Lesson #19: There is a God

Transcription

1 Lesson #19: There is a God Top Ten Reasons I Don t Believe in God 1. The consistent replacement of supernatural explanations of the world with natural ones. 2. The inconsistency of world religions. 3. The weakness of religious arguments, explanations, and apologetics. 4. The increasing diminishment of God. 5. The fact that religion runs in families. 6. The physical causes of everything we think of as the soul. 7. The complete failure of any sort of supernatural phenomenon to stand up to rigorous testing. 8. The slipperiness of religious and spiritual beliefs. 9. The failure of religion to improve or clarify over time. 10. The complete lack of solid evidence for God's existence. current_page=1#bookmark 129

2 1. I believe in God because I believe in the Bible. a. It s not simply because the Bible tells me there is a God. b. It s because the Bible is not just any book. c. Evidence for the Bible. i. Historical accuracy. ii. Fulfilled prophecy. iii. Unity of the Bible. 2. I believe in God because every effect has a cause. a. Nothing comes from nothing. b. When we see a beautiful piece of furniture, we know that somebody designed it and somebody made it. c. When we ride in a nice automobile, we know that it didn t just magically appear. d. When see the world around us, where did it come from? i. Are we left with the answer that it all came from a big bang? ii. What caused the big bang? 3. I believe in God because I see the evidence of intelligent design. a. Look around at the incredible design of the world. i. Are we left to believe that all of this just happened? b. Do you not realize that if ink were poured out accidentally on a blank sheet of paper, it would be impossible that proper writing should result, legible lines that are written with a pen? Imagine a person bringing a sheet of handwriting that could only have been composed with a pen. He claims that ink spilled on the paper and these written characters had accidentally emerged. We would charge him to his face with falsehood, for we could feel certain that this result could not have happened without an intelligent person s purpose. Since this seems impossible in the case of letters whose formation is conventional, how can one assert that something far subtler in its design and which manifests in its fashioning a depth and complexity infinitely beyond our comprehension could have happened without the purpose, power, and wisdom of a wise and mighty designer? (Rabbeinu Bachya, The Duties of the Heart, The Gate of Oneness, Chapter 6) ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT from the laws of logic alone. TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT from the fact the universe is ordered. from the fact that the universe exists. COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT from the fact that there are moral laws. MORAL ARGUMENT 130

3 Thomas Aquinas: The existence of God can be proved in five ways. Argument Analysis of the Five Ways by Theodore Gracyk The First Way: Argument from Motion 1. Our senses prove that some things are in motion. 2. Things move when potential motion becomes actual motion. 3. Only an actual motion can convert a potential motion into an actual motion. 4. Nothing can be at once in both actuality and potentiality in the same respect (i.e., if both actual and potential, it is actual in one respect and potential in another). 5. Therefore nothing can move itself. 6. Therefore each thing in motion is moved by something else. 7. The sequence of motion cannot extend ad infinitum. 8. Therefore it is necessary to arrive at a first mover, put in motion by no other; and this everyone understands to be God. The Second Way: Argument from Efficient Causes 1. We perceive a series of efficient causes of things in the world. 2. Nothing exists prior to itself. 3. Therefore nothing is the efficient cause of itself. 4. If a previous efficient cause does not exist, neither does the thing that results. 5. Therefore if the first thing in a series does not exist, nothing in the series exists. 6. The series of efficient causes cannot extend ad infinitum into the past, for then there would be no things existing now. 7. Therefore it is necessary to admit a first efficient cause, to which everyone gives the name of God. The Third Way: Argument from Possibility and Necessity (Reductio argument) 1. We find in nature things that are possible to be and not to be, that come into being and go out of being i.e., contingent beings. 2. Assume that every being is a contingent being. 3. For each contingent being, there is a time it does not exist. 4. Therefore it is impossible for these always to exist. 5. Therefore there could have been a time when no things existed. 6. Therefore at that time there would have been nothing to bring the currently existing contingent beings into existence. 7. Therefore, nothing would be in existence now. 8. We have reached an absurd result from assuming that every being is a contingent being. 9. Therefore not every being is a contingent being. 10. Therefore some being exists of its own necessity, and does not receive its existence from another being, but rather causes them. This all men speak of as God. The Fourth Way: Argument from Gradation of Being 1. There is a gradation to be found in things: some are better or worse than others. 2. Predications of degree require reference to the uttermost case (e.g., a thing is said to be hotter according as it more nearly resembles that which is hottest). 3. The maximum in any genus is the cause of all in that genus. 4. Therefore there must also be something which is to all beings the cause of their being, goodness, and every other perfection; and this we call God. The Fifth Way: Argument from Design 1. We see that natural bodies work toward some goal, and do not do so by chance. 2. Most natural things lack knowledge. 3. But as an arrow reaches its target because it is directed by an archer, what lacks intelligence achieves goals by being directed by something intelligence. 4. Therefore some intelligent being exists by whom all natural things are directed to their end; and this being we call God. 131

