Truth, the Existence of God, and the Problem of Evil Defending the Faith Truth, the Existence of God, and the Problem of Evil
So Many Religions So Little Time According to the World Christian Encyclopedia there are over 10,000 distinct religions in the world There are about 33,830 Christian denominations, which one is right? 150 religions have more than a million members How do you know which one is right?
Five Life-Changing Questions Is there Truth? Does God Exist? Is there Revelation? Is Jesus God? Did Jesus start the Catholic Church?
Is there Truth?
Truth is the mind’s correspondence to reality What is Truth? Truth is the mind’s correspondence to reality When our mind perceives reality the way it really is Objective vs. Subjective Truth Objective Truth – something is true independent of whether I believe it Subjective Truth – something is true if I believe it so
False theories of Truth What is Truth? False theories of Truth Relativism Agnosticism & Skepticism Are Religious Truths Objective? Yes How can matters of faith be objective? Faith is not believing something you can’t prove because its contrary to reason, but believing something that’s beyond reason
The truth doesn’t conform to us, we conform to the truth. Finding the Truth The truth doesn’t conform to us, we conform to the truth. Seeking the truth is not about finding what “works for you” but finding the truth of how things really work We shouldn’t be a member of a religion simply because it agrees with us, but because it is the truth. Catholicism is not Burger King – it’s not our way right away
What is Faith? Faith is a personal adherence of the whole man to God who reveals himself. It involves an assent of the intellect and will to the self- revelation God has made through his deeds and words. "To believe" has thus a twofold reference: to the person, and to the truth: to the truth, by trust in the person who bears witness to it. Catechism of the Catholic Church 176 & 177
Faith & Science do not conflict “Methodical research in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral laws, can never conflict with the faith, because the things of the world and the things of faith derive from the same God.” CCC 159 Creation vs. Evolution
Argument from Causality Is There a God? Argument from Causality If everything that exists in the universe has a cause for its existence (a reason why it exists the way it does) There must be a First Cause to start everything going We call Him…GOD
Kalam Cosmological Argument Is There a God? Kalam Cosmological Argument Whatever began to exist, has a cause for its coming into being The universe & time began to exist Therefore, both the universe & time have a cause for their existence Outside of time Outside of the universe We call Him…God
Pascal's Wager Is There a God? Not sure? What is the best bet? Only two options...either believe or not believe If you believe in God If He doesn't exist → live a good life & die If He does exist → live a good life & heaven If you don't believe in God If He doesn't exist → live a sinful life & die If He does exist → live a sinful life & hell
What about Evil? If God is good and All-Powerful, then how can evil exist?
The Problem of Evil All from the Fall of Adam & Eve Evils of Nature – only a problem because we are in the way Never meant to be outside the Garden Entropy: Material reality falls apart Evils from Sin – whether ours or others Free will The preciousness of love is worth the risk of free will Still Not Enough
The Final Word on Truth "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:31-32
Catholic Cool Stuff – St. Padre Pio Handbook of Catholic Apologetics by Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli The Journey by Peter Kreeft www.peterkreeft.com Prove It! God by Amy Welborn Because God is Real: Sixteen Questions, One Answer by Peter Kreeft
Truth, the Existence of God, and the Problem of Evil Defending the Faith Truth, the Existence of God, and the Problem of Evil