Existence of God and revelation Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is the Design Argument?
The argument that the universe is too ordered and complex to have occurred by chance, so it must have a designer – God.
What is the Christian view on the Design Argument?
Many Christians support it, seeing God as the intelligent designer behind creation (e.g., William Paley’s watch analogy).
What is the Buddhist view on the Design Argument?
Generally rejected; Buddhism does not rely on a creator God – the universe arises from cause and effect (dependent origination).
What is the First Cause Argument (Cosmological Argument)?
Everything has a cause, so there must be a first cause that caused everything else – that first cause is God.
What is the Christian view on the First Cause Argument?
Many accept it; supported by Aquinas – God is the uncaused cause who began the universe.
What is the Buddhist view on the First Cause Argument?
Generally disagrees; sees the universe as a cycle without beginning or end, driven by karma and conditions, not a creator God.
What is the Argument from Miracles?
Miracles are events that break natural laws and have no natural explanation – they suggest divine intervention.
What is the Christian view on miracles?
Seen as evidence of God’s existence and action in the world (e.g., resurrection of Jesus, healing miracles).
What is the Buddhist view on miracles?
Miracles may occur but are not proof of a divine being; the focus is on inner wisdom and personal practice.
What is the Argument from Religious Experience?
If someone experiences God directly, that is evidence that God exists.
What is the Christian view on religious experience?
Many see religious experiences, visions, and prayer as proof of God’s presence.
What is the Buddhist view on religious experience?
Deep meditation can lead to spiritual insight, but it is not contact with a god – it’s an internal realisation of truth.
What is special revelation?
When God reveals himself directly to an individual (e.g., through a vision or miracle).
What is general revelation?
Knowledge of God through ordinary, everyday experiences (e.g., nature, conscience, scripture).
What is the Christian view on revelation?
God reveals himself through the Bible (special), creation and conscience (general), and most importantly through Jesus Christ.
What is the Buddhist view on revelation?
No belief in divine revelation; truth is discovered through personal experience, meditation, and wisdom.
What is the Bible in Christianity?
The holy book inspired by God, containing God’s teachings and revelations, divided into the Old and New Testaments.
What are scriptures in Buddhism?
Texts such as the Tripitaka or Dhammapada which contain the teachings of the Buddha – based on human insight, not divine command.
What is enlightenment?
In Buddhism, the state of ultimate understanding, achieved through meditation and wisdom, freeing one from the cycle of rebirth.
What is omnipotence?
The belief that God is all-powerful – He can do anything that is logically possible.
What is omniscience?
The belief that God is all-knowing – He knows everything past, present, and future.
What is benevolence?
The belief that God is all-loving – He cares for creation and acts with love.
What is the problem of evil?
If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does evil and suffering exist?
How do Christians respond to the problem of evil?
Some say suffering is a test, result of free will, or part of God’s plan; Jesus also suffered.
