Answering the Why?
Why Believe in God?
Philosophical Arguments
Ontological Argument - seeks to prove the existence of God from the laws of logic. It
argues that once we mentally grasp the concept of God we can see that God’s nonexistence is impossible. This argument, if it is successful, demonstrates the existence
of a perfect being that could not possibly fail to exist.
The First Cause Argument “the cosmological argument” - Nothing can come into
existence, though, unless there is something to bring it into existence; nothing
comes from nothing. There must therefore be some being outside of the universe
that caused the universe to exist. This argument, if it is successful, demonstrates the
existence of a Creator that transcends time that has neither beginning nor end.
The Argument from Design - seeks to prove the existence of God from the fact that
the universe is ordered. The universe could have been different from the way that it
is in many ways. It could have had different laws of physics; it could have had a
different arrangement of planets and stars; it could have begun with a more powerful
or a weaker big bang. The vast majority of these possible universes would not have
allowed for the existence of life. On an atheistic world-view, there is no way to
explain this good fortune; the atheist must put this down to chance. This argument,
if it is successful, strongly suggests the existence of a Creator that takes an interest
in humanity.
The Moral Argument - Moral laws have the form of commands; they tell us what to
do. Commands can’t exist without a commander. Moral laws’ authority transcends
all human authority, and they must therefore have been commanded by a being
whose authority transcends all human authority. The existence of moral laws, the
argument concludes, thus demonstrates the existence of a being that is greater than
any of us and that rules over all creation.
Personal Intuition
An inherent awareness of God and the supernatural
A belief in a higher being and higher values
A deep desire for purpose… Why am I here? Where is all of this leading?
A built in moral compass
A desire to give and receive love
A desire for forgiveness and freedom from the pain of our mistakes
A desire for empowerment
Scientific Evidence
The complexity of our universe, particularly living things
The existence of invisible forces
Intelligent Design
Why Follow Christianity?
Historical Evidence
The vast quantity and the historical record of Christianity
The nearness of the writings to the events they depict
The historical and archeological accuracy of the Bible
Jesus Christ was an historical figure
The Christian Worldview
Does what the Bible say about humans and the world around us match what we see?
The fallen nature of human beings
The existence of Evil
An all loving God
Moral Accountability and God’s judgment
Moral and Personal Impact
Does what Jesus teach lead us into a better way to live and to relate to one another?
God’s desire for a personal relationship with each one of us
The highest value of love
Personal empowerment from God through the Holy Spirit
Humility, compassion, peace, patience, etc.
Christianity versus other Religions
Is Christianity different from other Religions? Is it the truth?
Other religions offer a pathway to reach God, Christianity is the proclamation that
God has come to us through Jesus Christ
Application: Reflect on why you believe in God or are seeking Him. Ask yourself the
question where do I want this journey to take me and ask God to help guide you.