...ntil the end of time, it will be the existence of god. In debating the existence of god, we must consider all arguments for and against whether or not god exists. The most commonly debated argument when arguing against god is the problem of evil. Evil is defined as the existence of human pain and suffering. If there is a god, and this god is all loving, all knowing, and omnipotent then how can there be evil in the world? How could a god allow human pain and suffering where seemingly none is deserved? There are many arguments retorting to this, but two stand out. First, God created the best possible world. Evil plays an important role in our world, the world is better off with some evil than it could be with no evil. Second, moral evil on our planet is due to human free will. Since God gave us freedom, which is a necessity of a perfect world, it is the fault of humans that moral evil exists. It is the combination of these two arguments that prove god and evil can coexist. In disproving the validity of the “problem of evil” we only need to prove the possibility that god could coexist with evil. We should also note that there are two different types of evil; natural evil which includes natural disasters, and moral evil which involves humans causing pain and suffering upon other humans. Abler 2 Evil is in the eyes of the beholder. If you are a Theist, you believe that evil is wrong and God is all powerful and is able to rid the world of its evil...
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...3a) i) examine the arguments for and against the view that morality is independent of religion? ii) To what extent are these arguments convincing I am going to examine the arguments for and against the view that morality is independent on religion, by examining the argument from both sides, then looking at their strengths and weaknesses and then I will conclude with my line of argument. The first argument I am going to examine is for the statement, which is Plato’s Euthyphro. Plato stated that “is something good because God says its good or does God say it is good because it is good”. This means that do we do good things because God says is good or do we do good things so than God says that it is good. Another argument I am going to examine, is for the statement, and it is an argument based on a group of people called Anti-Theists. They don’t believe in God, so they agree with the statement. However, Anti-Theists like Richard Dawkins say that anyone who believes in religion or in a god is an extremist and it clouds and distorts your view on morality. The next argument that I am going to examine is what some people in the world think, but it is based around Cultural Relativists, who say that if morality was decided for by God then he could say one day to murder somebody and it would be fine. This would then agree with the statement above. An argument I’m going to examine is The Devine Command Theory. This argument goes against the statement as it says that you can only...
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...a) Explain the variety of attitudes within on major religion to the issue of animal’s right. (30 marks) There are many different attitudes towards issues of animal rights. Some believe that exploiting animals for uses such as, medical, cosmetics and domestic testing there is also a growing concern about the abuse and use of animals in some such as blood sports and zoos. Although, there is animal rights in place, animals till get exploited and abused Within this essay I will outline how traditional Christians view animals and how modern day christens view animals and how both views conflict; I will also outline philosopher’s views of animal rights. The traditional Christians view is that animals should be preyed on and eaten but others, this is known as ‘nature red in tooth and claw’. Traditional Christian’s downgraded animals in three ways, god created animals for the use of human beings so, therefore, believe that humans could do as they pleased with animals, Also, they thought that animals were worth little moral consideration as animals don’t have souls or reason, whereas, humans do, However, they also thought that animals were in relation to humans but not on the same terms. Although, not all traditional Christian’s believed that not all animals were regarded with little worth some saints demonstrated that Christian’s should treat animals with respect and kindly. Stt Anton of Padua preached to fish’s and St Francis of Assisi preached to the birds and became a popular...
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...actions are commanded by God. Religious people think that God gives commandments and watches to see a person’s true character. This is not true, God believes one must be free in order to show one’s true moral character, so He does not make the commandments. The main creation story starts with the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were created for happiness and paradise. Religious people believe that one day when we die there is a Judgment Day, which, based on your moral character, will decide whether you go to Heaven or Hell. If one does what God wants, morality, one will be rewarded and go to Heaven. If one does not do what God wants, one will be punished and go to Hell. A person has to be free in order to show one’s true moral character, this is the “liberty” part, so God does not show anyone that He is really there. He does not force people to be good, or scare people into being good because then it would not show true character, and they would not be considered liberated. A big miracle is something that everyone sees, and therefore, it must be true. However, even if God did appear in the sky and say that He is God, we cannot be sure it is really Him. The image in the sky could be the Devil disguised as God, because the Devil is a deceiver and wants people to listen to him. The Bible is written by the Devil, he is pretending to be God because it takes away your freedom. When Moses was talking to the burning bush, the burning bush was the Devil pretending to be God. The image could be...
