4/8 Arguing for God’s Existence

Week 12: Monday, April 3rd

In this session, we will consider arguments that every rational person should believe God exists.  By the end of class, you will:

1. Be able to define “natural theology” and distinguish it from other kinds of theology.

2. Understand the logical structure of several arguments for God’s existence.

3. Take a stand on the intellectual importance arguments for God’s existence should play in a life of religious faith.

READ THIS:

Philosophical Text: Interactive Essay, “Anselm and Aquinas: Natural Theology”

Application Text: Joel Lovell, “The Late, Great Stephen Colbert” (GQ)

WATCH THIS:

DO THIS:

Consider the following questions, write your responses in your journal, and talk about them with a friend:

1. Do you think religious faith requires evidence or proof to be rational?  Why or why not? Do we have sufficient evidence to establish the existence of God?

2. Stephen Colbert gives a defense of his religious faith in the end of the GQ article. Is his defense an example of natural theology? Why or why not? Do you think his reasoning is sound?