...Philosophy essay – the teleological argument Question A - What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the teleological argument, for the existence of god? The teleological argument is a posteriori, this means that it is able to support its argument based of the empirical evidence that we can see around us. It states that we can easily observe that there is order and complexity in the universe around us, such as the changing of seasons or the human eye, therefore as things that have order and complexity have designers such as a watch or a computer the world must too have a designer as it is infinitely more complex than many human designs that have designers. This means that the universe must too have a designer (God), yet there are many strengths and weaknesses to this argument. On the one hand this could be perceived as a strong argument for the existence of god as it is backed up by inductive reasoning, meaning that the whole argument is started by something that we can observe, this means that it is difficult to deny that there is order and complexity within our universe. This argument has been backed up by sir Thomas Aquinas in his book ‘summa theologica’ when he talks about qua purpose and qua regularity. Qua purpose can prove the existence of god by looking at things within nature and realizing that everything has a purpose, for example there are species of bird that’s life solely depends on the fruit from a single species of tree, yet the tree depends on the...
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...knowledge of God is made larger with every discovery we make about the world. –Joseph H. Taylor Jr, God Evidence According to Steve Paulson (2010) “The debate over science and religion is like catnip for anyone wanting to spout off about the improbability of God or the arrogance of scientists”(p.1). Since I was young I remember being told that no matter what I learned in science class about evolution, or the big bang, that God was real. According to Dr. Agustin Fuentes of Psychology today “There are some factions of Christianity whose leaders (and thus their followers) express adamant opposition to “evolution” and this is often used as the key example in the science vs. religion conflict.” Examples of controversial scientific discoveries such as cloning, and genetic manipulation, are considered to be inhumane. In my opinion God created science for humans to better understand the world he created, and according to Steve Paulson (2010) Albert Einstein shared my belief demonstrated when he stated “ Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind” (p.3). It is well known that some people believe that the universe was started with the big bang as well as the subsequent reactions that followed. This brings into the discussion the Higgs Boson more commonly known as “The God Particle” The primary function of the Higgs according to Leon Lederman (1993) is “giving mass to massless particles” (p.367). The Higgs is being considered to many as a challenge to god existence...
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...Soller God and Poetry Throughout human experience, we have sought ways of understanding the universe. Stories of gods appeared as an answer to a multitude of questions. These gods began guiding the world into the realm of creation, from monuments of belief to the passing of belief through the written word. Christianity grew out of Judaism with the coming of Jesus Christ. Four Gospels were written as tribute to his life as the New Testament, and, with the combination of the Torah as the Old Testament, the Bible was crafted. The distinction between the Old and New Testaments create very different images of God. In the Old Testament, there is a God a vengeance and power. In the New Testament, God is merciful and full of love. Poets, such as William Blake, Countee Cullen, and Robert Frost have commented on this duality, inscribing their own beliefs onto paper. William Blake shows the contrast in God’s creations through two poems, The Lamb and The Tyger. The Lamb opens with a question: “Little Lamb, who made thee?” The speaker questions the lamb on how it was made, how it obtained its “clothing” of wool and its “tender voice.” In the next stanza, the speaker answers his own question: the lamb’s maker “calls himself a Lamb” and who resembles both the lamb and the speaker, a child. While the child’s question is an innocent one, it resounds as the constant philosophical question of creation that religion tries to explain. In the first stanza where the child poses the question, he...
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...situations are more obvious to many and will get the same reaction afterwards. But why are these acts good and moral? The real question is whether morally good acts are willed by God because they are morally good, or are they morally good because they are willed by God? This question was first raised by Socrates to Euthyphro in Plato’s dialogue in 380 B.C. In this essay, I will explain how this question relates to the Divine Command Theory of Morality and attempt to explain how it poses a dilemma within philosophy by contradicting how the logical thinking process works by creating a false dichotomy. To begin, The Divine Command Theory has been a main stay in philosophy since ancient times and has created numerous arguments throughout the ages, some of which are heavily debated till this day. The Divine Command Theory states that actions are considered morally good because they are commanded by God, or more simply phrased by Dale Tuggy in his writing, “to be right is to be commanded by God, and to be wrong is to be forbidden by God” (Tuggy, 53). Since God created the heavens and Earth, according to various religions past and present, God must have created the good will and moral acts. This seems legitimate in all aspects of thinking, especially for the believers in God, but what about the people around the world that do not believe in God or a God? Are they subject to the same way of thinking that the religious people are? After all, the Divine Command Theory is clear and concise...
