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Magis God Wiki: "Why Believe in God?"
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© Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. Ph.D./Magis Institute July 2011
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There is a list of suggested [[Search Terms]] to assist users in quickly finding their topic of interest.
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== Unit A: Does Belief in God Enhance Purpose in Life? ==
 
== Unit A: Does Belief in God Enhance Purpose in Life? ==
  
−
This material is not in NPEG, but may be found in Units 27-28 of PID.
+
[[Purpose in Life]]
 +
 
 +
This material is not in NPEG, but may be found beginning in Unit 26 of [http://physicsindialog.org PID].
  
 
=== What produces happiness and purpose in life? ===
 
=== What produces happiness and purpose in life? ===
 +
 +
[[Purpose_in_Life#Happiness_and_Purpose_in_Life |Happiness and Purpose]]
  
 
=== From immediate gratification and surface apparentness to what is pervasive, enduring, and deep. ===
 
=== From immediate gratification and surface apparentness to what is pervasive, enduring, and deep. ===
 +
 +
[[Purpose_in_Life#Moving_from_Shallow_to_Deep |Shallowness to Depth]]
  
 
=== Four levels of happiness and purpose in life ===
 
=== Four levels of happiness and purpose in life ===
 +
 +
[[Purpose_in_Life#The_Four_Levels |The Four Levels]]
  
 
=== Level two identity, the comparison game, and our culture’s source of anxiety. ===
 
=== Level two identity, the comparison game, and our culture’s source of anxiety. ===
 +
 +
[[Purpose_in_Life#The_Comparison_Game |The Comparison Game]]
  
 
=== Two ways out of the comparison game – level three and level four purpose in life.  ===
 
=== Two ways out of the comparison game – level three and level four purpose in life.  ===
 +
 +
[[Purpose_in_Life#Ending_the_Game |Getting Out of the Game]]
  
 
=== Level four purpose and happiness – transcendence and faith. ===
 
=== Level four purpose and happiness – transcendence and faith. ===
 +
 +
[[Purpose_in_Life#Transcendence |Faith Leading to Transcendence]]
  
 
=== Maintaining a level four purpose in life. ===
 
=== Maintaining a level four purpose in life. ===
 +
 +
[[Purpose_in_Life#Maintaining_Transcendence |Maintaining the Transcendent Happiness]]
  
 
== Unit B: Is There any Evidence for the Human Soul? ==
 
== Unit B: Is There any Evidence for the Human Soul? ==
  
−
This material is not contained in NPEG, but is in Units 13-14 of PID.  
+
This material is not contained in NPEG, but is in Units 20-21 of [http://physicsindialog.org PID].  
  
 
=== An assessment of peer-reviewed medical studies on near death experiences from the Lancet, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and other studies. ===
 
=== An assessment of peer-reviewed medical studies on near death experiences from the Lancet, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and other studies. ===
 +
 +
[[The Human Soul]] (This is a single article covering the topics below, which are indexed there for quick reference).
  
 
=== The definition of “brain death,” alternative explanations, and controlled, longitudinal studies. ===
 
=== The definition of “brain death,” alternative explanations, and controlled, longitudinal studies. ===
  
 
=== Eight similar characteristics in near-death experiences. ===
 
=== Eight similar characteristics in near-death experiences. ===
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=The_Human_Soul#Near-Death_Experiences Characteristics of NDEs].
  
 
=== Patients report seeing data that should not have been accessible to them in their brain-dead states, and which is subsequently verifiable (veridical). ===
 
=== Patients report seeing data that should not have been accessible to them in their brain-dead states, and which is subsequently verifiable (veridical). ===
 +
 +
[[The_Human_Soul#The_van_Lommel_et_al_Study | The von Lommel Study]].  Veridical data established.
  
 
=== 80% of blind patients can see during their near-death experience. ===
 
=== 80% of blind patients can see during their near-death experience. ===
 +
 +
[[The_Human_Soul#The_Kenneth_Ring.2C_et_al_Study_of_Near-Death_Experiences_of_the_Blind | The Kenneth Ring Study of NDEs of the Blind]].
  
