One A priori argument for the existence of God is the ontological argument. This states that:
P1: God is TTWNGCBC (that than which nothing greater can be conceived)
P2: TTWNGCBC possesses all perfections
P3: Existence is perfection.
C: God must exist.
If we except God as the greatest being imaginable, we must also accept that He must exist because it is greater to do so than not to. However, this proof is unconvincing in that no impericle evidence is presented and it is also debatable than God is that than which nothing greater can be conceived.
The A posteriori cosmological argument for the existence of God depends on the ontological argument in that it is first necessary to accept that God is that than which nothing greater can be conceived. The proof only leads to a probable conclusion and the outcome can be questioned. The cosmological argument is:
P1: All events require a cause
P2: The universe is an event
C: God must be the cause of the universe.
But it is not successful in proving God actually caused the earth, it could just have easily been something else. Science offers a more convincing argument and it is possible that there could have been lots of causes. Also, the question ‘does everything have to be caused?’ can be asked.
Another argument for the existence of God is the teleological argument. This is A posterori proof based on the experience of and examples in nature and the world itself. The teleological argument states that someone must have designed the world, as it is so complex and intricately fitted together. This designer must be God. But, how do we know the world was designed, evolution would suggest the world evolved, becoming more and more complex over millions of years. Also, if God is perfect surely his creation, his design would be perfect. How do we know the world and everything in nature is perfectly designed? After all disease, ageing and natural disasters exist.
There are many arguments against the existence of God a popular one being the existence of evil in the world. Why would a God said to be caring and kind create suffering such as tragic deaths, terminal diseases, war, starvation and hurt? If He is omniscient why does He not stop this? Some Christians believe the existence of evil in this world is a result of our own free will, our own sins. But, surely this does not account for the suffering of the innocent, especially if God is fair and just. Others view this life as an obstacle course, a test to prove our faith in order to go on to greater things in the afterlife. Suffering is also said to bring us closer together, but that cannot be true in all circumstances. It also seems unfair that some endure more suffering than others.
The scientific argument against the existence of God is Darwin’s theory of evolution. This states that natural selection and the survival of the fittest of the species caused life to evolve and gradually adapt to their surroundings. This theory caused much upset when it was originally proposed. Christians did not want to believe they were not the creation of God, perfectly designed in His own image, but rather originally descended from apes. It could be argued however, that God’s omnipotence allowed Him to foresee what would become of the world, so He is in fact responsible for evolution and designed us so that we would adapt gradually over time.
Marx, a famous sociologist thought of religion as a type of drug. He believed religion served as a distraction from real life. Belief in the afterlife still serves as a comfort for those living in poverty or depression. He declared that God was invented out of human need. However, it is not a certified fact that God was invented by humans, perhaps this is what God intended for humans and that by presenting humans with poverty and depression He is in fact testing people’s faith.
In conclusion we can only be certain that proof of God is down to the individuals beliefs. There is no absolute proof that is powerful enough to convince every individual and cannot be disputed. People are said to experience God in different ways, revelations such as miracles and an inner feeling that God is with them. To some this is proof enough and they have complete faith in God. But, to others this is insufficient evidence and they are either undecided or refuse to accept the existence of God, based on experience of evil in the world, scientific theories or sociological and psychological arguments against God.