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...CHRISTIAN WRITINGS LESSON 1 Question 1: (1 Points) | What is the most widespread method of Biblical interpretation used by scholars today?<!--[if !supportLists]--> a. Mystical b. Allegorical c. Historical critical d. Literal | | | | | Question 2: (1 Points) | What was the message of early Christianity?<!--[if !supportLists]--> a. Salvation comes through fast b. Salvation comes through circumcision c. Salvation is by faith d. Salvation is by self punishment | | | | | Question 3: (1 Points) | The New Testament consists of: <!--[if !supportLists]--> a. 4 Gospels, 21 letters, 1 Apocalypse b. 3 Gospels, 1 Acts, 22 Letters, 1 Apocalypse c. 4 Gospels, 1 Acts, 21 Letters, 1 Apocalypse d. 3 Gospels, 2 Acts, 21 Letters | | | | | Question 4: (1 Points) | Which one of these are seen in the Bible as signs of the presence of the Kingdom of God?<!--[if !supportLists]--> a. Gospels b. Parables c. Miracles d. Teachings | | | | | Question 5: (1 Points) | Matthew, Mark and Luke are based on what writing?<!--[if !supportLists]--> a. Pseudepigrapha b. Quelle c. Apocrypha d. John | | | | | | CHRISTIANITY IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE LESSON 2 Question 1: (1 Points) | Christianity was born in what Empire?<!--[if !supportLists]--> a. Babylonian b. Assyrian c. Hellenistic d. Roman | | | | | Question 2: (1 Points) | Which of...
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...that I would have many different feelings and reactions. I know a few people who have suffered a personal tragedy, me included. In some ways there are similarities to Night whereas some of it is not. Some people say that the Holocaust should be seen as different in kind from the tragedies common to human life. A good question to ask oneself is, how great of a tragedy would it take to lead you to question the goodness of God? As the story of Night develops Eliezer’s understanding of God changes. Eliezer’s relationship with his father changes as the story progresses. Some might say this change is related to his understanding of God. His reaction to his father’s death is different than how most people would react. The scene at the mirror at the end of the story suggests that something happened to Eliezer during the story. Wiesel makes the remark “man questions God” which has a suggestion on Judaism’s attitude toward God. I believe that it is ironic in light of the story. The story of Night suggests that there is a problem with being a survivor. Some people believe that Wiesel was justified in his change of attitude toward God whereas others do not. There are two questions that come up when thinking about the story. The first is why do bad things happen to good people? The second is what resources does religion provide for dealing with such situations? If I was caught up in a disaster the scope of the Holocaust, I would probably have several reactions to it. I know my first reaction...
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...and the many habits that a individual may or may not develop. A biblical worldview is based solely on the word of God. Some individuals Unfortunately do not see the need to follow the biblical worldview. The first Question regarding the worldview is the question of origin. Based on the Christian worldview it shows that everything and everyone lives because of God. In Genesis 1:1 is says that man is not a result of a evolutionary process Man is unlike animals and that he is created in the image of God. This answers The questions of origin. Those who are in opposition of this reading need to only look into the Bible for This very important answer. There is another verse that can answer this question. It is found in Genesis 1:27. What is basically is saying is that we did not evolve From animals, but we share God’s nature with animals. To those to say humans Evolved from animals should take a look in their Bible and understand what it Says regarding evolution. In the question of identity the Bible says that men and women were created in The image of God. That men and women can replenish the earth and God has Allowed them to have power over every living thing or in many cases creature. In Genesis 26 is mentions that we...