 
=== The measurable absence of death anxiety in both children and adults. ===
 
=== The measurable absence of death anxiety in both children and adults. ===
 +
 +
[[The_Human_Soul#Melvin_Morse.2C_MD_.E2.80.93_Study_of_Near-Death_Experiences_of_Children | The Melvin Morse Study of NDEs in Children]].
  
 
=== Encounters with transcendent beings (loving white light, Jesus, deceased relatives, etc.). ===
 
=== Encounters with transcendent beings (loving white light, Jesus, deceased relatives, etc.). ===
  
 
=== Conclusions of Von Lommel and other studies. ===
 
=== Conclusions of Von Lommel and other studies. ===
 +
 +
[[The_Human_Soul#Conclusions_Regarding_Near-Death_Experiences | Conclusions drawn from the studies]].
  
 
== Unit C: Is there Evidence of a Human Soul (Transcendentals)? ==
 
== Unit C: Is there Evidence of a Human Soul (Transcendentals)? ==
  
−
An in depth analysis of this material may be found in NPEG Chapters 7-8 and a lecture presentation may also be found in PID Units 15-16.   
+
[[The Transcendentals]]
 +
 
 +
An in depth analysis of this material may be found in NPEG Chapters 7-8 and a lecture presentation may also be found in [http://physicsindialog.org PID Units 14-19].   
  
 
=== The desire for complete intelligibility and perfect truth. ===
 
=== The desire for complete intelligibility and perfect truth. ===
 +
 +
[[The_Transcendentals#I._The_Desire_for_Perfect_and_Unconditional_Truth |The Desire for Perfect and Unconditional Truth]]
  
 
=== The desire for perfect love and empathy. ===
 
=== The desire for perfect love and empathy. ===
 +
 +
[[The_Transcendentals#II._The_Desire_for_Perfect_and_Unconditional_Love |The Desire for Perfect and Unconditional Love]]
  
 
=== The desire for perfect justice/goodness. ===
 
=== The desire for perfect justice/goodness. ===
 +
 +
[[The_Transcendentals#III._The_Desire_for_Perfect_and_Unconditional_Goodness.2FJustice |The Desire for Perfect and Unconditional Goodness & Justice]]
  
 
=== The desire for perfect beauty. ===
 
=== The desire for perfect beauty. ===
 +
 +
[[The_Transcendentals#IV._The_Desire_for_Perfect_and_Unconditional_Beauty |The Desire for Perfect and Unconditional Beauty]]
  
 
=== The desire for perfect being/home. ===
 
=== The desire for perfect being/home. ===
−
+
 
 +
[[The_Transcendentals#V._The_Desire_for_Perfect_and_Unconditional_Being.2FHome |The Desire for Perfect and Unconditional Being & Home]]
 +
 
 
=== The five transcendental desires and the transmateriality of human consciousness. ===
 
=== The five transcendental desires and the transmateriality of human consciousness. ===
 +
 +
[[The_Transcendentals#Conclusion |Conclusion]]
  
 
=== The five transcendental desires and God. ===
 
=== The five transcendental desires and God. ===
Line 57: Line 105:
 
== Unit D: Is there Evidence of God from Science? ==
 
== Unit D: Is there Evidence of God from Science? ==
  
−
A more in depth assessment of this material may be found in NPEG Chapters 1-2 and the Postscript to Part One, and a lecture presentation may be found in PID Units 1-6.
+
[[Cosmology]] incuding Physics.
 +
 
 +
A more in depth assessment of this material may be found in NPEG Chapters 1-2 and the Postscript to Part One, and a lecture presentation may be found in [http://physicsindialog.org PID Units 1-5].
  
 
=== The extent and limits of scientific method. ===
 
=== The extent and limits of scientific method. ===
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#Can_Science_Give_Evidence_of_a_Creation_and_Supernatural_Design.3F Limits of Science].
  
