Evidence for our faith: Biological similarities

Vertebrate eye

Biological Similarities: Evidence for God in a Six-Day Creation

The remarkable biological similarities between species—too intricate and precise to be explained by evolution—provide powerful scientific evidence for God’s existence as the Creator of all life. These shared features across diverse organisms defy the idea of gradual, naturalistic development, pointing instead to a purposeful design as recounted in the Bible’s six-day creation narrative.

Take the camera-like eye found in both humans and octopuses. Despite no evolutionary link close enough to explain it, both possess retinas, lenses, and optic nerves in stunningly similar arrangements. Evolution suggests these complex structures emerged separately by chance, but the odds of such identical designs arising independently are astronomical.

Biologist Simon Conway Morris notes that these similarities occur too frequently to be random, hinting at a deliberate pattern (Morris, 2015, The Runes of Evolution). Genesis 1:20-21 tells us God created sea creatures and birds on the fifth day, suggesting He crafted these eyes intentionally, not through eons of trial and error.

Then there’s the universal genetic code and protein-building systems—DNA and ribosomes—shared by all life, from bacteria to mankind. Evolution claims this arose once and persisted unchanged, but the complexity of these systems resists explanation as a fluke of nature. Biochemist Michael Denton calls them “primal patterns,” more akin to a master plan than a cosmic accident (Denton, 1986, Evolution: A Theory in Crisis). Genesis 1:26-27 reveals God made man in His image on the sixth day, implying a purposeful design woven into all life from the start.

Enzymes like cytochrome c, vital for energy production, further challenge evolutionary logic. Found in yeast and horses alike, their near-identical structure across vast species gaps suggests a fixed design, not random divergence. Why would such precision hold steady unless crafted by intent? Genesis 1:11-12 describes God creating plants on the third day, each “according to its kind,” hinting at a blueprint for life’s consistency. Psalm 139:14 praises His “wonderful works,” reflecting this meticulous handiwork.

Critics might argue that similarities reflect adaptation or convergence, but this overlooks the sheer complexity and specificity involved. The odds of unrelated organisms independently developing identical genetic and metabolic systems strain credulity without invoking a creator. Psalm 104:24 celebrates this: “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Biological similarities, then, are not accidents but fingerprints of a Creator who, in six days, crafted a coherent, interconnected world.

Evolution’s tale of chance and time crumbles under these biological marvels. The six-day creation offers a clearer answer: God designed life’s similarities as a signature of His power. From eyes to enzymes, the evidence aligns with Scripture’s bold claim of a purposeful beginning.

Agape,
spencer

Sources:
Denton, M. (1986). Evolution: A Theory in Crisis. Adler & Adler.
Meyer, S. C. (2013). Darwin’s Doubt. HarperOne.
Morris, S. C. (2015). The Runes of Evolution. Templeton Press.

Evidence for our Faith: the Population Problem

The Population Problem: A Case for a Young Earth

One of the most intriguing arguments for a young Earth comes from an analysis of human population growth. If humans have existed for 300,000 years or more, as conventional science suggests, the number of humans alive today—or even in recorded history—presents a logical conundrum when viewed through the lens of population dynamics. By examining reasonable growth rates and historical data, the evidence aligns more closely with a young Earth timeline, consistent with a biblical framework of roughly 6,000 to 10,000 years.

By looking at how quickly people multiply and comparing ancient survival rates to today’s, the current 8 billion population supports a short history rooted in reason and scripture.

Picture the biblical Flood 4,500 years ago, leaving just Noah’s family of eight (Genesis 7:13). With a small, steady growth rate—much lower than today’s because fewer babies survived back then—the population could climb to 8 billion in that time. It’s a straightforward buildup: start small, grow consistently, and hit today’s number without any wild leaps. This fits the tough conditions of ancient life, where disease and hardship kept survival rates low, with studies showing only about half of kids made it to adulthood (Volk & Atkinson, 2013, Historical Biology).