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...issues. In the question of origin, the all important question is asked, “How did life begin?” In the christian worldview, it is believed that God created mankind and everything else that exists in the universe. This fact is supported in the bible scripture , (Genesis 1:1). It is further proven in the scripture (Psalm 139: 13-16) in which the Psalmist David declares God as his creator. In the question of identity, the question is posed, “What does it mean to be human”? Also, the comparison of mans value as opposed to the value of animals comes into question. In the christian worldview of identity, it is believed that God made man in his image and exalted him above all other creation, such as animals. This fact of identity is supported in (Psalm 8:5), in which we are described as, “ a little lower than the angels”. God gave man and woman authority over all of the animals and declared us to be their care takers ( Genesis 2:15). In the question of meaning or purpose, the question is posed, “Why does mankind exists?” In the christian worldview, it is believed that our purpose on earth is to form a personal relationship with God. (John 17:3) Religion is a man made attempt to reach God whereas the most important reason for being in existence is to form a close relationship with God himself. It is also part of our purpose to love and serve God ( Deuteronomy 11:13). In the question of morality, the question of right and wrong arises. In christian worldviews this question is answered...
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... Kuykendall 5 May 3, 2015 McCloskey Response Paper “On Being an Atheist” Does God Exist? That is the question we face! For many years Theists and Atheist have debated this question for many years along with their central views and beliefs that we as human being rely on as it relates to Life and God. The Point of views and debates center around the Cosmological Argument, the Teleological argument (argument from Design) and the most debated argument as it relates to this topic called the Problem with evil? When questioning wither or not God Exist these traditional arguments play significant roles in investigating and proving or discrediting someone’s view or stance on this specific Philosophical belief. As you read McCloskey article “On Being an Atheist” he argues the Theist stance who believe in the Existence of God from the perspective view of an Atheist. McCloskey in writing this Article is not trying to discredit their belief in the Existence of God, but to raise questions, doubts and uncertainties concerning their arguments on which they stand on to prove their belief by ultimately concluding that the Theist arguments are not valid and should be disregarded as evidence to prove their belief in the existence of God. The problem with McCloskey argument against the argument of Theistic View is the Theist argument is not to literally prove their belief concretely on the existence of God, but there view is design to give us what is called “Best Explanation”. According to...
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...shaping our worldviews. We are shaped into our worldview from being nurtured as a baby, child and then adult. We have our worldviews through nature by the surroundings and society we live in and how we perceive them. The Question of Origin – (How did life begin? How did mankind come into existence?) How would your selected worldview answer this question? Compare and Contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question. According to Islam belief, man came about over a period of time that first stemmed from animals, as they animals got bigger, some sort of rock or stone was formed. With the mixing of this stone from the earth, with added water, man evolved. Eventually, man became intelligent and was able to live and prosper around the others evolved the same way. This took a period of time, it did not just happen. Compared to Christianity, Christianity was formed and found by God and it was made law. Islam’s claim their religion was founded by the prophet Muhammad, who was the last prophet known, even after Jesus, who had dreams of how the Islam religion should be followed from their god, Allah. God created the heaven and earth. God breathed into the nostrils of a man to give him life. He also wanted man to have a help mate, so God put man into a deep...
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... 1 God of Love. 1 --- Does God really love us? Comfort and Salvation 2 --- Does God Really Know All These? All Powerful God. 2 --- Is God Really Powerful? Sovereignty of God. --- Has God Forgotten Us? 3 Authorship - Argument. 4 Conclusion. 4 1 INTRODUCTION. This essay will unpack the situation behind Isaiah 40, look at how the chapter addressed the theological concerns of its time. References will be made to specific themes and images in this chapter. Israel, a God’s chosen people (descendants of Abraham to whom God made a covenant) were in Babylonian exile and under punishment for their disobedience to the commandments of their God ‘Yahweh’ (Exodus 20:1-7). He spoke to them...