 
=== The standard big bang model. ===
 
=== The standard big bang model. ===
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#Was_the_Big_Bang_the_Beginning.3F The Big Bang and the Beginning].
  
 
=== Was the big bang the beginning of the universe (13.7 billion years ago)? ===
 
=== Was the big bang the beginning of the universe (13.7 billion years ago)? ===
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#A_Beginning_in_Physics_Implies_A_Creation_of_the_Universe Beginning of the Universe].
  
 
=== The significance of a beginning in physics – implications of creation. ===
 
=== The significance of a beginning in physics – implications of creation. ===
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#What_is_The_Evidence_for_a_Beginning_and_what_are_the_Implications_for_Creation.3F Implications of Creation].
  
 
=== Three models for a pre-big-bang period. ===
 
=== Three models for a pre-big-bang period. ===
Line 76: Line 134:
  
 
=== Significant evidence that all three models for a pre-big-bang period would have to have a beginning. ===
 
=== Significant evidence that all three models for a pre-big-bang period would have to have a beginning. ===
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#Evidence_of_a_Beginning_from_Space-Time_Geometry_Proofs Space-Time Geometry].
  
 
==== The evidence from space-time geometry proofs (Borde, Guth, and Vilenkin). ====
 
==== The evidence from space-time geometry proofs (Borde, Guth, and Vilenkin). ====
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#The_1994_Borde-Vilenkin_Proof B-V Proof of 1994].
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#Alan_Guth.E2.80.99s_1999_analysis_of_expanding_pre-big-bang_models The Guth Analysis of 1999].
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#The_2003_Borde-Vilenkin-Guth_Theorem_.28the_BVG_Theorem.29: The 2003 BVG Theorem].
  
 
==== The evidence from entropy (Penrose, Beckenstein, Banks, Carroll). ====
 
==== The evidence from entropy (Penrose, Beckenstein, Banks, Carroll). ====
  
 
=== Universal constants, anthropic coincidences, and fine-tuning. ===
 
=== Universal constants, anthropic coincidences, and fine-tuning. ===
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#Implications_of_Supernatural_Intelligence_in_the_Fine-tuning_of_Universal_Constants Fine Tuning].
  
 
==== Five examples of fine-tuning. ====
 
==== Five examples of fine-tuning. ====
  
 
==== Can fine-tuning be explained by pure chance? ====
 
==== Can fine-tuning be explained by pure chance? ====
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#The_high_improbability_of_a_pure_chance_occurrence_of_our_low-entropy_universe Pure Chance Improbable].
  
 
==== Two competing explanations:  the multiverse and supernatural design. ====
 
==== Two competing explanations:  the multiverse and supernatural design. ====
  
 
==== Which of these two explanations is most reasonable and responsible? ====
 
==== Which of these two explanations is most reasonable and responsible? ====
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#The_high_improbability_of_five_other_anthropic_conditions_.28based_on_cosmological_constants.29 Discussion of Probability]
  
 
=== Conclusions about the probability of super intelligent Creator. ===
 
=== Conclusions about the probability of super intelligent Creator. ===
 +
 +
[http://magisgodwiki.org/index.php?title=Cosmology#Conclusions Conclusions].
  
 
== Unit E: Can the Bible be Reconciled with Science? ==
 
== Unit E: Can the Bible be Reconciled with Science? ==
  
−
This unit is not found in either NPEG or PID, however, there is a free videocast on [http://www.magisreasonfaith.org The Magis website] – press the videos icon, and click on God and Modern Physics Unit 12.  
+
[[The Bible and Science]]
 +
 
 +
This unit is not found in either NPEG or PID, however, there is a free videocast on [http://www.magisreasonfaith.org/library/videos/video-god-and-modern-physics-module-12/ The Magis website].
  
