Month January 2025

Evidence for our faith: Ontological Argument

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The ontological argument, first articulated by St. Anselm of Canterbury in the 11th century, explores the concept of God as a necessary being whose existence is self-evident through reason. Unlike other arguments that rely on empirical evidence, the ontological argument is a philosophical proof, rooted in the nature of God as “that than which nothing greater can be conceived.” Modern developments in philosophy and science reinforce the logic of this timeless argument.

The Concept of Necessary Existence. The argument begins with the definition of God as the greatest conceivable being. Such a being must exist not only in the mind (as a concept) but also in reality, for existence in reality is greater than existence solely in thought. If God existed only as a concept, then a greater being—one that exists in reality—could be imagined, contradicting the original definition. Thus, God must exist in reality.

This concept aligns with the biblical understanding of God as self-existent and eternal. Exodus 3:14 encapsulates this when God declares, “I AM THAT I AM,” signifying His independent and necessary existence.

Modern Philosophical Insights. Contemporary philosophers like Alvin Plantinga have refined the argument, framing it within modal logic. Plantinga’s version argues that if it is possible for a maximally great being to exist, then such a being exists in some possible world. If it exists in one possible world, its necessary nature means it exists in all possible worlds—including our own.

This formulation strengthens the argument by considering God’s existence as necessary rather than contingent. A necessary being is one that must exist; its non-existence is impossible. This necessity aligns with the biblical portrayal of God as eternal and unchanging (Malachi 3:6).

Scientific Corroboration of a Necessary Cause. While the ontological argument is primarily philosophical, modern science lends indirect support. The universe, with its intricate fine-tuning, suggests a source that exists outside time and space. This aligns with the concept of a necessary being who undergirds all reality. Romans 1:20 reflects this idea: “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.”

Implications of God’s Necessary Existence. If God’s existence is necessary, He is the source of all contingent reality—everything that depends on something else to exist. This explains not only the existence of the universe but also the rationality, order, and purpose evident in creation.

Conclusion. The ontological argument, grounded in reason and supported by scripture, reveals God as the necessary being upon whom all existence depends. As Colossians 1:17 declares, “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” This philosophical proof, when coupled with scripture, underscores the truth of God’s eternal and unchanging nature.

Sources:
• Plantinga, A. The Nature of Necessity.
• Craig, W.L. Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics.
• Exodus 3:14, Romans 1:20, Malachi 3:6, Colossians 1:17 (KJV).


Agape,
Spencer

Evidence for our Faith

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The Cosmological Argument: Why the Universe Needs a Cause

The cosmological argument, one of the oldest and most compelling proofs for the existence of God, asserts that the universe must have a cause. Its foundation lies in the principle of causality: everything that begins to exist has a cause. Scientific discoveries and philosophical reasoning bolster this argument, making a strong case for a Creator.

The Universe Had a Beginning. One of the most significant discoveries of modern science is that the universe had a beginning. The Big Bang theory, widely accepted among cosmologists, posits that all matter, energy, space, and time originated from a singular event approximately 13.8 billion years ago. Before this point, there was no time, space, or physical reality. This supports the biblical assertion that the universe is not eternal but was created, as described in Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.” (other evidence supports the Biblical narrative for the age of the Earth)

The Second Law of Thermodynamics also supports this conclusion. The universe is moving toward a state of increased entropy, or disorder, which implies that it had an initial highly ordered state. If the universe were eternal, it would have already reached maximum entropy, contradicting observable reality.

Causality and the Need for a Cause. The principle of causality states that everything that begins to exist has a cause. Since the universe began to exist, it must have a cause. However, this cause cannot be part of the physical universe because time, space, and matter only came into existence at the universe’s origin. Therefore, the cause must be timeless, spaceless, and immaterial—qualities that align with the biblical description of God.

Hebrews 11:3 affirms this: “Through faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” This aligns with the cosmological argument, as it emphasizes that the universe was caused by something outside itself.

The Impossibility of Infinite Regress. An infinite regress of causes—where every cause has a prior cause—leads to logical contradictions. If there were no first cause, the chain of causes could never begin, and the universe could not exist. This necessitates a first, uncaused cause, which philosophers and theologians identify as God.

The cosmological argument is reinforced by scientific evidence that the universe had a beginning, philosophical reasoning on causality, and the impossibility of infinite regress. These findings point to a timeless, spaceless, immaterial, and powerful Creator—attributes consistent with the God of the Bible. As Psalm 33:6 declares, “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.”

Sources:
• Craig, W.L. Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics.
• Hawking, S., and Mlodinow, L. The Grand Design.
• Genesis 1:1, Hebrews 11:3, Psalm 33:6 (KJV).

Agape,
Spencer

Evidence for our faith: the problem of beauty

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The existence of beauty in the world presents a profound question: why does beauty exist at all, and why are humans uniquely capable of perceiving and appreciating it? From awe-inspiring sunsets to masterful works of art, beauty seems unnecessary for survival, challenging purely naturalistic explanations and pointing to a Creator who values aesthetics.

