Classical Proofs of God's Existence - Essay Example

ical proofs of God's existence Introduction Over the years, there have been numerous arguments that have either validated or not validated the existence of God. From the work of various personalities in the field of science, philosophy, theology, amongst others, the theme on the existence of God is one that has various interpretations and beliefs. Aspects of epistemology, the nature of God, and the concept of the value of God have indeed come into play in an endeavor to discuss the proof on the existence of God. With the debate on God’s existence being termed as one of the oldest that human history has had, this concept need not be ignored by any person that might have a varying argument from what they believe. This essay shall aim at holding a detailed discussion on the existence of God, based on arguments by religious philosophers, philosophers and other classical arguments. The contributions of these bodies of knowledge and persons will be analyzed to assess their contribution to the validation of the existence of God. The essay shall also aim at evaluating whether the arguments can be defended afresh and if they can relate to the day to day living of the contemporary human beings. Though the concept remains controversial, the arguments and different interpretations all aim at proving or disapproving the existence of God. Aquinas’ proof on God’s existence On the basis of reason, God exists. A medieval discussion on the God’s existence cannot be completed without a discussion on the contribution of Aquinas on God’s existence. In the work of Velecky, one would argue that Aquinas was on a mission to discuss the relationship between faith and reason between Philosophy and Christianity (71). Aquinas’ views have also been indicated to be of great impact on the perception of God and religion (Velecky, 69). Aquinas indicates that a lot of things in the universe are in motion (Velecky, 73).This motion makes the movement more supernatural than movements that can be caused by a normal human. In the work of Velecky, God is referred to as the first mover, who caused several movements of other bodies in the universe (73). This fact also explains that God is the major causative agent of the occurrence of activities in the universe. Since one thing is caused by another, then God is the causative agent of the occurrence of these movements; thus, He exists (Davies & Stump, 126). Thirdly, Aquinas proofs that God exists by arguing that God is a necessary being. According to Davies & Stump, all persons have their timespan at one time or another (126). This means that they fail to exist at one moment in their existence, but God does not fail to exist all the times. In an instance whereby God did not exist, then there will be no existence of supernatural events, but since He exists, humans fail, and their timespan is terminated, but He continues to exist and necessitate what humans require. Fourthly, medieval history that touches on existence of God relates to Aquinas’ arguments on the greatness of God. Davies & Stump indicate that God is the greatest of all the beings, since some things in the universe are far much greater than others (126). The degree of greatness varies from one person to another, thing to another, being to another amongst others. God is termed as the source of greatness; therefore, He is the greatest of them all (Davies & Stump, 126). Lastly, Aquinas also regards the world as having imaginary, superb and unimaginable structure. This relates to the world as having a smart designer, who is God (Davies & Stump, 126). Through this argument, Aquinas validates that God exists. From Aquinas’ arguments, therefore, God can be said to exist and control all activities and happenings in the universe, as well as the creator (Wayne, 143). Pascal’s arguments In terms of self interest, God can be indicated to be existent. Medieval history also credits the arguments by Pascal’s Wager argument on the existence of God. In the words of  Everitt, Pascal’s Wager argument is one that mostly sheds light on self interest regarding the existence of God (193). This argument has nothing to do with evidences on existence but how rational it is for one to believe that God exists. This is to mean that once a person accepts the fact that God is existent, it is possible that they seclude a special place in their hearts for His entry. Acceptance of God’s existence, according to Pascal, earns all humans a reward in heaven, and therefore it is important that humans do so (Everitt, 193). On another viewpoint, it would be arguable to indicate that without rewards then punishments exist. This brings in the concept of hell and punishment for those who failed to adhere to the fact that God is in existence and He holds and controls the universe. In this light, it is vital that all humans accept God’s existence to avoid punishments as Pascal Wager advocates (Everitt, 193). Philosophy and God’s existence Ontology Reason in entirety validates God’s existence. Ontology is yet another field of knowledge that backs up the fact that God existed. In the compilation of Davis, ontology argues for the existence of God through reasoning (60). Reasoning in this light begins by explaining the fact that God is perfect. With the word ‘God’ referring to a perfect being, and that He exists explains that humans are better off with an existing being. The concept of perfection is one that ahs a great correlation with the existence of God. Since He exists, He is therefore there, and to say that God is perfect and attempt to argue that He is not there contradicts the stipulation (Davis, 60). In this light- by applying reason- God not only exists but also He is a perfect being that controls the universe. Cosmology God controls the universe, therefore, He exists. Cosmologically, Greg indicates that the universe exists, and that the same universe is controlled by other forces that are beyond human control (618). On a philosophical point of view, this principle can be argued as first hand, which implies that for every effect there is a cause (Greg, 618). This argument traces its origin from the argument of the fathers of knowledge namely Plato and Aristotle dated c. 428-348 BC and c. 384-322 BC respectively. The argument also traces its roots from the works of Aquinas discussed earlier, complied in his famous works, Summa Theologica and Quinque