1. Unit 2: The God Question

2. Meeting the Living God by William J. O’Malley, S.J. The Second Question: Does God Exist? The Great Debate God vs. Science by David van Biema

3. The Great Debate God vs. Science by David van Biema  The Relationship between Science and Religion 1. Science is Not compatible with Religion  The God Question is a scientific question  Since there is no observable, scientific proof, God does not exist 2. Science is compatible with Religion  The God Question lies outside of science and the natural world  As a faith belief, God does exist 3. Science and Religion occupy two separate, airtight boxes  In the “box” of religion, God does exist  Is this an artificial wall?

4. The Great Debate God vs. Science by David van Biema  Evidence for the Existence of God 1. Evolution 2. Moral Sense Studying the natural world is an opportunity to observe the majesty, the intricacy of God’s creation The “Why?” questions necessitate faith and religious belief

5. The Great Debate God vs. Science by David van Biema

6. Meeting the Living God by William J. O’Malley, S.J. The Second Question: Does God Exist? The Great Debate The godless Delusion by Guy Consolmagno, S.J.

7. The Great Debate The godless Delusion by Guy Consolmagno, S.J.

8. Meeting the Living God by William J. O’Malley, S.J. The Second Question: Does God Exist? The Great Debate Is God a Scientist? by George Coyne, S.J.

9. The Great Debate Is God a Scientist? by George Coyne, S.J.

10. Meeting the Living God by William J. O’Malley, S.J. The Second Question: Does God Exist? Theism: Yes

11.  Journal Entry What is your belief about the God Question? What evidence do you have to support your belief that God does or does not exist?  Provide pieces of evidence from both real knowledge (firsthand observation and common sense) and notional knowledge (reason from induction, deduction, and analogy and testimony from expert opinions and eyewitnesses) to support your stance regarding the God Question.

12. Theism: Yes  Theism The faith belief (calculated risk) that God does exist The consequence of this choice is that life has eternal value and continues after death

13. Theism: Yes  Notional Knowledge Reason: My Intelligence  No effect can be greater than its causes Intelligence – ability to think, understand, choose, decide Universe/Creation – ordered, predictable, intricate Evolution – looks like a plan  Hunger/curses: natural powers are sources of frustration or growth Hunger for answers Hunger for permanence Hunger for justice (The Moral Sense) Expert testimony  Atheists are unhappy  The numerous saints and martyrs

14. Theism: Yes  Real Knowledge Firsthand experience  Prayer works Testing the conclusion Common Sense – Pascal’s Wager

15. Theism: Yes