Now imagine humans starting 200,000 to 300,000 years ago, as some claim. Even with a tiny growth rate, the numbers explode way past 8 billion—think hundreds of billions or more in just a fraction of that time. To stay at today’s population, growth would have to stall almost completely for centuries, suggesting endless disasters like plagues or wars. But history shows humans thriving and spreading since about 10,000 years ago, not stuck in a rut. And where are all the graves from those supposed billions of extra people?

Today’s faster growth—around 0.8% a year—comes from better medicine and food, things ancient people didn’t have. Apply that rate backward over thousands of years, and you’d get ridiculous numbers, far beyond what Earth could hold. The Bible’s call to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 9:1) and the spread of nations (Genesis 10) match a 4,500-year rise to 8 billion, backed by genetic hints of a recent common ancestor (Carter, 2007, Journal of Creation). A 200,000–300,000-year story, though, needs constant excuses to explain why we’re not overrun with people.

In short, a young Earth makes sense: a steady climb from a handful to 8 billion in a few thousand years, no tricks needed. The longer timeline buckles under its own logic, leaving too many questions and not enough bones!


Agape,
spencer

Sources:
o Carter, R. (2007). “Mitochondrial Diversity within Modern Humans.” Journal of Creation, 21(2).
o Volk, A. A., & Atkinson, J. A. (2013). “Infant and Child Death in the Human Environment of Evolutionary Adaptation.” Historical Biology, 25(5).
o Genesis 5, 7:13, 9:1, 10 (KJV).

Evidence for our Faith: the Moral Argument

The Moral Argument: Why Morality Points to a Creator. God’s Revealed Word as the Source of Objective Morality

The Moral Argument for God’s existence rests on the premise that objective moral values—universal standards of right and wrong—exist and are best explained by a purposeful design from a Creator. While science highlights our innate moral instincts, the Bible provides a unique and compelling case that humanity learns these objective standards through God’s revealed word. This interplay of divine revelation and human conscience offers a profound clue to the existence of a moral lawgiver.

Objective moral values, such as the inherent wrongness of betrayal or the goodness of self-sacrifice, transcend personal opinion or cultural trends. Psychological research, like that of Paul Bloom, shows even infants exhibit rudimentary moral judgments—preferring kindness over cruelty—suggesting an inborn moral sense (Bloom, Just Babies, 2013). Yet, this alone doesn’t explain how we refine and understand these principles. The Bible steps in, asserting that God’s revealed word clarifies and establishes these standards for humanity. Without this guidance, our moral intuitions might remain vague or misdirected.

Scripture presents God as the ultimate source of morality, with His word providing the definitive moral framework. In Exodus 20:1-17, the Ten Commandments are delivered directly from God to Moses, offering unambiguous directives: “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal.” These laws aren’t mere suggestions but objective truths, reflecting God’s character and intended for all people. This revelation transforms abstract moral instincts into concrete duties, shaping human understanding of right and wrong.

Further, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” This emphasizes that morality isn’t left to human guesswork—God’s word is taught, learned, and passed down, refining our natural inclinations. The Psalms reinforce this: Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” portraying divine revelation as the guide that illuminates moral living.

Romans 2:14-15 offers a striking insight: “When Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law… they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts.” This suggests an innate moral awareness, yet the passage implies it aligns with God’s law, revealed fully in Scripture. The Bible bridges the gap between our God-given conscience and the precise standards we’re meant to follow. For instance, Micah 6:8 summarizes divine expectation: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”—a standard humanity learns through God’s word, not intuition alone.

Naturalists might argue morality evolves socially, but this fails to explain its objective weight. Cultures differ on specifics, yet core values—like justice—persist universally, echoing biblical principles. God’s revealed word provides the anchor, ensuring morality isn’t arbitrary. As Isaiah 55:8-9 notes, God’s ways are higher than ours, suggesting His revelation elevates human understanding beyond what nature alone could teach.

The Moral Argument, enriched by biblical evidence, posits that objective morality points to a Creator who reveals it through His word. Science hints at our moral wiring, but Scripture—through commandments, teachings, and declarations—grounds it in God’s eternal truth, offering humanity a clear path to righteousness.