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...It is our view of the world. II. Part Two: 1. The Question of Origin asks “How did life begin?” and “How did mankind come into existence?” (Weider and Gutierrez, 2011). In the biblical/Christian worldview, God created all. He is the answer to why everything is the way that it is. In Genesis 1:1, Moses recognizes that God created the heavens and the earth. Another example of the belief that God created all is in Nehemia 9:6 from The Book of Ezra. 2. The Question of Identity seems to ask the question of what it means to be a person or a human (Weider and Gutierrez, 2011). In a biblical or Christain worldview, God created all mankind and all animals. He created animals so that we, as people, can reap the benefits of the land He created and the animals He created. In Genesis 1:26, God created man over the animals and all of Earth. God then talks about the plants in Genesis 1:30 and how every man and every animal has food. 3. The Question of Meaning/Purpose is probably the most common asked question. We ask, “Why does mankind exist?” or “Why do I exist?” (Weider and Gutierrez, 2011). Christianity is a Theism and Theists believe, in this case, that mankind was made to be able to know and worship God. Christianity is about having a relationship with God, not just following religious tenants. For a biblical worldview, it’s all about having a personal intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ (Weider...
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...respondents a single question they would ask God if they were guaranteed to receive a response. The leading question asked by those surveyed was, without surprise, “Why is there suffering and pain in our world?” The occurrence of evil – demonstrated through suffering, pain, moral wickedness, and other similar things– signifies a challenging subject for anyone desiring to defend the existence of a true God. For non-believers, suffering and evil present an intimidating blockade to ever recognizing the reality of a God whom is both all-good and all-powerful. This is what William Lane Craig states as being “atheism’s killer argument” . For Christians, the issue of pain and evil has great prospective ability to upset the faith of the most proven saint, particularly when pain lands directly on them or their loved ones. How can a God who declares to be the epitome of love, all-good, and all-powerful allow pain and suffering to, ostensibly, have such power on this earth and affect those who seem innocent or those He calls His children? This issue, for the believer, becomes one of not if a God exists, but what type of God exists. While it is uncertain that an easy answer will ever be found that fulfill the human and emotional response to evil, Christian apologists must be prepared to offer responses to those who use the existence of evil to refute God’s existence. For these non-believers, assertively providing substantial evidence for the concomitance of God and evil on this earth...
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...organized. II. Part Two: The biblical/Christian Worldview. 1. The Question of Origin---- If you ask this question to the average person you would get many different answers. There are those who believe that mankind developed from nature. They feel that we are not here due to the creation of God. Then there are those who believe that everything may have been created by God but that is as far as it goes. According to those believers God is just an impersonal, infinite force. Many however believe in only one origin and that belief is based on God as our creator and that he is a kind and forgiving God (Genesis 1:1 and John 3:16). 2. The Question of Identity---- Many people believe that our identity can be found in evolution. In other words we were evolved from lower life forms which make us nothing more than sophisticated animals. Then there are those who believe in a life cycle known as reincarnation. In other words if you do good in one life you will be rewarded in the next life but do bad and you will receive negativity in the next life. This belief is close to a Christian view of reaping what you sow (Galatians 6:7). Biblically people think of our identity as being a special creation. Mankind is above animals but “a little lower than angels” (Psalm 8:5). 3. The Question of Meaning/Purpose---- This is an age old question. We know it better as “What is the meaning of life?” or “Why am I here?” Some people...
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...worldview but it evolves around God and the Bible is what is used to frame this view. PART TWO 1. The Question of Origin – The origination of biblical worldview belongs to and starts with God. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Theistic worldviews such as Judaism, Islam, and Christianity believe the same. We, Christians, describe Him as being Omniscience, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Sovereign, and Immutable. God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1) He is the Creator God. “Most Christian churches teach that God is triune and all three Persons (Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit) of the Godhead were involved in the creation of universe and mankind.” (Weider and Gutierrez 2011, 56) Scripture references to the question of origin are in Genesis 1:1 and 2 Peter 1:21. 2. The Question of Identity - Genesis 1:27 says that man was created in the image of God. Humans are a special creation of God. “In Judaism and Christianity, God created mankind above the animal and man was created a little lower than the angels.” (Weider and Gutierrez 2011, 58) By us being that special creation, we are identified as rulers of the animals and to oversee them. Our identity is based off of several aspects: the ability to make right or wrong choices; self-conscious wisdom; our artistic creativeness; the size of love we can have amongst and toward each other; and our desire for God. All of these factors help identify the human as being Gods creation and why we are his...
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