...theodicy in response to the unfortunate, painful, evil events and circumstances found in our world. A theodicy is necessary only if we believe in a God who is inherently good, thus requiring an explanation of the apparent discontinuity between a good God and evil in the world. In order to express my own theodicy, I will discuss the forms of evil in the world and their various manifestations as well as whether or not creation as a whole is a “good” expression of the creator God. I will also discuss how eschatology affects our view of evil and God’s part in allowing or interfering with evil. Finally, I will discuss which theodicy I find most complete and why, as well as some of the strengths and weaknesses of my own theodicy. Evil in the World Expressing a theodicy requires a basic understanding of evil which can be referred to in light of that expression. The problem of evil has been dealt with in three separate classifications during our class time and reading; moral, natural and gratuitous evil. Moral evil is an evil event or circumstance caused by a human. Examples of moral evil would be murder, lying, stealing and greed. Moral evil results as the consequence of the decisions made by human beings exerting their free will. War, oppression and slavery are prime examples of moral evil perpetrated by human beings. Natural evil includes the pain and suffering resulting from the forces of nature or the actions of humans. Natural evil can be found associated with weather events such...
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...The Existence of God PHI 208 Ethics and Moral Reasoning The existence of God Since the beginning of time, people have often questioned the meaning of life, how the universe was created and the purpose for the wildlife and creatures that roam the earth. These things often lead us to question the existence of God. In order to even begin to answer these complex questions, we must uncover the source of all of these occurrences. In this paper, I will discuss the issue of Gods existence; present one basic dispute and clarify the arguments on multiple sides of this issue. I will structure an argument that supports the side of the issue I find to be better defended while explaining why I find my side of this debate stronger. In conclusion, I will state my own view and defend it with an argument. Does god exist, or did the “Big Bang theory” or other natural theories play a role? Even though it is absolutely impossible to prove Gods existence, I personally believe that the presence of God is so evident; we do not need solid proof to verify that he is our creator. When it comes to the issue of Gods existence, everyone has his or her own view of whom or what “God” really is. Some people believe that there is one God while others believe in multiple gods or even goddesses. Most believers do not feel that it is necessary to prove that God exists however; there are others that believe that it is essential to provide proof since there...
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...Running head: Existence of God The Existence of God Abstract There is always been a curiosity about God, the creator. Some question if it even exists as an entity. Others question of the operation of God, wondering if God is a single being or an umbrella term that describe multiple individual entities that operate as a unit. Regardless of the specifics, there is always been the argument and research/conversation about the existence of a universal God, and a continual search for evidence to prove once and for all if indeed God exists, or not. In this paper I plan to discuss the above topics, and provide evidence to support my assessment. The social influence on religion, the mind and science will be the primary area of focus. The Existence of God Statement of Research Problem Intuition can be defined as the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning (Wikipedia). I will also include a personal definition for intuition: Intuition is the inherent spiritual compass that is used by man to guide his/her steps along the proverbial pathway of life. Some to validate their reason for belief in religion uses this spiritual compass. Others believe it only exists on a personal level, independent of any internal or external spiritual influence. Some believe in a spiritual element of life, which is something we cannot see, taste touch or feel; a “God” component that allows us to understand the ethereal...
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...Introduction Philosophy of religion is a branch of philosophy concerned with questions regarding religion, including the nature and existence of God, the examination of religious experience, analysis of religious vocabulary and texts, and the relationship of religion and science. It is an ancient discipline, being found in the earliest known manuscripts concerning philosophy, and relates to many other branches of philosophy and general thought, including metaphysics, logic, and history. Philosophy of religion is frequently discussed outside of academia through popular books and debates, mostly regarding the existence of God and problem of evil. The philosophy of religion differs from religious philosophy in that it seeks to discuss questions regarding the nature of religion as a whole, rather than examining the problems brought forth by a particular belief system. It is designed such that it can be carried out dispassionately by those who identify as believers or non-believers. Religion: A Part of Metaphysics Philosophy of religion has classically been regarded as a part of metaphysics. In Aristotle's Metaphysics, the necessarily prior cause of eternal motion was an unmoved mover, who, like the object of desire, or of thought, inspires motion without itself being moved. This, according to Aristotle, is God, the subject of study in theology. Today, however, philosophers have adopted the term philosophy of religion for the subject, and typically it is regarded...