 
=== The bible is not doing science – but theology, sacred truths. ===
 
=== The bible is not doing science – but theology, sacred truths. ===
 +
 +
[[The_Bible_and_Science#Theology_Not_Science |Theology not Science]]
  
 
=== What was the biblical author’s intention in writing Genesis:1:1ff? ===
 
=== What was the biblical author’s intention in writing Genesis:1:1ff? ===
  
−
=== What is the scientific account of the first three seconds of creation? ===
+
[[The_Bible_and_Science#The_Intent_of_Genesis |The Intent of Genesis]]
  
 
=== Is evolution reconcilable with the bible? ===
 
=== Is evolution reconcilable with the bible? ===
 +
 +
[[The_Bible_and_Science#Darwinian_Evolution |The Bible and Evolution]]
  
 
=== Human beings are not reducible to merely organic mechanisms, and therefore, cannot be the result of a merely bio-physical process (like evolution). ===
 
=== Human beings are not reducible to merely organic mechanisms, and therefore, cannot be the result of a merely bio-physical process (like evolution). ===
 +
 +
[[The_Bible_and_Science#The_Human_Soul |About the Human Soul]]
  
 
==== The trans-material component of human beings must have another origin ====
 
==== The trans-material component of human beings must have another origin ====
  
−
[[#Unit_B: Is There any Evidence for the Human Soul. | See above, Unit B]].
+
[[Why_Believe_in_God%3F#Unit_B:_Is_There_any_Evidence_for_the_Human_Soul.3F | See above, Unit B]].
  
 
== Unit F: Can the Existence of God be Logically Proven? ==
 
== Unit F: Can the Existence of God be Logically Proven? ==
  
−
This Unit contains only steps I and V of a logical proof for God’s existence.  Steps II, III, and IV can be found in NPEG Chapter Three (Sections II through IV) and PID Units 7-11.  Those wishing a review of logical syllogisms may want to consult PID Units 7-8.
+
[[Metaphysical Proofs]]
 +
 
 +
This Unit contains only steps I and V of a logical proof for God’s existence.  Steps II, III, and IV can be found in NPEG Chapter Three (Sections II through IV) and [http://physicsindialog.org PID Units 6-11].  Those wishing a review of logical syllogisms may want to consult [http://physicsindialog.org PID Units 6-7].
  
 
=== Three kinds of publicly corroborateable evidence – a-priori, a-posteriori, and combinations. ===
 
=== Three kinds of publicly corroborateable evidence – a-priori, a-posteriori, and combinations. ===
 +
 +
[[Metaphysical_Proofs#Three_Kinds_of_Publicly_Accessible_Evidence_for_Rational_Proof |Three Kinds of Publicly Corroborateable Evidence]]
  
 
=== Step I of the metaphysical proof – proof that there must be at least one unconditioned reality in “all reality.” ===
 
=== Step I of the metaphysical proof – proof that there must be at least one unconditioned reality in “all reality.” ===
 +
 +
[[Metaphysical_Proofs#Proof_of_the_Existence_of_at_Least_One_Unconditioned_Reality |Proof of the Existence of at least One Unconditioned Reality]]
  
 
=== A record of the missing steps of the proof ===
 
=== A record of the missing steps of the proof ===
  
−
These can be found in NPEG and PID (as noted above).  These steps prove that there can only be one unconditioned reality and that it must be absolutely simple and unrestricted in its power.
+
These can be found in NPEG and [http://physicsindialog.org PID] (as noted above).  These steps prove that there can only be one unconditioned reality and that it must be absolutely simple and unrestricted in its power.
  
 
===Step V of the proof which shows that the one unconditioned absolutely simple unrestricted reality must be the continuous Creator of all else that is. ===
 
===Step V of the proof which shows that the one unconditioned absolutely simple unrestricted reality must be the continuous Creator of all else that is. ===
 +
 +
[[Metaphysical_Proofs#Proof_that_the_One_Unconditioned_Reality_is_the_Continuous_Creator_of_All_Else_that_Is |Proof that the One Unconditioned Reality is the Continuous Creator of All Else that Is]].
  
