The Existence of God
Objective: To believe in God is not against the views of science and reason.
Bible Portion: Job - 38
Memory Verse: Job 11: 7,8
"Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? 8 They are higher than heaven--what can you do? Deeper than Sheol--what can you know?
Various Views
Men began to think about God even before the pre-historic age. Thus a lot of views related to the existence of God began to emerge. The term God is derived from the Greek route 'Theos' and Latin term 'Deus'. The major field of the study of the existence of God is Theism or Deism, Atheism, Agnosticism, Skepticism and Naturalism.
1. Theism: It believes in the existence of deity or deities. Monotheism is the belief in one deity whereas polytheism is the belief on more than one deity. It usually includes belief in the existence of a specific pantheon of distinct deities. This process of worshipping had been derived from ancient Greece and Rome. It was believed that each clan has separate gods. We see in the Bible. 'Dagon' for Philistines and 'Komesh' for Moabites. It is known as Henotheism. It is utterly against our view of God as omnipotent, eternal, omnipresent and omniscient. Monotheism is the Jewish Christian view. Islam also follows it. Later we will learn how one can experience the existence of God.
2. Atheism
Atheism is the absence of belief in the existence of deities. There is no creator behind the formation of the universe. Atheists hold the view that one does not believe in the things which cannot be perceived with five senses. They go on with the view that God didn't create man in His likeness. Instead, man created God in his image. It emerges from materialism. Materialism is the belief that the universe is ordered invisibly by the matter that can be understood by our senses. Even Karl Max did not find it reasonable.
So he made a philosophy in the form of Dialectical Materialism, and also had to approve the theory of Evolution to substantiate it. Darwin's theory of evolution is unable to be proved scientifically. In the last days, Darwin had confessed the hollowness of this theory. The views of atheists are unreasonable and unscientific. One who professes that something is missing should examine everything at a time. It can be done by omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient God. Who can say that there is no God since atheist and scientists are not omnipresent? There is a reason behind everything. They profess that living and non-living things are created naturally. Is it unreasonable to claim that there is no power of intellect behind the systematic creation of the universe? They deny the reality which cannot be perceived by the senses. Do they not consider 'love', 'goodness', 'faithfulness', and 'sacrifice'? They are without matter. Electricity is power. Though it is invisible to us, its result can be seen in the devices. Like, this, God is invisible and one who keeps a close relation will be received with God-given blessings.
3. Agnosticism:
Agnostics are not sure whether God exists or not. They hold the view that there is nothing to think or act in that area. It is foolish only to deal with the temporariness of life and not to think of eternity.
'Although they claimed to be wise, they become fools' Romans 1:22
The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. Psalms. 14:1
4. Skepticism:
Skepticism is generally a questioning attitude towards God and the universe. So they cannot believe in anything and have no opinion about anything. They lead an unhappy life after being fairy led to realize God and the universe through their knowledge. Man is unable to understand the mysteries of God (Job 11:7,8). Due to sin man became spiritually blind and deaf. Men's doubts will be clarified when they will be humble and go near to Jesus for the deliverance from sins.
5. Naturalism :
It is nature that creates controls and rules the universe. In modern ages, nature controls men. But it is not reasonable. They also hold the view that nature is God. The heart of men always thirsts for an eternal God who is above all the powers of the universe
Advaita Vedanta
One cannot differentiate God from men and nature. God is everywhere. All is God. This idea if thought is called Advaita Vedanta. The sinful nature of men reveals the truth that goodness is not present in them. Paul says that there is no goodness abides in Him. 'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. It is clear all over the world men become sinful in nature. How can each individual be considered as God? There is a need for repentance in everyone and should put on the new self.
Find answers for the following questions
1. Which are the manor views related to God?
2. What is atheism?
3. Define agnosticism and skepticism?
4. Define Naturalism and Advaita Vedanta? Establish that both are meaningless?
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