1. Arguments for the existence of God
Edexcel Paper 3: Unit 1
Arguments for the existence of God

2. Visions Corporeal vision - the person physically sees something
Imaginative visions – where people see something
In their imagination or dreams

3. Old Testament New Testament
Abraham is visited by God. God promises to protect and reward Abraham for his obedience to God
New Testament
Matthew 17:1-13
Transfiguration – Moses and Elijah appear to Jesus, Peter, James and John
St Paul on the road to Damascus
Joan of Arc

4. Visions are powerful and can strengthen faith
Visions can change a person’s behaviour and actions
They are a sign of God’s love
No lasting or physical proof that visions have taken place
Could be explained as hallucinations or misunderstandings
Even if the vision is genuine, this doesn’t prove God exists
Could simply be a persons subconscience

5. Miracles No scientific explanation!
Those who witnessed it feel they have had contact with God
Even atheists or agnostics might look to God as a reason when there is no other explanation!
Could be a coincidence!
Science and medicine are developing and could explain it in the future
God isn’t necessarily the cause!!

6. Religious Experiences
NUMINOUS - the feeling of the presence of something greater than you
CONVERSION – when your life is changed by giving yourself to God
PRAYER – an attempt to contact God usually through words
MIRACLE – something that can’t be explained by science so the only expectation is God

7. Teleological ‘Design’ Argument
Paley
There is evidence of design in the world
There must have a been an intelligent designer
Christians believe that this must be God.
Based on our own experience
There appear to be designed, ordered or purposeful objects
God is OMNIPOTENT so only he could be the designer
It encourages the study of science and nature.
Genesis 1
If God is omnibenevolent why would he design evil and suffering?
Darwin’s theory of Evolution goes against the idea that we have been designed - rather we just evolved to our surroundings.
Why have their been design failures – e.g. why have so many animals gone extinct?

8. Aquinas Nothing exists without a cause
The universe must have had a cause
Christians believe God is the first cause (omnipotent, omniscient)
Aquinas
Based on our own experience
Things cannot exist without a cause!
It is logical
God can be the cause of the Big Bang
The first cause does not have to be God
Why would God cause evil and suffering?
Why do we assume the universe needs a cause?

9. Evil and Suffering
Moral Evil – Suffering that is caused by humans
Natural Evil – Suffering that is not caused by humans

10. ? = Charity Prayer Free will A plan we don’t understand
If God is omnipotent, omnibenevolent and omniscient, then why is there evil in the world?
Charity
Prayer
Free will
A plan we
don’t understand
Helps us develop