Study Guide: Lesson 18
Arguments for the Existence of God

Lesson Overview:

In this lesson, we arrive at 1 of the most important questions of the course for Christians: Do we have good reasons to believe that God exists? Today, many are claiming that there is no evidence for God’s existence and those who believe in God are just deluding themselves. However, this lesson will show that some very interesting arguments have been developed throughout the history of philosophy that demonstrate that the theist is within his epistemic rights in believing in God. While the case is not 100% certain (few things are in philosophy), it is certainly reasonable in the absence of any contrary evidence to hold that God exists as the best explanation for certain effects we observe in creation.

Tasks:

View and take notes of the presentation: “Arguments for God’s Existence.”

Read “The Absurdity of Life without God” by William Lane Craig.

This reading by Christian philosopher William Lane Craig is titled the “The Absurdity of Life without God.” In this powerful argument, Craig seriously considers the ramifications for us if in fact there really is no God. I assign it to my students on campus and they always tell me it is their favorite reading of the semester. I think you will really enjoy it. It is not a difficult reading and is very powerful on a personal level. While it does not prove God's existence, it does add positive epistemic evidence for the cumulative case for God as the best explanation. As you read, make sure you understand the following points and questions:

* What are the 3 specific areas in which Craig argues life is absurd if there is no God or Immortality? * What is the atheist response to each of these areas and why does that response ultimately fail according to Craig? * What is the dilemma for modern man as a result of denying God’s