 
== Unit G: Is there Evidence of God from Mathematics? ==
 
== Unit G: Is there Evidence of God from Mathematics? ==
−
For a more in depth presentation of time and the formal a-priori synthetic argument for a timeless Creator of time, see NPEG Chapter Five and also PID Units 22-25.  
+
For a more in depth presentation of time and the formal a-priori synthetic argument for a timeless Creator of time, see NPEG Chapter Five and also [http://physicsindialog.org PID Units 22-25].
 +
 
 +
=== “Infinite past time” is an analytical contradiction. ===
 +
 
 +
[[Mathematics#An_Analytical_Contradiction_in_.22Infinite_Past_Time.22 |An Analytical Contradiction in "Infinite Past Time"]]
 +
 
 +
=== Three kinds of infinity (A, B, and C infinities). ===
 +
 
 +
Covered in the last paragraphs of [[Mathematics#An_Analytical_Contradiction_in_.22Infinite_Past_Time.22 |An Analytical Contradiction in "Infinite Past Time"]]
 +
 
 +
=== David Hilbert’s prohibition of C infinities applied to real aggregate structures. ===
  
−
1. “Infinite past time” is an analytical contradiction.
+
[[Mathematics#Summary_of_Hilbert.27s_Prohibition_of_Actual_Infinities |Hilbert's Prohibition of Actual Infinities]]
  
−
2. Three kinds of infinity (A, B, and C infinities).
+
=== What is real time? ===
  
−
3. David Hilbert’s prohibition of C infinities applied to real aggregate structures.
+
[[Mathematics#A_Brief_Explanation_of_Real_Time |A Brief Explanation of Real Time]]
  
−
4. What is real time?
+
=== The prohibition of a C infinity to real time ===
  
−
5. The prohibition of a C infinity to real time implying that past time must be finite and that it must have a beginning, further implying a Creator of past time.   
+
Implying that past time must be finite and that it must have a beginning, further implying a Creator of past time.  See [[Mathematics#Conclusions |Conclusions]]
  
 
== Unit H: Why Doesn’t God Need a Creator? ==
 
== Unit H: Why Doesn’t God Need a Creator? ==
  
−
An in depth treatment of this material may be found in NPEG Chapter Six Section I.C.  It is briefly treated in PID Unit 12.
+
[[God is Uncreated]]
 +
 
 +
An in depth treatment of this material may be found in NPEG Chapter Six Section I.C.  It is briefly treated in [http://physicsindialog.org PID Unit 12].
 +
 
 +
=== No serious philosopher ever suggested that “everything must have a cause,” ===
 +
 
 +
For this would imply that God needs a cause.  See [[God is Uncreated#Serious Metaphysicians Don't Dismiss First Cause |Serious Metaphysicians Don't Dismiss First Cause]]
 +
 
 +
=== All rigorous logical proofs require that there be at least one uncaused reality. ===
  
−
1. No serious philosopher ever suggested that “everything must have a cause,” for this would imply that God needs a cause.
+
=== All rigorous proofs show that there can only be one uncaused reality ===
  
−
2. All rigorous logical proofs require that there be at least one uncaused reality.
+
(see Unit F).
  
−
3. All rigorous proofs show that there can only be one uncaused reality (see Unit F).
+
=== Conclusion of Proof of God Not Needing a Creator ===
  
−
4. Therefore, all rigorous proofs show that everything in reality besides the one uncaused reality must be caused and that the one uncaused reality must be the cause of all else that is.  God does not need to be created – indeed, he must be “that which is uncreated,” otherwise nothing would exist.
+
All rigorous proofs show that everything in reality besides the one uncaused reality must be caused and that the one uncaused reality must be the cause of all else that is.  God does not need to be created – indeed, he must be “that which is uncreated,” otherwise nothing would exist. See [[God is Uncreated#Conclusion |Conclusion]]
  
 
== Unit I: Can Atheism be Rational? ==
 
== Unit I: Can Atheism be Rational? ==
  
−
For a more in depth study of this material, see NPEG Chapter Six, Sections II and III; for a brief lecture presentation, see PID Unit 25.
+
[[Can Atheism Be Rational?]] (the article of that title).
 +
 
 +
For a more in depth study of this material, see NPEG Chapter Six, Sections II and III; for a brief lecture presentation, see [http://physicsindialog.org PID Unit 25].
  