Agape,
Spencer

Sources:
o Bloom, Paul. Just Babies: The Origins of Good and Evil. Crown, 2013.
o The Holy Bible, New International Version. Zondervan, 2011 (Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Psalm 119:105, Romans 2:14-15, Micah 6:8, Isaiah 55:8-9).

Evidence for our faith: Fine Tuning

The Laws of Physics: Evidence of a Lawgiver

Could the laws of physics—precise, universal, and life-sustaining—point to a purposeful design, a Lawgiver shaping the cosmos? Modern science offers compelling clues that resonate with biblical accounts, suggesting God’s hand in creation.

The universe’s fine-tuning is astonishing. Physicist Paul Davies (The Cosmic Blueprint, 1988) highlights that if gravity shifted by one part in 10^40, stars like our Sun—vital for life—wouldn’t exist.

Roger Penrose (The Emperor’s New Mind, 1989) calculates the initial entropy —essentially the universe’s starting level of disorder— required odds-defying precision (1 in 10^10^123) for a habitable cosmos. This suggests intent, not chance, mirroring Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Equally remarkable is the rational order of these laws. Eugene Wigner’s 1960 paper, “The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics,” marvels at how abstract equations govern reality with uncanny accuracy. Why does the universe follow such logic? Psalm 19:1 offers a poetic parallel: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands,” declaring a mind behind the order.

The universe’s origin adds intrigue. The Big Bang, confirmed by cosmic microwave background radiation (Penzias and Wilson, 1965), marks a sudden start from nothing. Stephen Hawking (A Brief History of Time, 1988) notes this challenges materialist explanations, as “nothing” producing “something” implies a cause beyond physics. Genesis 1:3—“And God said, ‘Let there be light’”—echoes this emergence.

The anthropic principle—meaning the universe seems tailored for human life— deepens the case. Michael Denton (Nature’s Destiny, 1998) argues that physical laws governing carbon, water, and oxygen are uniquely tuned for life. Alter any constant slightly, and biology collapses. Isaiah 45:18 aligns: God “formed the earth… to be inhabited.” Such specificity strains random odds, suggesting deliberate calibration.

Skeptics propose a multiverse to explain our “lucky” universe, but this lacks evidence and complicates rather than clarifies. A single, purposeful design aligns with Occam’s razor. Romans 1:20 ties it together: God’s “invisible qualities… have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” The laws of physics—fine-tuned, rational, and life-enabling— more than whisper of a Lawgiver, inviting us to ponder the Creator behind the cosmos.

Agape,

Spencer

Sources:

  • Davies, Paul. The Cosmic Blueprint. 1988.
  • Penrose, Roger. The Emperor’s New Mind. 1989.
  • Wigner, Eugene. “The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics.” 1960.
  • Hawking, Stephen. A Brief History of Time. 1988.

Denton, Michael. Nature’s Destiny. 1998.

Evidence for our faith: a Young Earth

Compelling Evidence of a Young Earth

The debate over the age of the Earth has been ongoing for centuries, with mainstream science advocating for an age of about 4.5 billion years. However, significant scientific evidence challenges this timeline and supports the view that the Earth is much younger. Below are several compelling arguments, supported by observable data, that point to a young Earth.

1. The Decay of Earth’s Magnetic Field. The Earth’s magnetic field is rapidly decaying, with measurements indicating an exponential decline. Dr. Thomas G. Barnes first analyzed this phenomenon in 1971, showing that the field’s energy has decreased by approximately 50% over the past 1,400 years (Barnes, 1973). If we extrapolate this trend backward, the field would have been so strong just 10,000 years ago that life on Earth would not have been possible due to excessive heat and radiation. This suggests that the Earth’s magnetic field cannot be millions of years old, let alone billions.

