Reason and Revelation

[w_stewart]

Discussion on the existence of God is a hot issue between theists and atheists. The latter claim that it cannot be proven since there is no evidence to support it. The former, however, assert that it can be proven through reason and revelation.

My question is:

How to demonstrate the existence of God through reason and revelation?

 

[Verbum]

Hi W.,

The five proofs of St. Thomas Aquinas can be found at

members.aol.com/plweiss1/aquinas.htm

These have apologetic value. However, I have never heard that anyone was converted by any proof. God works in His own way.

I would point out that it is not rational for atheists to ask US to prove the existence of God. There is such a thing as universal consensus, and when universal consensus exists, the burden of proof rests on those who don’t participate in the consensus. For example, there was a time when it was the general consensus that the sun went around the earth. When someone came up with a different idea, the burden of proof was on THEM. Eventually, the theory was accepted.

In the same way, the vast majority of people on earth believe in a supreme being. The onus is on those who are not part of that consensus to prove us wrong.

Verbum

 

[Pax]

I would suggest Peter Kreeft’s book The Handbook of Christian Apologetics. Kreeft does a masterful job of presenting all of the top philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God. Interestingly enough, every philosophical argument against the the existence of God has logical flaws or is otherwise self contradictory. There are, however, a number of arguments in favor of the existence of God that stand up to every test of logic. Together the positive arguments make a powerful case, but they do not provide an absolute proof. If they did, there would be no need for faith.

 

[joseph_virgen]

should i want to know of science, i would avail myself of all manner of science literature. should i want to know of God, i should learn only from available holy writings. the logic is inescapable.

“The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

the disciples witnessed all, and they abandoned the Nazarene to his fate. something extraordinary had to have happened for them to loose their horrific fear of death.------------------------------the resurrection.

for some, even seeing was not sufficient, as thomas had to feel him to believe it was truly the Nazarene who walked amongst them.