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...AS Philosophy & Ethics Course Handbook 2013 to 2014 [pic] OCR AS Level Religious Studies (H172) http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/hss/rs/index.aspx OCR AS Level Religious Studies (H172) You are studying Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics and will be awarded an OCR AS Level in Religious Studies. The modules and their weightings are: |AS: |Unit Code |Unit Title |% of AS |(% of A Level) | | |G571 |AS Philosophy of Religion |50% |(25%) | | |G572 |AS Religious Ethics |50% |(25%) | If you decide to study for the full A Level you will have to study the following modules at A2: |A2: |Unit Code |Unit Title |(% of A Level) | | |G581 |A2 Philosophy of Religion |(25%) | | |G582 |A2 Religious Ethics |(25%) | Grading | ...
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...world today has presented us with many questions about God and the existence of life. We understand that much of our existence is yet in question, but we do have an astounding sense of morality. Some seek to ask the question why, others tend to feed off what has been scientifically proven and more have unveiled their trust in the unknown, yet we are left to debate and discuss our belief according to past events, miraculous powers and natural states. The most common confusion among the earth and its creatures are humanistic views in regards to our existence according to our belief in God. Of two generalized groups – naturalist and theist – arguments against and for God have been made based on the reality of evil. Though claims have been presented in a logical manner to prove the nonexistence of God, many fail to realize that theist can too, present logical evidence to support the existence of God. This paper will present theistic arguments against several of these claims made by naturalist. Claim #1 - That God could prevent evil actions and preserve human freedom of will. We must first approach this claim by dissecting the value of terms - evil and freedom of will. What is considered to be evil and what are evil actions? Without hesitation, one may define evil as any harm, pain, suffering, misfortune or wrong-doing; therefore, any activity involving any of the values listed are considered to be actions of evil. Next, we need to define what freedom is. Freedom is the...
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...In the book Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, David Hume presents multiple perspectives on religion and the beliefs and rationality debates that follow. The strongest debate in this novel presents that a belief is only rational if it is extensively supported by scientific evidence. Which is the root of the debate of proving the high and all might God and his nature. Three characters are now introduced, each with a different perspective; Demea, Philo, and Cleanthes. Cleanthes claims himself an Orthodox theologian and argues that it is a duty for all Christian philosophers to come up with arguments with an intelligent designer. Demea is the mystic that insists that God nor his nature can be comprehended, and believes that Cleanthes is an...
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...The world today has presented us with many questions about God and the existence of life. We understand that much of our existence is yet in question, but we do have an astounding sense of morality. Some seek to ask the question why, others tend to feed off what has been scientifically proven and more have unveiled their trust in the unknown, yet we are left to debate and discuss our belief according to past events, miraculous powers and natural states. The most common confusion among the earth and its creatures are humanistic views in regards to our existence according to our belief in God. Of two generalized groups – naturalist and theist – arguments against and for God have been made based on the reality of evil. Though claims have been presented in a logical manner to prove the nonexistence of God, many fail to realize that theist can too, present logical evidence to support the existence of God. This paper will present theistic arguments against several of these claims made by naturalist. Claim #1 - That God could prevent evil actions and preserve human freedom of will. We must first approach this claim by dissecting the value of terms - evil and freedom of will. What is considered to be evil and what are evil actions? Without hesitation, one may define evil as any harm, pain, suffering, misfortune or wrong-doing; therefore, any activity involving any of the values listed are considered to be actions of evil. Next, we need to define what freedom is. Freedom is the "ability...
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...Evil, Christianity, and Saint Augustine Sammy Hoag Philosophy 202 Dr. Ryan Murphy December 2015 What is evil? This ‘problem of evil’ and the existence of evil have plagued the minds of people throughout the centuries. It has been one on the most sought after inquiries and one of the most vexing challenges to Christianity, in explaining the existence of God. Many philosophers and thinkers, both secular and Christian, have endeavored to solve this problem. One of the most notable of whom is Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430). He is perhaps one of the most influential philosophers in the history of the Christian Church. Augustine spent much of his life trying to solve this ‘problem of evil’ and it proved to be quite an undertaking. This paper will explore the problem of evil and argue how Saint Augustine solidified the ways in which philosophy and religion, specifically Christianity, coincide through his work on the concepts of the problem of and the origin of evil. Understanding the problem of evil is essential to everyone because it affects the manner in which life is lived. Whether defending a belief in God or trying to share those beliefs with others everyone will encounter the problem of evil at some point. According to Ed Miller and Jon Jensen, authors of Questions that Matter:...
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...objections that are used when people discuss the existence of God or higher powers in general. The first statement stems from the meaning of the word “God”, with Aquinas writing that “He is infinite goodness. If, therefore, God, existed, there would be no evil discoverable; but there is but there is evil in the world. Therefore God does not exist”(309). The second objection is explained from a natural standpoint, saying that “For all natural things can be reduced to on principle which is nature; and all voluntary things can be reduced to one principle which is human reason, or will. Therefore, there is no need to suppose God’s existence”. These two stances are typical amongst those who do not believe in God, but can be logically refuted....