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...Introduction God is the source of much doubt and controversy, of peace and of war. At this point in our human existence what was once certain and unquestionable has become the most questioned topic. The faithful, believing people have become unsure. I guess the question is either God exists or He doesn't. There really is no middle territory, and any attempt to remain neutral in relation to God's existence is automatically putting you in the category of unbelief. The age old question is far from being an irrelevant one, because if God does exist, then nothing else really matters; if He does not exist, then what does really matter at all. Until now I've never been put in a position where my faith was questioned. I found this title somewhere, I cannot remember where I saw it, but it describes me the best it can; as a recovering Catholic, I really am in no man’s land. Do I believe or not believe, that is the stand I have to take in this paper one way or another, yes or no, black or white. At that point this became more than a final paper. Can I, comfortably write a paper stating that God does not exist? After thorough personal inflection, I had my answer, and with much of my upbringing weighing down on me. I will try making my case for the existence of God. ("God." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster Online. 29 April 2009) What better place to start, than Simon Blackburn On Blackburn's projectivist view; after he sketched the outlines of his projectivist...
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...the ethical concepts presented in E100 and explain how they integrate into the professional military ethic. What must I do? What is the assignment/question? Compose my personal moral philosophy from an organizational perspective drawing from the ethical concepts presented in E100. As an Army Officer, an Aviator, and a Soldier I have done my best to internalize the army ethics, talk the talk and walk the walk, to do what is correct even when no one is looking. The question is who gets to decide what correct looks like? Who gets to set the standards? Am I less of an ethically sound Soldier if I choose to walk from my car to my house without my cover on? Or if I allow toxic leadership in my formations because I don’t have the fortitude to speak up? My opinion is one that is rooted in my belief in God. I was raised in a Catholic home. I am not sure of other religions or other forms of Christianity, but I can speak on the values that have been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. I believe in one God and that he sent his only son for the forgiveness of our sins. I believe and I choose to follow the Ten Commandments and the bible. Not without fault mind you, but, I do the best I can, learn from my mistakes and ask for forgiveness. I do not want to solely center my paper and “moral philosophy” on religion, however, I believe this is where my foundation was set in order to make me who I am, and what ethics I believe in today. Describe the meaning of the “Big Three”...
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...Critical Thinking Assignment – Week 6 – Everette I. I have selected Buddhism for this week’s assignment. Answer the questions of Origin? Identity? Meaning/Purpose? Morality? And Destiny? ; As seen by the followers of Buddhism. Though Buddhism is based off of, and follows some principles of Hinduism, Buddhism does not believe in a god or entity as ultimately everything is created in one’s own mind. When researching Buddhism, there is no specific view on the origin of man, or the planet. It was mentioned several places that a person does not need to know the origin of man in order to achieve enlightenment, or in other words there is no need to know where you came from, only where you are going. Modern Buddhism, as a generalization, has adopted the theory of evolution as they do not believe there is anything to dispute it. So how do they view themselves? Identity is more about answering question about yourself with regards to the fetters (areas of suffering). There are ten fetters total, however the top three, and most important to identity are 1. Belief in self (sakkaya-ditthi), 2. Doubt (vickiccha), and 3. Attachment to rites and rituals (silbabatta-parsmaso). How one handles these suffering is how you can view their identity. The question of morality is very close to Christianity, I have read a lot about Buddhism and there are a lot of factual references stating that moral behavior flows from the mastering of one’s ego and desires, that the growth of love and compassion...
