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Arguments for the existence of God

Arguments for the existence of God. Do you believe in God? Why or why not?. The Ontological Argument. Ontos = “being” - to exist God is: “…that than which nothing greater can be conceived” (St. Anselm, 11 th cent.) “…the most perfect being” (Descartes, 17 th cent.)

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Arguments for the existence of God

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  1. Arguments for the existence of God Do you believe in God? Why or why not?

  2. The Ontological Argument • Ontos = “being” - to exist • God is: “…that than which nothing greater can be conceived” (St. Anselm, 11th cent.) “…the most perfect being” (Descartes, 17th cent.) • Existence is a perfection • A god that does not exist is not perfect = the most perfect being must necessarily exist • As I understand it…

  3. The Cosmological Argument Thomas Aquinas’ (13th Cent.) “five proofs”: • God is “first mover” • God is “first cause” • God is necessarily self-existent • God is the standard of all goodness • God is the intelligent designer of the universe… • I was confused by…

  4. The Teleological Argument William Paley (18th century) The argument from design: • “teleos” = “purpose” - order, goal • Complexity and order in the universe suggests there must be an intelligent designer of the universe (= God) • “Intelligent Design” – the new creationism

  5. An argument against the existence of God The problem of evil: • There is evil and suffering in this world • God is supposed to be all good, all knowing, all powerful • Why would an all good, all knowing, all powerful God allow evil and suffering in this world that God supposedly created? = such a god must not exist How do you respond to this?

  6. Why Believe? Pascal’s WagerBlaise Pascal (17th century) • We have two choices: to believe or not believe • There are two possibilities: God exists or does not exist • 2x2=4 possible outcomes: • Believe in a god that exists and be rewarded in the afterlife • Believe in a god that does not exist and suffer no consequences • Do not believe in a god that does not exist and suffer no consequences • Do not believe in a god that does exist and be punished in the afterlife • Which is the “safest” bet? • Best to believe “just in case” - an argument for the agnostic

  7. Deep Thinking Questions: • Which argument makes the most sense to you? Why? • I was confused by… • What are some logical arguments against… • Your deep thinking questions:

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