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What Do We Believe About God?. GODISNOWHERE. Atheist’s Reasons. No modern miracles or God appearances. Look at the World (murder, hate, war, poverty..). No evidence that the Bible is true. The idea of God and creation does not make sense.
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What Do We Believe About God? GODISNOWHERE
Atheist’s Reasons • No modern miracles or God appearances. • Look at the World (murder, hate, war, poverty..). • No evidence that the Bible is true. • The idea of God and creation does not make sense. • The bible contradicts itself. (is God for love or revenge; is Jesus God or Man). • Where did Cain’s wife come from? • We are asked to believe in God just on faith. • Evolution. • According to the Bible God hates women. • God does not answer prayers. • The resurrection was a hoax. • I don’t NEED a God.
Why do we Doubt God’s Existence? • Truth transcends the visible order of things (God Blows our Mind; we’re too smart!) • Self Surrender is required (Ego gets in the way) • “Disordered appetites which are the consequence of original sin” (God gets in the way of our desires).
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About God? • The Church, founded by Christ and instituted by man through Apostolic Tradition, has much to say about God in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The Church as Teacher Scripture Tradition Magisterium
God Reveals Himself in Nature In the Universe…. …and in the Atom
God Reveals Himself in History Noah Abraham Isaac Moses Jesus
The Human Person Reveals God Man Questions himself about God’s existence: • With his openness to truth and beauty, • His sense of moral goodness, • His freedom and the voice of his conscience, • With his longings for the infinite and for happiness • Man reflects God’s image.
The Spark of Life • The Creator and the Created seek to know each other. • We are only truly free when we are with God. • Is our yearning proof of God’s existence?
Perfection in the Garden • Our relationship with God was perfect in the garden • Sin separated us from God • We and God have yearned for the Garden ever since.
Discussion Questions Sponsor and Candidate take turns answering What experience in life causes me to believe in God? When do I feel separated from God? Give an example. How do I come back to God? Give an example.