2. Soft Tissue in Dinosaur Fossils. One of the most astonishing discoveries in paleontology has been the presence of soft tissues, collagen, and even red blood cells in dinosaur fossils. Dr. Mary Schweitzer first reported these findings in a 1997 study on a T. rex femur (Schweitzer et al., 1997). Subsequent discoveries confirmed that proteins like collagen, which break down relatively quickly, could not survive for the 65+ million years assigned to these fossils. Since such biological materials should degrade completely within a few tens of thousands of years, these discoveries suggest that the fossils are much younger than traditionally believed.

3. Carbon-14 in Ancient Fossils and Diamonds. Carbon-14 (C-14) dating is a method used to determine the age of once-living materials, but it has a fundamental limitation: C-14 decays so quickly that anything older than 100,000 years should have no detectable traces remaining. However, measurable amounts of C-14 have been found in coal, oil, natural gas, and even diamonds—materials supposedly millions to billions of years old (Baumgardner et al., 2003). These findings indicate that these materials are not nearly as old as conventional dating methods suggest.

4. Recession of the Moon. The Moon is slowly moving away from the Earth at a measured rate of approximately 3.8 cm per year (Dickey et al., 1994). If we extrapolate this rate backward, the Moon would have been much closer to the Earth in the past. Just 1.5 billion years ago, the Moon would have been so close that Earth’s tidal forces would have torn it apart. Yet, the standard model suggests the Moon has been receding for over 4 billion years. The current observed recession rate is difficult to reconcile with a billions-of-years-old Earth-Moon system, but it fits well within a young Earth framework.

5. Helium Retention in Zircon Crystals. Zircon crystals, found deep in the Earth’s crust, contain uranium, which decays into lead while simultaneously releasing helium. Since helium is a lightweight, highly diffusive gas, it should escape from these crystals relatively quickly. However, studies have found high concentrations of helium in zircons from Precambrian rock (Gentry et al., 1982). If these rocks were truly over a billion years old, the helium should have long since dissipated. The retention of helium suggests an age of only about 6,000 years, aligning closely with a biblical timeframe.

6. Rapid Formation of Geological Features. The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens provided a remarkable case study on how catastrophic events can rapidly shape geological features. Within hours, massive sedimentary layers were deposited, and within days, a new canyon was carved, resembling those believed to have taken millions of years to form (Morris & Austin, 2003). This demonstrates that many geological formations attributed to vast ages could have been formed quickly under the right conditions, such as during a global flood.

7. Biblical Evidence for a Young Earth. The Bible provides a historical framework that aligns with a young Earth. The genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11, when traced chronologically, place the creation of the world at approximately 6,000 years ago. Exodus 20:11 states, “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day.” This passage affirms a literal six-day creation, contradicting the notion of an ancient Earth. Furthermore, Jesus referenced the creation of man “from the beginning of the creation” (Mark 10:6), indicating that humanity was present near the start of Earth’s history, not billions of years after its formation.

The Weight of the Evidence. The conventional billions-of-years model is based on assumptions that increasingly conflict with observable scientific data. The rapid decay of Earth’s magnetic field, the presence of soft tissues in dinosaur fossils, the discovery of C-14 in supposedly ancient materials, the Moon’s recession rate, helium retention in zircons, and the rapid formation of geological features all point to an Earth that is far younger than mainstream science asserts.

If the foundations of an old Earth are shaken by observable data, then the question remains: Why is the conventional narrative so resistant to change? The implications of a young Earth challenge not just scientific paradigms but also philosophical and theological worldviews. If the Earth is young, then biblical history is not just a religious tradition—it is an accurate record of our origins. The evidence speaks for itself, but the willingness to follow that evidence remains a matter of conviction.

Agape,

Spencer

Evidence for our faith: the Cambrian Explosion

The Cambrian Explosion presents one of the most compelling challenges to evolutionary theory and a powerful argument for sudden creation. This event, characterized by the sudden appearance of diverse and complex animal forms in the fossil record, aligns with the Cosmological Argument, suggesting a Creator’s intervention in the origins of life.

