FOR God.
Originally posted by diccolo
I was practically forced to go to a Christian church since early childhood (Assembly of God), and had to all the way up until I moved out of my parent's house, around 18.
So, I have to wonder, if I came into the world and no one had ever introduced me to church, made me go to Sunday school, etc., would I have this nagging feeling that God exists? Or do I simply feel this way because it's what I've been led to believe since birth?
I have a feeling in my soul that we aren't just random mutations, that we're here because we were put here by a higher being. Whether this being is the God of the Christian bible or what have you, I'm not certain. I think about it a lot though.
Originally posted by tothetenthpower
reply to post by OldThinker
Welcome back OldThinker, I was waiting for another of your threads to pop up, I oh so enjoy them.....
Originally posted by diccolo
I was practically forced to go to a Christian church since early childhood (Assembly of God), and had to all the way up until I moved out of my parent's house, around 18.
So, I have to wonder, if I came into the world and no one had ever introduced me to church, made me go to Sunday school, etc., would I have this nagging feeling that God exists? Or do I simply feel this way because it's what I've been led to believe since birth?
I have a feeling in my soul that we aren't just random mutations, that we're here because we were put here by a higher being. Whether this being is the God of the Christian bible or what have you, I'm not certain. I think about it a lot though.
Yeah, I had some time tonight...down in Tampa, visiting the nursing home to see OOOOOLD mom, still can't believe she is still here...ornory (SP? :puz as ever
You make some great observations...would love to know more about the OOBE's you went thru.