−
1. It is impossible to rationally disprove the existence of a transcendent being – it cannot be done, a-priori, a-posteriori, or through any combination of that.
+
=== It is impossible to rationally disprove the existence of a transcendent being ===
  
−
2. A brief response to the problem of suffering – why would God allow suffering if He is all powerful and all loving? (See Units K&L for a much more extended treatment.)
+
it cannot be done, a-priori, a-posteriori, or through any combination of that. See [[Can_Atheism_Be_Rational%3F#The_Impossibility_of_Disproving_the_Existence_of_God |The Impossibility of Disproving the Existence of God]]
  
−
3. A brief response to the problem of evil.
+
=== A brief response to the problem of suffering – why would God allow suffering if He is all powerful and all loving? ===
  
−
4. A response to Freud’s contention that God is the product of wishful thinking.
+
(See Units K&L for a much more extended treatment.)
  
−
5. The desire for the spiritual, the sacred, and the transcendent within human consciousness.
+
=== A brief Discussion of the Tenuous Rationality of Atheism ===
 +
 
 +
[[Can_Atheism_Be_Rational%3F#The_Tenuous_Rationality_of_Atheism |The Tenuous Rationality of Atheism]]
 +
 
 +
=== A response to Freud’s contention that God is the product of wishful thinking. ===
 +
 
 +
[[Can_Atheism_Be_Rational%3F#Is_Belief_in_God_Mere_Wishful_Thinking.3F |Is Belief in God Mere Wishful Thinking?]]
  
 
== Unit J: Why Seek Revelation? ==
 
== Unit J: Why Seek Revelation? ==
 +
 +
[[Reason and Revelation]]
  
 
This is not presented in NPEG.  For a brief lecture presentation see PID Unit 30.
 
This is not presented in NPEG.  For a brief lecture presentation see PID Unit 30.
  
−
1. A brief summary of the four sets of evidence for God:
+
=== A brief summary of the four sets of evidence for God ===
 +
 
 +
[[Reason and Revelation#Four Sets of Evidence |Four Sets of Evidence]]
  
−
a. The evidence from physics.
+
==== The evidence from physics. ====
  
−
b. The evidence from the logical proof for the existence of God.
+
==== The evidence from the logical proof for the existence of God. ====
  
−
c. The evidence from philosophy of mathematics.
+
==== The evidence from philosophy of mathematics. ====
  
−
d. The evidence from near-death experiences and human transcendentality.
+
==== The evidence from near-death experiences and human transcendentality. ====
  
−
2. The mutual corroborative effect of these four sets of evidence.
+
=== The mutual corroborative effect of these four sets of evidence. ===
  
−
3. The complementary picture of God given by these four sets of evidence.
+
=== The complementary picture of God given by these four sets of evidence. ===
  
−
4. If reason can probe so deeply, why do we need God to reveal himself (revelation)?  There are five basic areas into which reason cannot probe deeply.
+
=== If reason can probe so deeply, why do we need God to reveal himself (revelation)?  ===
 +
 
 +
There are five basic areas into which reason cannot probe deeply.
 