4 Genesis 1:1, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Psalm 14:1-2, The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works. There is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. Psalm 19:1-2, The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. Psalm 90:2, Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. Isaiah 44:6, Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God. Acts 17:24-28, God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring. Romans 1:20, For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Hebrews 11:1-6, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen but without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 132

5 Fulfilled Prophecy Proves the Existence of the God of the Bible Fulfilled Prophecies Concerning the Messiah Prophesied Prophecy Fulfilled Prophesied Prophecy Fulfilled Gen. 3:15 Seed of a Woman Gal. 4:4 Zech. 9:9 Triumphal entry Mk. 11:7,9,11 Gen. 12:3 Descendant of Abraham Matt. 1:1 Mal. 3:1 Entered temple w /authority Matt. 21:12 Gen. 17:19 Descendant of Isaac Lk. 3:34 Ps. 8:2 Adored by infants Matt. 21:15-16 Num. 24:17 Descendant of Jacob Matt. 1:2 Isa. 53:1 Not believ ed John 12:37-38 Gen. 49:10 From tribe of Judah Lk. 3:33 Zech. 13:7 Sheep scattered Matt. 26:31 Isa. 11:10 Descendant of Jesse Rom. 15:12 Ps. 41:9; 55:12-13; Lk. 22:47-48; Matt. Betrayed by close friend Zech. 13:6 26:49-50 Jer. 23:5-6 Descendant of Dav id Matt. 1:1 Zech. 11:12 Betray ed for 30 pieces of silv er Matt. 26:14-15 Ezek. 37:24 Will shepherd His people Matt. 2:6 Zech. 11:13 Betray al money used to buy Potter's field Matt. 27:6-7 Isa. 9:7 Heir to throne of Dav id Lk. 1:32-33 Ps. 35:11 Accused by false w itnesses Mark 14:57-58 Ps. 45:6-7; Ps. 102:25-27 Anointed and eternal Heb. 1:8-12 Isa. 53:7 Silent to Accusations Mark 15:4-5 Micah 5:2 Born in Bethlehem Lk. 2:4-5,7 Isa. 50:6 Spat on and Struck Matt. 26:67; 27:30 Dan. 9:25 Time for His birth Lk. 1-2 Isa. 53:5 Scourged Matt. 27:26 Isa. 7:14 Born of a Virgin Lk. 1:26-27,30-31 Ps. 35:19 Hated w ithout reason John 15:24-25 Ps. 72:9 Worshipped by Shepherds Lk. 2:8-15 Isa. 53:5 Vicarious sacrifice Rom. 5:6,8 Ps. 72:10,15; Isa. 60:13 Honored by Great Kings Matt. 2:1-11 Isa. 53:12 Crucified w ith malefactors Mark 15:27-28 Jer. 31:15 Slaughter of children Matt. 2:16-18 Zech. 12:10; Pierced through hands and Ps. 22:16 feet John 20:25-27 Hos. 11:1 Flight to Egy pt Matt. 2:14-15 Ps. 22:7-8 Sneered and mocked Lk. 23:35 Isa. 40:3-5 The Way Prepared Lk. 3:3-6 Ps. 69:9 Was reproached Rom. 15:3 Mal. 3:1 Preceded by a Forerunner Lk. 7:24,27 Ps. 109:25 People shook their heads Matt. 27:39 Mal. 4:5-6 Preceded by Elijah Matt. 11:13-14 Ps. 69:21 Given vinegar for His thirst Jn. 19:28-29 Ps. 2:7; Prov. 30:4 Declared the Son of God Lk. 1:32; Matt. 3:17 Ps. 109:4; Isa. 53:12 Pray ed for enemies Lk. 23:34 Isa. 9:1-2 Galilean ministry Matt. 4:13-16 Ps. 22:17-18 Soldiers gambled for clothing Matt. 27:35-36 Ps. 78:2-4 Speaks in parables Matt. 13:34-35 Ps. 22:1 Forsaken by God Matt. 27:46 Isa. 56:7; Jer. 7:11 Temple a house of merchandise Matt. 21:13 Ps. 31:5 Committed His Spirit to God Lk. 23:46 Ps. 69:9 Zeal of Jew s for temple John 2:17 Ps. 38:11 Friends stood afar off Lk. 23:49 Dt. 18:15 A Prophet Acts 3:20,22 Ps. 34:20 No bones broken John 19:32,33,36 Isa. 29:18; 35:5-6 Blind, deaf, lame healed Lk. 7:22; Matt. 11:3-5 Zech. 12:10 His side pierced John 19:34 Isa. 42:2-3; 53:7 Messiah meek and mild Matt. 12:18-20; 11:29 Amos 8:9 Darkness over the Land Matt. 27:45 Isa. 42:1; 49:1 Minister to Gentiles Matt. 12:18-21; Lk. 2:32 Isa. 53:9 Buried with the Rich Matt. 27:57-60 Isa. 61:1-2 Bind up the Brokenhearted Lk. 4:18-19 Ps. 16:10; 30:3; 49:15; 118:17 To be Resurrected Mark 16:6-7 Isa. 53:12; 59:16 Intercede for the people Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25 Isa. 44:3; Joel 2:28 Sent Holy Spirit John 20:22; Acts 2:16-17 Isa. 63:14; Jer. 6:16 Giv es rest to souls Matt. 11:29-30 Isa. 55:3-4; Jer. 31:31 Establishes new cov enant Mt. 26:28; Lk. 22:20; Heb. 8:6-10 Isa. 53:3; 8:14; 28:16; Rejected by His own people Ps. 118:22 Jn 1:11; Lk. 23:18; Ps. 68:18; 110:1 Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2: Ascension to God's right Mk. 16:19; 1 Cor. hand 15:4; Eph. 4:8 Ps. 110:4 Priest after Melchizedek Heb. 5:5-6 Isa. 9:2; 11:10; 65:1 Gentiles w ill seek Messiah Rom. 11:25; Matt. 4:16

