Lesson 1 Existence of God
Lesson 1
Existence Of God
Reading Passages : Job 38
Memory Versea : Job 11: 7,8
Theme : To learn that belief in God is not contrary to principles of science and logic
Introduction : Have you ever encountered with people who do not believe in God? What are the arguments that they bring up against the existence of God? Hoave you felt that they have seriously studied about God? Have you felt that they have seriously studied about God of what the Bible teaches on these subjects? When we closely observe those people who claim that they are rationalistes or atheist, we will realize that they really have no logic in their thingking and are ignorant about matters concerning God. Some take pride in claiming that they do not believe in God and do not read or study the Bible. Hence a serious study must be undertaken on the topic of the existence of God.
Various concepts About God: Man has held differing points of view about God from time immemorial. Thoughts concering God are related to the Greek word "Theso" and the Lanin word "Deous". Some popular concepts are Theism or Deism, Atheis, Agnosticism, Skepticism and Naturalism. We shall brifly discuss these topics.
1. Theism
Theists believe that God exists. Among them, some believs in one God (Monotheism) and some have belief in many Gods (Polytheism). Among the polytheists, some groups of people, like the ancient Greeks and Romans, believe that separate Gods and Goddess control different aspects of life, and worship them in that manner. Some believe that a separate God controlseach different race. Philistines had Dagon and Moab had Chemosh. Such a belief is know as henotheism. Polytheism deny that God is almighty, all knowing and eternal. Jews and Christians are monotheists Islam too follows the same thought.
2. Atheism
Atheists say that there is no creator behind this universe and thing which cannot be felt by the fice senses need not be believed. Their contention is that God was created by man in his own image and not he other way round. Atheism has come up from materialism. Materialists claim that matter has somehow formed itself into the universe. But as this view didn't seem to be ligical to KarlMarx, he formed his own theory called 'Dialectical Materialism, based it on Sarwin's evolution theory. But the theory of evolution has not been proved scientifically, not will it be ever possible to do so. It is said that even Darwin accepted the hollowness of his theory towards the end of his life. We shall be dealing with evolution in another lesson. The arguments of the atheists are contrary to scientific or logical thinking. Those who claim that any particular ogject do not exist should be able to test everything at all place at the same time. That will be possible only if they are all powerful. all knowing and omnipresent. How can a man with his limitations aimes that God does not exist? To say that all the animate and inanimate objects in the universe came into being by themselves is against scientific principle that noting happens without a cause. When we see the wonderful order that prevail in nature, is it not illogical to say that there is no intelligence working behind that order?if the things which are not felt by the five senses are not real, such attributes like love, goodnes, faith, etc must also be unreal. Although electricity cannot be seen by our eyes, it is very much real. We see its effects when it flows into an electrical bulb ot a machine. Similarly, although God cannot be seen by physical eyes, those who are in relationship with Him can experince the good effects resulting from the same
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (Psalms 34:8)
3. Afgnosticism
Agnosticism
The view that the existence of God or the divine is unknowable.
Neither affirms nor denies the existence of God.
Often stems from skepticism or a lack of evidence.
Some agnostics lean towards atheism, while others lean towards theism.
Focuses on the limits of human knowledge and understanding.
Agnostics are not bothered whether God exists or not. There need not be any thinking or action about the matter as far as they are concerned. It is foolish, indeed to be converned solely with temporary things without being mindful of substantial matters concerning God and eternity
"Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools" (Rom 1:22)
4. Skepticism
Skepticism
A questioning attitude or doubt towards one or more putative beliefs or claims.
Questions the validity of religious beliefs.
Often associated with atheism and agnosticism.
Not necessarily a denial of religious beliefs.
Skeptics have doubts about everyting in the uniberse. As they ponder about things, doubts keep on increasing. They cannot believe in anything. not d o they have any definite opinion about anything. They are in despair having faild in their attempt to understand the trusts about God and the universe through their own wisdom. It is impossible to comprehend the eternal God through man's wisdom and efforts
Man has became blind, deaf and dead because of sin. His doubts can be cleared only by obtaining remission of sins through Jesus Christ and by receiving the true revelation of God.
5. Naturalism
Naturalism
The natural world is all that exists
Rejects supernatural or spiritual explanations
Focuses on empirical evidence and scientific inquiry
Often associated with atheism and materialism
Naturalists believe that nature itself is God which creates, controls and rules everything including man. It is illogical in this modern age when man is in the process of conquering the universe, to thing that nature is controlling and ruling over man. Moreover, the heart of man constantly yearning for fellowship with a superior person also proves that naturalism is a fake belief worship of nature leads man to moral degradation
28Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.(Rom. 1: 21-32)
6. Principles of Advaidam
Advaita Vedanta
Only one reality called Brahman exists
The world is an illusion (Maya)
Brahman is the only truth
Atman is identical to Brahman
The goal is to realize this unity
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. (Rom. 7: 18,19)
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Rom: 3:23)
This truth is visible every where in the word So it cannot be true to say " I am God and every one is God" Every individual must be born again and put on the new man created to be like God
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph 4: 22-24)
We have thus so far seen some concept regarding God. All being in this universe are creatures of the almighty God, who cannot be comprehended by out own effort and wisdom. But if we confess our nothingness and sinful nature to God He will grant us hiw revelation the pappines and inner satisfaction of divine fellowship with Him
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