Unit 2: The God Question

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

The Great DebateGod vs. Science by David van Biema

The Relationship between Science and Religion1. 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?

The Great DebateGod vs. Science by David van Biema

Evidence for the Existence of God1. 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

The Great DebateGod vs. Science by David van Biema

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.

The Great DebateThe godless Delusion by Guy Consolmagno, S.J.

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.

The Great DebateIs God a Scientist? by George Coyne, S.J.

Meeting the Living God by William J. O’Malley, S.J.

The Second Question: Does God Exist?

Theism: Yes

Theism: Yes 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.

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

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

Theism: Yes Real Knowledge

Firsthand experience Prayer works

Testing the conclusion Common Sense – Pascal’s Wager

Theism: Yes