  1. Beauty in Nature
    Nature abounds with intricate and breathtaking beauty. The symmetry of snowflakes, the vibrant colors of a coral reef, and the majesty of mountain ranges go far beyond what is required for survival. Evolutionary theory might explain functional traits aiding survival and reproduction, but beauty often serves no such purpose. For example, the iridescence of a butterfly’s wing or the intricate design of a seashell does not directly contribute to the organism’s fitness. These examples suggest an artist behind the canvas of creation.
  2. The Human Appreciation of Beauty
    Human beings uniquely recognize and create beauty. Unlike animals, which may engage in utilitarian behaviors related to survival, humans produce art, music, and poetry with no direct survival benefit. Neuroscientists have identified regions of the brain that respond to beauty, regardless of its form—visual, auditory, or conceptual. This capacity for aesthetic appreciation suggests that humans are made in the image of a Creator who delights in beauty. The Bible affirms this in Genesis 1:27, where it states, “God created man in his own image.”
  3. Universality of Beauty
    Across cultures and times, humans have consistently found certain patterns, colors, and sounds beautiful. The golden ratio, found in natural phenomena and human art, is a prime example. This universality suggests an objective standard of beauty woven into the fabric of creation. Ecclesiastes 3:11 notes, “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time,” affirming that beauty reflects the order and intention of God.
  4. Beauty and Purpose
    If the universe were purely a product of random chance, beauty would be an inexplicable anomaly. However, the Bible reveals that creation declares the glory of God: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1). Beauty serves a purpose in pointing humanity to its Creator, inspiring wonder and gratitude.

Conclusion
The existence and appreciation of beauty challenge naturalistic explanations and align with the biblical worldview of a Creator who delights in aesthetics. Beauty is not accidental but purposeful, reflecting God’s nature and inviting us to seek Him. As Romans 1:20 states, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.” Beauty, in all its forms, is a testament to the divine Artist behind the universe.

Sources:
• D’Souza, D. What’s So Great About Christianity?
• Lennox, J. God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?
• Genesis 1:27, Psalm 19:1, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Romans 1:20 (KJV).

Agape,
Spencer

Evidence for our Faith, the Flood

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RAPID EROSION AT MOUNT ST. HELENS

Scientific Evidence for the Global Flood

The biblical account of a global flood is detailed in Genesis 6–9, describing Noah’s ark, the catastrophic deluge, and the repopulation of the earth. This narrative has parallels in ancient cultures worldwide, suggesting a shared memory of a catastrophic event. Scientific evidence also lends credibility to this account, providing compelling data that aligns with the possibility of a global flood.

Sedimentary Layers and Fossil Evidence

Sedimentary rock layers, found across the earth, contain fossils of marine and land organisms, often in unexpected locations. For instance, marine fossils have been discovered atop the Himalayas and other high-altitude regions. This suggests that these areas were once submerged under water. Rapid burial of organisms during a massive flood could explain the fossilization of soft-bodied creatures and the preservation of delicate features, such as jellyfish imprints, which would decay under normal conditions.

Polystrate Fossils

Polystrate fossils, or fossils that extend vertically through multiple sedimentary layers, challenge the standard geological timeline that attributes these layers to slow accumulation over millions of years. A rapid deposition of sediment, such as during a global flood, provides a more plausible explanation for how these fossils formed without significant decay.

Large-Scale Erosion and Canyon Formation

The formation of canyons, such as the Grand Canyon, shows evidence of rapid water erosion rather than slow geological processes. Experiments following events like the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 showed how massive volumes of water can carve canyons in a short period, mirroring what a global flood might accomplish on a larger scale.

Flood Legends Across Cultures

Over 200 flood legends exist among ancient cultures worldwide, including those of the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Native Americans. Many of these accounts include a large vessel, a remnant of humanity and animals, and a divine reason for the flood. Such widespread narratives suggest a historical basis for the biblical account of Noah’s flood.

Biblical Consistency with Science

Genesis describes “the fountains of the great deep” breaking open and “the windows of heaven” releasing water (Genesis 7:11). Modern geology acknowledges subterranean water reserves and their role in catastrophic events. Furthermore, the ark’s dimensions (Genesis 6:15) align with the proportions needed for stability and capacity, as confirmed by naval architects.

Conclusion

While interpretations of evidence vary, the sedimentary layers, polystrate fossils, rapid erosion patterns, and global flood legends align with the Genesis narrative. These findings challenge the notion of slow geological processes and suggest that a catastrophic event, consistent with the biblical flood, is plausible.

Agape,

Spencer

Sources:

Morris, J. “The Global Flood.” Institute for Creation Research.

Snelling, A. “Flood Evidences.” Answers in Genesis.

Genesis 6–9, KJV.