God’s Existence

Philosophical Rationale for God

Through philosophical arguments like; the cosmological, teleological, ontological arguments, moral arguments and experience-based arguments, we can contemplate the existence, attributes, and nature of God.

The philosophical rationale for God’s existence encompasses various arguments that have been put forth by philosophers throughout history. It is important to note that these arguments are not definitive proofs, but rather attempts to provide logical and rational support for the existence of God.

God is spirit, we are spiritual beings living in physical bodies in a material universe in 4 dimensional Space-Time. Theology is the philosophical side of the study of God, while science is the philosophical side of the study of this material universe, composed of matter and energy in 4 dimensional space-time.

Absence of Evidence does not imply Evidence of Absence

Table of Contents

• Philosophical Rationale for God
  • Cosmological Argument
  • Teleological argument
  • Ontological argument
  • Moral argument
  • Experience-based arguments
  • Argument from consciousness
  • Argument from contingency
  • Argument from the fine-tuning of the universe

Here are some key philosophical arguments:

1. Cosmological argument: The cosmological argument asserts that the existence of the universe requires the existence of a cause or explanation. It argues that everything in the universe has a cause, and this causal chain cannot go back infinitely. Therefore, there must be an uncaused cause or a necessary being that initiated the chain of causation, which is often identified as God, who is seen as the ultimate source of all existence.
2. Teleological argument: The teleological argument, also known as the argument from design, is based on the idea that the universe and everything in it exhibits a high degree of intricate order, complexity, and purposeful arrangement. This suggests the existence of an intelligent designer or creator. The presence of this design is often identified as God, who is seen as the source of the universe’s order and purpose.
3. Ontological argument: The ontological argument focuses on the nature of existence, and defines God as a being of perfection. It argues that the concept of a supremely perfect being implies its existence. According to this argument, by establishing the necessity of God’s existence through an explanation of the concept of existence, or necessary being, then God must necessarily exist. the Ontological Argument is an an “a priori” argument, which presupposes the existence of God .
   (An a priori argument, reason, or probability is based on an assumed principle or fact, rather than on actual observed facts.)
4. Moral argument: The moral argument states that the existence of objective moral values and duties in the world implies the existence of a moral lawgiver. This argument suggests that the presence of moral principles and the human capacity to recognize and adhere to them are best explained by the existence of a transcendent source of morality. This lawgiver is identified as God, who is seen as the ultimate source of moral authority and guidance.
5. Experience-based argument: Some philosophical arguments for God’s existence are based on personal religious experiences or religious phenomena. These personal experiences of God’s presence or influence in one’s life emphasize the subjective experiences, such as religious or mystical experiences. The case is then made that they provide evidence for the existence of a transcendent reality or a divine presence, and thus provide evidence for the existence of God.
6. Argument from consciousness: The argument from consciousness suggests that the existence of human consciousness is best explained by the existence of a transcendent conscious being, such as God. It argues that consciousness cannot be reduced solely to physical or material processes, and therefore must have a non-physical, spiritual component. According to this argument, the existence of consciousness provides evidence for the existence of a spiritual realm, which is often identified as the realm of God. Therefor a conscious creator or sustainer is necessary to account for the existence and nature of consciousness.
7. Argument from contingency: The argument from contingency builds on the idea that all things in the universe are contingent, meaning they depend on something else for their existence. It asserts that there must be a necessary being, one that exists by its own nature, independently of anything else, to explain the existence of contingent beings.
8. Argument from the fine-tuning of the universe: This argument focuses on the remarkable fine-tuning of the fundamental constants of physics, and conditions of the universe that allow for the emergence of life. It suggests that the precise balance and arrangement of these parameters suggest an intentional design or purpose, implying the existence of an intelligent creator.

Cosmological Argument

The cosmological argument is a philosophical argument that seeks to demonstrate the existence of God by examining the existence and nature of the cosmos or the universe. It is based on the principle of causality and the idea that everything that exists has a cause. Here are the key components and variations of the cosmological argument:

The cosmological argument is one of the oldest and most famous arguments for the existence of God. It is based on the idea that everything in the universe has a cause, and that this chain of causation must ultimately lead to a first cause or prime mover. This first cause is often identified as God, who is seen as the ultimate source of all existence.

The cosmological argument can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, where it was developed by philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato. The argument was later refined and developed by medieval Christian theologians such as St. Thomas Aquinas.

One of the earliest formulations of the cosmological argument in the Islamic philosophical tradition comes from the 11th century mujaddid, Al-Ghazali, who wrote:
“Every being which begins has a cause for its beginning; now the world is a being which begins; therefore, it possesses a cause for its beginning.”

The key components and variations of the cosmological argument are as follows:

1. Principle of causality: The cosmological argument begins with the premise that everything in the universe has a cause. It observes that events or objects do not come into existence or exist without any cause or explanation.
2. Contingency and the existence of the universe: The argument asserts that the universe itself is contingent, meaning it relies on something else for its existence. It suggests that the universe, with its vast complexity and order, cannot be self-explanatory or self-caused. Therefore, there must be a cause or explanation external to the universe itself, such as a necessary being, one that exists by its own nature, and does not depend on anything else for its existence, to explain the existence of contingent beings.
3. First Cause or Uncaused Cause: The cosmological argument concludes that there must be an uncaused cause or a necessary being that initiated the chain of causation and brought the universe into existence. This cause is often identified as God. It is posited as a timeless, immaterial, and transcendent entity that exists outside the confines of the physical universe.
4. The Kalam cosmological argument focuses on the concept of time and argues that the universe had a beginning and therefore requires a cause:
   a. Whatever begins to exist has a cause of its existence
   b. The universe began to existc.
   c. Therefore, the universe has a cause of its existence.

The material universe could not, according to the 1st Law of Thermodynamics, have sprung into being spontaneously. The 1st Law of Thermodynamics states that: Energy cannot be created or destroyed.

The basic form of the cosmological argument can be summarized as follows:

Everything that exists has a cause.
The universe exists.
Therefore, the universe has a cause.
This cause is often identified as God, who is seen as the ultimate source of all existence.
According to this argument, God is the first cause or prime mover that set the universe in motion, and is therefore responsible for the existence of everything in the universe.
If God was not before creation, then God would not be God.

The cosmological argument, like other philosophical arguments, does not provide definitive proof of God’s existence. One of the main criticisms is that it assumes that everything in the universe has a cause. But there has been no rational sustainable explanation given for the mechanism as how the existence of that cause came about.

Its strength lies in its logical and rational framework, based on empirical observations about the nature of causality and the existence of the universe. It is also a logical argument that can be understood and evaluated by anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, background or education.

Teleological argument

Ontological argument

Moral argument

If God does not exist then objective moral values and duties do not exist. In the absence of God everything becomes socio-culturally relative. But objective moral values and duties do exist. There are some absolute some objective values and duties. Therefor God exists. Everyday you get up you answer this arguement by how you treat other people. Whether you regard them as having intrinsic moral value or whether they are mere means to be used for your ends

Experience-based arguments

Argument from consciousness

Argument from contingency

Argument from the fine-tuning of the universe

It is important to note that these arguments have been subject to extensive debate and critique within philosophical circles. Different philosophers and thinkers have presented counterarguments and alternative explanations. The philosophical rationale for God’s existence remains a topic of ongoing philosophical inquiry, with varying interpretations and perspectives.