Viae that argue for God's existence (Velecky,75). Cosmologically, it is valid to argue that no effect that is possible without effect. In relation to the case of the universe, God is the cause of the happenings in the universe, and more specifically what is beyond the human eye and comprehension. In fact, philosophically, God is the first cause. Self causation in the case of the universe is impossible. Since God is the initiator of the universe, He remains to the first cause, as well as sustains the cause (Greg, 618). In light to this argument, it is therefore, valid to argue that God is existent in the universe and that the universe requires that the first cause sustains its existence. Teleological discussion God is the finest designer, He therefore exists. The teleological argument is one that argues on the basis of a design. Design in this context refers to the fact that there is a hierarchy of designs in the universe that range from simple to complex, and that all these designs relate to a designer that is superior and supernatural (Davis, 102). God is termed to as the master of these designs. In the work of Davis, the universe consists of an order that is observable, and the objects cannot be said to be created by an ordinary being (102). In the work of William Paley, the universe cannot be termed as randomly created but has its origin or basis from well constructed and thought of design (Davis, 102). This explains that there is a mighty designer who has the sole purpose of crafting the universe in a special way that cannot be understood by ordinary humans. God also had the purpose of crafting the universe in such a way that the universe will be best place to suit the survival of life, with no or minimal barriers. This creation did not happen by chance or by evolution as scientists argue, but by careful designing by God, who existed and still exists and is the best and most intelligent designer (Davis, 102). The Moral Argument God requires that humans be morally upright, He, thus exists. Morally, Immanuel Kant brings out his views regarding the existence of God. In the work of Davis, Immanuel Kant’s (1724-1804) argument of God’s existence is based on the human sense on morality (148). This refers to his argument that there is universal moral law that stipulates that God is good and not only good but completely good- if the standards of good is anything to go by. Kant is of the opinion that all humans have the moral obligation to strive towards attaining the greatest good; though the best is not to be attained by all persons (Davis, 148). The concept of after-life is evident in the work of Kant. Davis argues that human beings must adhere to the commands of God, if they have to attain absolute good in the life there after (149). This is to mean that in this life there is a supernatural being that requires morality from all humans, and that is God. Though some analysts argue that this concept is unjust, and that persons end up not receiving good at the end despite their strive for obeying God’s command, Davis argues that there is no perfect way of measuring good (149). The requirements of the law must be written in hearts of man, on a morality argument, so as they can have clear conscience on their deeds on earth. In the absence of God and His commands, it is obvious that each and every deed in the universe would be permissible, but since God exists, humans are obligated to adhere to the rules given by God as a form of submission to His commands (Davis, 148). It is in this line that God is said to exist, as the forbidden will always be illegal, and persons required to be good. The moral argument is one that proves that God exists, due to the presence of the moral laws that are existent and are directed to man. The Biblical argument From a Biblical point of view, the invisible characteristics of God are evident. The divine nature of God can be seen from the Bible books, and the doubters of God’s existence are fallacial. From the book of 1 Peter, God gives hope to those who praise him (1 Peter 3:15). Miracles are also existent in the Bible that demonstrate Jesus’ ministry, who was endorsed by God, the father. With His resurrection clearly indicated in the Bible- the New Testament, the existence of a supernatural being- God cannot be escaped. Conclusion Conclusively, the classical proofs of the existence of God attempt to argue for the existence of God the basis of reason and experience. Though these proofs are likely to face numerous critics, it is evident from their arguments that God existed, and still exists. These proofs add to the human faith, and strengthen the existing beliefs human beings hold regarding God. The ultimate revelation of God can be indicated to rely on Christ, dissolving all the doubts that might be existent in relation to the existence of God; thus, it is expected of all humans to bolster up their faith in God. God clearly exists, and revealed Himself in the Bible, since the Bible is away from contrary. The possibility of regarding God as inexistent violates the conception of rationality, as God is factually existent from the Holy book. Basically, from the above God exists and He is the controller of the universe, and all the happenings that are beyond human control. Works cited Davies, Brian. & Stump, Eleonore. The Oxford Handbook of Aquinas .Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2012. Print. Davis, Stephen. God, Reason and Theistic Proofs. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1997. Print. Everitt, Nichola. The non-existence of God: An introduction. London: Routledge, 2004. Print. Greg, Bahnsen. Van Til’s Apologetic: Readings & Analysis (Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1998. Print. Velecky, Lubor. Aquinas' Five Arguments in the Summa Theologica 1a 2, 3. Leuven/Louvain, Belgium: Peeters Publishers, 1994. Print. Wayne, Grudem. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 2000. Print. 1 Peter 3:15 Bibliography Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas. New Advent Inc, 1996-97. Web. Available at: http://www.newadvent.org. Access date: 25th November, 2012. House, H. Wayne. Charts of Christian Theology and Doctrine, Zondervan, 1992. Print. Morris, Tom. Philosophy For Dummies. Foster City, California: IDG Books Worldwide Inc., 1999. Print. William, Paley. Natural Theology. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1963. Print. Read More