During the Cambrian Explosion, nearly all the major animal phyla appeared abruptly without clear evolutionary precursors. Trilobites, arthropods, mollusks, echinoderms, and many other complex organisms emerged fully formed with distinct body plans. This event contradicts Darwinian expectations of gradual transitions through intermediate forms over long periods. Instead, the fossil evidence supports the idea of sudden creation, where life forms were introduced in a fully functional and diverse state.

One of the most striking examples is the trilobite, which possessed highly complex compound eyes with dozens of lenses. These eyes required precise anatomical and biochemical systems to function, challenging the idea of their gradual evolution. Such sophisticated designs appearing suddenly in the fossil record point toward intelligent design rather than chance processes.

The abruptness of the Cambrian Explosion highlights the inadequacy of naturalistic explanations. Evolutionary models have struggled to account for the lack of transitional fossils leading to these diverse life forms. Attempts to explain this event, such as the “genetic toolkit” hypothesis, fail to address why the genetic information and mechanisms for such diversity appeared so suddenly and simultaneously.

From a biblical perspective, the Cambrian Explosion aligns with the narrative of creation as described in Genesis. Genesis 1:20-21 declares, “And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life… And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind.” This description of life appearing abundantly and fully formed mirrors the pattern observed in the Cambrian Explosion.

The Cambrian Explosion provides compelling evidence for sudden creation, challenging the gradualism central to Darwinian evolution. The abrupt appearance of complex organisms, lacking evolutionary precursors, suggests a Creator who brings forth life in abundance and complexity.

Another theory for the Cambrian explosion held by some creationists interprets it as consistent with the biblical account of a worldwide flood, as described in Genesis 6–9.

Sources:

  • Stephen C. Meyer, Darwin’s Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design

Agape, Spencer

Evidence for our Faith: The Human Eye

The Human Eye

The human eye is one of the most intricate and sophisticated organs in the body, often cited as evidence of intelligent design. Its complexity and functionality defy random chance, pointing instead to purposeful creation. The eye’s ability to perceive light, distinguish colors, and adapt to varying conditions showcases an engineering marvel that naturalistic evolutionary processes struggle to explain.

The eye operates as an integrated system, relying on the coordinated function of numerous components. These include the cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve, and a network of supporting cells and tissues. The retina, for example, contains millions of photoreceptor cells—rods and cones—that convert light into electrical signals. These signals are then processed by the brain, enabling us to perceive the world in vivid detail. The cones are responsible for color vision, while rods excel in low-light conditions, allowing us to adapt to different environments.

A hallmark of the eye’s design is its irreducible complexity. Each part of the eye depends on the others to function properly. For instance, the lens focuses light onto the retina, which converts the light into signals transmitted by the optic nerve to the brain. If any of these components were absent or incomplete, the eye would be nonfunctional. This interdependence challenges the notion of gradual evolution, as intermediate stages would provide no survival advantage.

Darwin himself acknowledged this difficulty, writing in On the Origin of Species: “To suppose that the eye, with all its inimitable contrivances… could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest degree.” (Charles Darwin, On the Origin of Species.)

Biblically, the eye’s intricacy reflects God’s intentional design. Psalm 94:9 asks, “He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see?” This rhetorical question emphasizes that the Creator, who designed the human eye, possesses perfect knowledge and wisdom. The complexity of the eye aligns with this biblical perspective, affirming a purposeful Designer.

Scientific attempts to explain the evolution of the eye, such as the idea of incremental improvements through natural selection, fail to account for the precise coordination required for its functionality. Mutations alone cannot produce the tightly integrated system observed in the human eye, further supporting the argument for intelligent design.

The human eye stands as a testament to the existence of a Creator. Its complexity, irreducible nature, and unparalleled functionality defy naturalistic explanations, pointing instead to purposeful design. As Romans 1:20 declares, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.” The human eye, a marvel of engineering, is a clear manifestation of God’s creative power and wisdom.

Agape,

Spencer

Evidence for our Faith: Irreducible Complexity

A Mousetrap represents an example of irreducible complexity

The concept of irreducible complexity presents a powerful argument for the existence of a Designer. Coined by biochemist Michael Behe, irreducible complexity refers to biological systems composed of multiple interdependent parts, all of which must function simultaneously for the system to work. Such systems cannot arise through gradual evolutionary processes, as removing even one component renders the system nonfunctional. This hallmark of intentional design points to the existence of an intelligent Creator.