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...Religion: Can one be Moral and not believe in God Tomeka Lynch PHI208 Jeffrey Porter 7/7/13 Abstract “A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hopes of reward after death ” (Albert Einstein) Religion is about beliefs and individual views that relate to what they believe is ethical/unethical, none of those state you are less moral if you are not religious, however I can understand how confusing this could be based on the teachings of the bible and some of the plagues and deaths that was brought about by Jesus/God. I personally like the quote from Einstein. From the time that man could think, the question has been asked “where do we come from”, “how did we get here”, and “is there a God”? The question of the existence of God has been a long time debate between believers and non-believers. There are only two logical answers to the question of Gods’ existence, either God does exist or God does not exist. This paper will explore the arguments for and against the existence of God as well as explain some of the arguments that are used to come to these conclusions. Theodicy arose from the attempts to answer the question of the existence of God. St. Anselm formed the first ontological argument and believed that -Ontological arguments are arguments...
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...created by a Supreme Being? The universe, the place we call home. Where did it come from? How did it get here? Who created it? What we have been told to believe is that there is a supreme being that created this world for himself. I remember going to church with friends or my Girl Scout meetings at the local church and reading the bible every time. And I would hear or read the name God; this wasn’t the first time I heard this mystery man’s name as both of my parents grew up in the church. I was told that we were all his children and that he created this world for us to live in. as I grew older I began to question God and the idea that he created all the things we see in nature like the flowers in the garden or the squirrels that run up the trees in my front yard. For some reasons I cannot fully explain I feel as though some things are not as they seem. Even though the bible says that God created the universe and everything in it, there has been no concrete proof and science has dispelled some of those notions. We are often told not to believe everything we see on newspapers, the internet, or televisions but the bible is one thing we are told to believe all that is written in it. Created thousands of years ago by many different people, we are led to believe that it came directly from the all mighty God. But how can words written in different languages and by man himself come from God. Throughout the history of the earth, there has been a debate between science and religion....
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...morally wrong, but is it really? Or do these people fear the unknown and are using morality as the excuse for their negligence of the unknown? The utilitarian follow the utilitarian moral guide lines in their beliefs utilitarian’s would not be against same sex marriages. However if the Ethical egoist follows their moral guide lines then it is believed that they would be against same sex marriages. In this paper I am going to try to show you what has brought me to these beliefs and how I believe ones morals may differ in the pursuit of society’s happiness. Utilitarianism is about obtaining the greatest good for the greatest number of people. With that said utilitarian’s would not be against two people in love, joining together in the sanctity of marriage. According to Webster’s dictionary utilitarianism is defined as: “a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain, or the greatest happiness of the greatest number.” Our ethic’s book Ethics Theory and Practice tenth edition (Thiroux and Krasemann 2009 page 317), “the basic argument against the morality of homosexuality is that it is unnatural and perverse; that is, it goes against the laws of God, traditional family values, and the moral values of Nature.” This creates the problems of not only proving that God exists, but also for people who are nonreligious. The problem for them is they would have to come to terms as to their faiths, and then as to their beliefs on marriage. Our ethics...
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...Station? The only thing I knew to do was pray that God would provide me the wisdom of who I should interview. Thirty minutes later, I received a text message from a good friend of mine that I hadn’t talked to in a couple months. A couple minutes later I received another text message from a different friend as well. Both were non-believers. Automatically, I looked up and thought, “Thank you Lord but can you work that fast all the time? I would really appreciate it.” Both of these friends are non-believers. Laura, the first to contact me, is someone I have known for around 2 years. Logan, is someone that I used to be best friends with but grew apart when I started to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I was so torn of who to interview. I knew God brought me both of them for a reason. As I sat there weighing to see who I should choose, I decided to interview both. For you to understand both of them a little more, let me give you a brief summary of who they each are. Laura is an Oil and Gas lawyer in downtown Houston. I met her at a bible study Christmas party 2 years ago. She was and still is an atheist. Nevertheless, we hit off instantly and have been friends ever since. Logan is someone, like I stated earlier, who I used to best friends, but with unfortunately we grew apart. Logan is a 22-year-old male student at University of Houston majoring in Architecture. He wanted to be made clear that he’s a “gay male living in Houston.” I must confess that I did feel more comfortable...