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...Many people argue about the existence of God. McCloskey is one of those people. The following paper will discuss some of the arguments Mr. McCloskey has against God, as well as, a proper rebuttal for them. Mr. McCloskey would argue that the different arguments, or “proofs” as he calls it, do not provide an accurate case for the existence of God, therefore they should be ignored (McCloskey 51). The problem is, that the arguments were never meant to be used as definitive proof, but rather as a “best explanation” as explained by Dr. Foreman (Foreman Presentation: God’s Existence). The arguments for God’s existence are just that, arguments. Those who use these arguments would understand that the arguments are not perfect and theoretically they...
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...problem of evil has been in our planet. In a matter of a natural catastrophe, spiritually or intentionally hurtful actions by people, evil has been causing pain, damage and drastic negative changes in nature and human lives. If we consider these facts, a question arises:- “Why bad things happen to good people? Or why bad things happen in the world?.” There has been a lot of investigations from all type of people that practice different religions in reference to these questions, also psychologists and philosophers have been part of this big interesting research. Some of them have found that evil is located in the self, that means that we people have the free will to do right or do wrong, and if we choose...
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...PHIL 201Response Paper Response to “On Being An Atheist” by H.J. McCloskey H.J. McCloskey attempted to contradict the arguments proving Gods existence used by theists in the article “On Being an Atheist”. Although there is no sufficient proof in the cosmological argument of their being a perfect creator, it does however provide evidence of a singular being. The evidence of an almighty creator is provided by the simple element of complex design. However, though this almighty creator allows the existence of evil in the world, He was not the one to create it, and, as such, has a purpose behind its existence. The existence of God can be logically concluded, contrary to McCloskey’s beliefs, using the philosophical inquiry. McCloskey refers to the cosmological, teleological, and design arguments throughout his article, and discuss how theists use them to prove the existence of God. McCloskey may, perhaps, believe that these arguments are unsuccessful because his different beliefs allow his approach to be different. Contrary to proof, these aspects of cosmological, teleological, and design are more accurately represented when used as evidence or as simply arguments. Dr. Mark Foreman describes proof, in his presentation of “Approaching the Questions of God’s Existence”, as something that involves a characteristic of complete certainty. As McCloskey refers to the many arguments as “proof” he implies that the arguments are thought to be facts of absolute truth. If this were true...
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...A RESPONSE TO ATHEISM PHIL 201 D44 LUO August 18, 2011 A Response to Atheism In reading McCloskey’s article it’s obvious he is searching for definitive proof that God exists. He is unable to find proof and therefore comes to the conclusion that God must not exist. He believes that the existence of evil discredits arguments made in support of believing in God. There is not one single thing in this world that we can know definitively without looking at the evidence. You have to look at the whole picture. Just like in a criminal investigation, the crime scene investigators gather evidence they are not looking for just the bullets or just the body. They look and gather all the data before coming to any conclusions. We will discuss each of the arguments and some additional reasons McCloskey gives as reasons not to believe that God exists. Cosmological Argument When we examine the cosmological argument we find that for something to exist there has to be a cause for its existence. The universe exists and was necessary for human beings to exist. We are contingent beings; our existence relies on the existence of the universe. We exist, and therefore so does the universe exist and there must be an ultimate cause of that existence. McCloskey makes a good point when he says the cosmological argument does not prove there is an all powerful, perfect uncaused cause but it provides strong evidence that there is some necessary cause to the world we live in and instead of...
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...Design Arguments St. Thomas Aquinas was an important theologian and philosopher whose work on the nature and existence of God and his arguments for a moral code based on the ‘natural law’ God has instilled in the universe have formed the central teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. He sought to bring faith and reason together in order to develop the place of theology in the world. The argument from design finds its origins in Aquinas’ Summa Theologica and is the fifth of his five ways of proving the existence of God. Aquinas’ argument can be explained as follows: “The fifth way is taken from the governance of the world. We see that things which lack knowledge, such as natural bodies, act for an end, and this is evident from their acting always, or nearly always, in the same way, so as to obtain the best result. Hence it is plain that they achieve their end, not fortuitously, but designedly. Now whatever lacks knowledge cannot move towards an end, unless it be directed by some being endowed with knowledge and intelligence; as the arrow is directed by the archer. Therefore some intelligent being exists by whom all natural things are directed to their end; and this being we call God.” Aquinas argued from design qua regularity. He saw the overall order in the world as proof of a designer: ‘this being we call God.’ Aquinas stated that everything works together to achieve order, despite the fact that inanimate objects have no mind or rational powers to achieve...
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