One of the most cited examples of irreducible complexity is the bacterial flagellum, a microscopic rotary motor used by bacteria for propulsion. The flagellum comprises over 40 distinct protein components, including a rotor, stator, drive shaft, bushing, and propeller. Each part is precisely shaped and positioned to interact with the others, enabling the flagellum to rotate at incredible speeds—up to 100,000 revolutions per minute in some species.

The flagellum’s functionality depends on the presence of all its components working together. If even one protein is missing, the entire system fails, offering no advantage to the organism. This contradicts Darwinian evolutionary mechanisms, which propose gradual modifications and natural selection as the means of developing complex structures. As Behe argues in his book Darwin’s Black Box, such irreducible systems could not have evolved step-by-step, as intermediate stages would confer no benefit to survival.

The Bible supports the idea of intentional design in creation. Job 12:7-9 invites us to consider the evidence of God’s hand in the natural world: “But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?” The intricacy of the flagellum echoes this truth, revealing the handiwork of a Creator. The bacterial flagellum, a marvel of engineering, stands as evidence of God’s power and wisdom.

Scientifically, attempts to explain the flagellum through evolutionary mechanisms remain inconclusive. Proposals like co-option, which suggest that existing proteins were repurposed for new functions, fail to account for the precise timing, positioning, and coordination required to assemble the flagellum. Such precision implies design, not chance.

Irreducible complexity in systems like the bacterial flagellum provides compelling proof of a Designer. Its intricate structure and functionality defy evolutionary explanations, aligning with biblical declarations of God’s creative work. This undeniable complexity reflects the harmony between science and faith, pointing to the Creator behind the design.

Agape,

Spencer

Evidence for our Faith: DNA

RNA is necessary to produce the proteins, like RNA polymerase, that are required to transcribe RNA from DNA, creating an interdependent system that could not function without all parts existing simultaneously.

Evidence of God in DNA

DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, serves as the molecular basis of heredity and the blueprint for all living organisms. Within its structure lies an extraordinary amount of information encoded in sequences of nucleotide bases. This informational content directs the development, functioning, and reproduction of living beings, showcasing a complexity that defies random chance.

The intricate information stored in DNA speaks to the concept of intelligent design proposed by the Cosmological Argument. This argument posits that the order and complexity observed in the universe, including biological systems like DNA, imply a purposeful design rather than mere random processes. The information-rich nature of DNA points towards a mind behind its creation—a mind that comprehends and engineers complex systems far beyond human understanding.

Biblically, the narrative supports this idea of intentional design. Psalm 139:14 states, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” This verse acknowledges the intricate craftsmanship evident in human beings, echoing the complexity found in DNA. Moreover, Genesis 1:27 affirms that mankind is created in the image of God, implying a deliberate act of creation imbued with purpose and design.

Scientifically, the discovery of DNA’s structure and function has revolutionized our understanding of biology and genetics. Francis Crick and James Watson’s explanation of its double helix structure in 1953 marked a watershed moment in science, revealing the elegance and complexity of this molecule. Since then, advancements in genomic research have uncovered layers of complexity within DNA that continue to astonish scientists.

Moreover, the concept of irreducible complexity, as proposed by biochemist Michael Behe, further bolsters the argument for intelligent design in DNA. Irreducible complexity posits that certain biological systems are composed of multiple intricate parts that must all be present and functioning for the system to work. This challenges the idea of gradual evolution through natural selection alone, suggesting instead a purposeful arrangement of components.

Romans 1:20 declares, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” This verse emphasizes that the intricacies of creation, such as DNA, bear witness to God’s existence and creative power.

The study of DNA provides compelling evidence for the Cosmological Argument, pointing towards an intelligent designer behind the complexity of life.

Agape,

Spencer

Evidence for our faith: Ontological Argument

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