6 BE READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE Faith Versus Faith Matthew T. Oglesby I, like most people, am hesitant to believe things that I cannot see. As I m driving, I might be attempting to change lanes and ask my wife if it s clear in the other lane. Despite her answer, I often catch myself checking before I turn into the other lane. I m even more skeptical when I don t have enough reason to believe something I ve been told like when my daughter tells me she s already cleaned her room. I tend to have the same attitude of Thomas of unless I see (John 20:25). I must admit that I have never literally seen God. I can t literally reach out and touch Him. I can t prove the existence of God through traditional scientific methods. I believe in God because of faith. I realize that my life as a Christian is a walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Am I crazy to believe in a supernatural being, an inspired word of God, and eternal condemnation and reward? I don t believe so because my faith is not baseless. I have reason to believe because of the evidence around me (Hebrews 11:1). I believe in God because there must be a cause for the effect of the world. It couldn t just happen. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork (Psalm 19:1). I believe in God because of the intricate design seen throughout the creation. An intelligent designer is seen throughout the world. How reasonable is it to conclude that a complicated creation such as 134 the human body just happened into existence? Could a tornado rip through a junkyard, whip around all the parts, and a beautiful new Mustang drop out of the clouds? I believe in the God of the Bible because of the evidence that is presented within its pages evidence that has been documented throughout history. I have every reason to believe in God. Agnostics and Atheists will think I m crazy. They will look at my evidence, and say that it doesn t prove anything (at least by their methods). However, I have a question: what evidence do they have for their theories of how the world began? They may cite some purported evidence to support their theory of evolution and the big bang, but have they proven anything? They may be widely accepted, but they re still theories. Any explanation of the beginning of the universe comes down to the same basic idea: faith. An atheist must make a similar admission that I did: they believe that the universe was created in some other way than God. Can they prove it? No. It amounts to a faith versus faith debate. That leaves each of us with the question: which faith is more reasonable? In which evidence do we put more trust? As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

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