Does God Exist? Essay

A major issue that cannot be settled here concerns the question of where the burden of proof lies with respect to theistic arguments. Many secular philosophers follow Antony Flew (1976) in holding that there is a “presumption of atheism.” Believing in God is like believing in the Loch Ness Monster or leprechauns, something that reasonable people do not do without sufficient evidence. If such evidence is lacking, the proper stance is atheism rather than agnosticism.

always been able to agree on God. This has resulted in many a holy man to take

This argument for God’s existence was developed by the twelfth century theologian and philosopher, Anselm. It is based on Anselm’s declaration that God is “that which nothing greater can be conceived.”

McCloskey in his article, "On Being An Atheist" claims that proofs or arguments which theists provide to support their belief “have no weight”. He speaks of this primarily in relation to the ontological argument, the argument which attempts to show that the very concept of God implies his reality. McCloskey believes that there is no point in debating on this particular proof because it has no bearing but the ontological argument serves as the very foundation for other arguments which supports and defends God’s existence. If not for the purpose of proving His existence, the ontological argument is still necessary because it distinguishes the characteristics of God whom we are defending. The first rule of philosophical discourse is clarity

God’s existence cannot be proved nor disproved, but this is an attempt to refute the existence of this all-powerful, all-knowing, all-good being through an analysis of arguments and theories that try to prove or insinuate His reality.

This is the second argument about God’s existence. Perhaps the most popular variant owed to this this argument is William Paley’s argument concerning the watch. Essentially, this argument states that after observing a watch, together with its intricate parts, which function together as a unit in an accurate manner to keep time, anybody must realize that such piece of machinery has its creator, as it is too complicated to have easily come into presence through other means, like evolution (Ratzsch, 2005). The following is a skeleton of this argument:

Which argument for the existence of God is strongest? Why? This is the specific issue that this paper will address. While there are many millions of people in the world who believe in the existence of God or Allah, Brahman, Jehovah, among other names there are also millions who do not believe in the existence of God. This dispute is an ancient one; and as Deepak Chopra points out, since we cannot see God and because He is "…nowhere and everywhere at the same time" and because he "…transcends nature… [and] leaves no fingerprints in the material world," it is easy for non-believers to challenge Christians as to God's existence (Chopra, 2000, p. 41). Christians on the other hand point to the creation of the Universe and to the natural world on Earth as evidence of a Creator's work.

Whether there is a God or not has been one of the biggest debates, well, ever. There are worthy arguments from both sides about the existence of God, yet, none can be proven, and never will be.

H. J. McCloskey, in his article “On Being an Atheist” is explaining why he believes that atheism is more acceptable than theism. He starts by letting other atheists know that he plans to explain why theists place their beliefs in the existence of God, why theists arguments fall short of proof, why atheists take the stance that God does not exist, and the view that theists have of atheism being a sad, unfriendly view. McCloskey begins his explanation of these beliefs and views by arguing against three proofs or arguments that drive theists belief in God as a necessary being. The three proofs he is arguing against are the cosmological argument, the teleological argument, and the argument from design. He feels that these proofs, as he calls them,

The word “proof” is frequently used in the article to reference the arguments (such as ontological and teleological) which McCloskey believes are insufficient to establish the existence of God as a Creator. McCloskey argues that these proofs should be dismissed because they lack evidence. The dismissal of these proofs however are incorrect. It is impossible to assume that God’s existence can be definitively be proven by any one argument. It is the basic idea that the creator of the universe surpasses our humanistic ways of thinking. Which is to say that we cannot stand to reason his existence. According to McCloskey the argument of design along with the cosmological and teleological arguments are used by the Theists as proof to support their

Since most of the arguments pertaining to religion stem from the basic question regarding the existence of God, it is important for us to discuss whether or not the proof of existence of God is necessary or not. None of us have seen God and there is no doubt about it. However, most of us do believe that God does exist and He takes care of this world and the human beings who

In the presentation on being an atheist McCloskey refers to arguments as proofs and implies that they can’t definitely establish the case for God, so therefore it should be abandoned. According to Foreman in the presentation approaching the question of God’s existence, he states that the best explanation for the existence and things we view of the universe is God. The approach that Foreman has is clearer to a person who believes that God created the heavens and the earth. McCloskey discusses three proofs the cosmological, teleological, and the argument from design he states that people are moved to a belief in God by what they take to be evidence of design and purpose. There are many arguments between atheist and theist on the approach of God’s existence, theist will always refer back to God creating the universe, being and intelligent perfect person.

Now it might be a surprise to learn that steps 2—7 of this argument are relatively uncontroversial. Most philosophers would agree that if God's existence is even possible, then he must exist. So the whole question is: Is God's existence possible? The atheist has to maintain that it's impossible

Proof Of The Exsistence of God Either God exists or He doesn't. There is no middle ground. Any attempt to remain neutral in relation to God's existence is automatically synonymous with unbelief. The question for God's existence is really important. Does God exist? Theology, cosmological, teleological and ontological arguments are all have ways to prove the existence of God. With all of these great arguments how can one deny that there is a God. There is a God and with these reasons I will prove that.

The mystery of God's existence has been a crucial element of many religious studies and traditions. Who is God? What is God? Where is God? To effectively discuss the existence of God, it is necessary to illustrate the notion of faith. People of faith believe that God does exist, and that relationship with God gives meaning to their lives. Others who are skeptical point to God as an obsolete hope of an ignorant human race. People today live in a world distinguished by sophisticated technology in which modern science has been a strong agent in questioning the existence of God.