Arguments for the existence of God

We looked at some classic arguments for the existing of God. For those who missed the class, I have a 2 page handout from an introductory theology book summarizing the arguments.

Cosmological: Every effect has a cause and in the absence of another explanation the ultimate cause is God. The in the context of the Big Bang, this is quite the conversation starter as scientists have no good explanation of the Big Bang giving us an opportunity to discuss the existence of God.

Teleological: The wonderful complexity of creation is best explained by a creator, not random chance. Where there is a watch, the simplest explanation is that there is a watchmaker.

Ontological: By definition, God is the most perfect being imagined. Existence in reality is more perfect than non-existence. Therefore God must exist, otherwise our definition is contradicted. Philosophically, this is the most important argument. More formalized ontological proofs for the existence of God are flawless logically; the only disputes surround their assumptions and interpretations. In terms of our Christian tradition, Saint Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) originated this proof, and he also coined the phrase "faith seeking understanding". Faith seeking understanding is an attitude we should learn in terms of our study of Christian beliefs: our faith grows as our understanding grows

Moral: If morality is more than simply a normative description of behaviour, the logical basis of morality is an ultimate moral agent, God.

Christological: Jesus said God exists; if you believe in Jesus, you believe in God This is an almost absurd argument for belief in God. However, it's certainly true from a Christian perspective. More practically, virtually all Christians come to a belief in God by first accepting Christ into their lives, however that may be. Virtually no one accepts the existence of God through the other arguments.