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...begin with, David Brooks begins his article by stating how secularism shouldn’t been seen as a lack of faith, but as a positive creed (Brooks, 1). In other words, atheism doesn’t correspond with faith, instead it is viewed as a positive ideological way of life. Then, Phil Zuckerman claims that secular morality is built around individual reason, individual choice, and individual responsibility (Zuckerman, 1). In my opinion, I think that secular people don’t believe in faith nor do they have any. Therefore, how can secularism be seen as a positive creed, if in order to have creed, you must have faith. As Brooks continues his article, he also mentions the several tasks a person would have to perform to live secularism. First, he says that secular people build their own moral philosophies. I believe that if secular people build their own philosophies, then that alone gives them their meaning to life. I think that people that believe in God do find their meaning of life through God’s purpose and plan for their life. Whereas atheist search for their meaning of life by exploring different theories. This is connected to the next point that Brooks mentions in his article. He says that “secular people have to choose their own communities and come up with their own practices to make them meaningful” (Brooks, 2). Meanwhile, I agree with the claim that Brooks makes when he states that religious people are motivated by their love for God and their desire to please him. Secularists have to...
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...(Tackett) According to Finding Your Worldview: Thinking Christianly about the World, they define worldview as, “the unifying perspective from which we organize our thinking about life, death, art, science, faith learning, work, money, values and morals. A worldview is our underlying philosophy of life.” (Gutierrez) What I take from both of those sources is the worldview is what your philosophy on life is. How you look at life, what defines your life and what you believe in. How would you deal with things on a daily basis? Worldview is dealing with making decisions in life. The Question of Origin can be answered in different ways. Naturalism is when the matter has always existed and with given enough time and chance, the end result is what is seen around today. Basically naturalists believe there is no existence of supernatural. Pantheism refers to viewing God and the universe as one. Theism is stating that everything existing, including human is because of God. Genesis 1:1 talks about God creating the heavens and the earth. PS 13:13-16 declares that God is his creator. Christian churches teach that there are three persons of the Godhead and they created the universe and mankind. (Gutierrez) Question of Identity, Naturalism already don’t believe that everything was created evolutionary and that nothing supernatural exists. They like to find the truth through experiments and observations. This is where...
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...assignment is to state our world view and defend it. It is much easier for me to defend this on paper than it would in person. I absolutely hate discussing religion (with someone of another faith, or without faith) and politics. Both normally lead to frustrated feelings from both sides because one couldn’t convince the other to his view. Of course throughout class it is obvious I have a Christian world view, and it is difficult to comprehend those around me (in my culture) may not have the same world view. I believe the only way to Heaven is to be saved by professing Jesus as our Savior, and asking for forgiveness of our sins. We are spiritually born again into a new life with God and His teachings as our guide, and also for our reason to live. God renews our faith, cleanses us of our wickedness, and refreshes our soul. Then we are also baptized, a symbolic way of washing away our sins and through the grace and mercy of Jesus our slate is wiped clean. One aspect of Christianity that non-Christians can’t seem to understand is that clean slate may get a little soiled now and again. But when you have faith that Jesus has saved you and will forgive you, there’s a real comfort that is called hope. We aren’t perfect and we know it. If we had to be perfect I suspect Jesus would be lonely in Heaven! We would also have no hope of eternal life with him, and I can’t think of anything else that could be worse. One of the most chilling quotes is from Dante’s Inferno, “Abandon hope...
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...someone doesn’t believe in the existence of God. There are two types of Atheism negative and positive atheism. The negative atheism is when someone have no knowledge about God and doesn’t believe in it; while on the other hand the positive atheism is when they have the knowledge but still doesn’t believe in God. Over the years things started to change, Science came and people now have better understanding of things around them. These have made a major impact on people’s faiths and believe, which has caused an increase of atheist people. Back in the old days, everything was seen as either a miracle or a punishment from God. But since Science came along, it gave an explanation for why things happen and supporting it with evidence. This had made people question the existence of God, because God became no longer ‘the explanation’. For example: At first people thought that God had created the universe, but then Science came and argued this fact with a theory called the Big Bang theory, which is the explanation for how the universe started. Stephen Hawking said: “ Before we understand science, it is natural to believe that God created the universe. But now science offers a more convincing explanation”. What he means is that there are no evidence that proves that God did create the universe, but science do. Therefore Science is much logical than believing in God. Here when the rise of atheism began. Hawking represents what the majority of people think and how they left God after they...
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