   
 
   
−
a. The heart of God.
+
==== The heart of God. ====
 +
 
 +
==== How to pray and worship. ====
 +
 
 +
==== Specific ethical precepts and attributes of God that cannot be known by reason ====
 +
 
 +
(e.g. the trinity).
 +
 
 +
==== God’s inspiration, response to prayer, and redemption of suffering. ====
  
−
b. How to pray and worship.
+
==== The dynamic of sacred community. ====
  
−
c. Specific ethical precepts and attributes of God that cannot be known by reason (e.g. the trinity).
+
=== Toward a definition of love (agape). ===
  
−
d. God’s inspiration, response to prayer, and redemption of suffering.
+
[[Reason and Revelation#A Definition of Love |A Definition of Love]]
  
−
e. The dynamic of sacred community.  
+
=== Five reflective questions manifesting the unconditional love of God and his desire to be with us empathetically.===
  
−
5. Toward a definition of love (agape).
+
=== God as Emmanuel ===
  
−
6. Five reflective questions manifesting the unconditional love of God and his desire to be with us empathetically. 
+
[[Reason and Revelation#Six Questions Toward Emmanuel |Six Questions Toward Emmanuel]]
  
 
== Unit K: Why Would God Allow Suffering from Humans? ==
 
== Unit K: Why Would God Allow Suffering from Humans? ==
 +
 +
[[Suffering Caused by Humans]]
  
 
This is only briefly treated in NPEG Chapter Six Section III.  (See PID Unit 25-27.)
 
This is only briefly treated in NPEG Chapter Six Section III.  (See PID Unit 25-27.)
  
−
1. If our love is to be our own (and not merely a program) we must freely choose to love, which means that we must have another choice – namely, “not to love.”  But the choice not to love gives rise to the possibility of suffering and evil.
+
=== If our love is to be our own (and not merely a program) we must freely choose to love ===
  
−
2. Responses to special cases concerning suffering caused by humans.
+
Which means that we must have another choice – namely, “not to love.”  But the choice not to love gives rise to the possibility of suffering and evil. See [[Suffering_Caused_by_Humans#The_Intrinsic_Relationship_of_Freedom_and_Love |The Intrinsic Relationship of Freedom and Love]]
 +
 
 +
=== Responses to special cases concerning suffering caused by humans. ===
 +
 
 +
[[Suffering_Caused_by_Humans#God_Must_Allow_Loving_Beings_to_Create_Their_Loving_Actions_Anew |Special Cases Discussed]]
  
 
== Unit L:  Why Does God Allow Suffering from Nature? ==
 
== Unit L:  Why Does God Allow Suffering from Nature? ==
  
−
This is only briefly treated in NPEG Chapter Six Section III.  (See PID Unit 25-27.)
+
[[Suffering Caused by Nature]]
 +
 
 +
This is only briefly treated in NPEG Chapter Six Section III.  (See [http://physicsindialog.org PID Unit 26-27].)
 +
 
 +
=== Suffering is caused by nature because we are born imperfectly into an imperfect world. ===
 +
 
 +
=== Why would God make an imperfect world? ===
 +
 
 +
==== To help us to self-initiate ====
 +
 
 +
development of our purpose in life and our identity (from Level One to Level Four).  See [[Suffering_Caused_by_Nature#The_First_Purpose_of_an_Imperfect_World:_Identity_Transformation |Identity Transformation]]
 +
 
 +
==== To allow us to cultivate the “stoic” virtues ====
 +
 
 +
[[Suffering_Caused_by_Nature#The_Second_Purpose_of_an_Imperfect_World:_Stoic_Virtues |The Stoic Virtues]] (e.g. courage and self-discipline, etc.)
  
−
1. Suffering is caused by nature because we are born imperfectly into an imperfect world.
+
=== To allow us to develop in love (agape). ===
  
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2. Why would God make an imperfect world?
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[[Suffering_Caused_by_Nature#The_Third_Purpose_of_an_Imperfect_World:_Agape |Agape]]
  
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a. To help us to self-initiate development of our purpose in life and our identity (from Level One to Level Four).
+
=== To allow us to develop our sense of empathy and compassion. ===
  
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b. To allow us to cultivate the “stoic” virtues (e.g. courage and self-discipline, etc.)
+
=== To leave room for us to build a better world. ===
  
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3. To allow us to develop in love (agape).
+
[[Suffering_Caused_by_Nature#The_Fourth_Purpose_of_an_Imperfect_World:_Interdependence.2C_Human_Community.2C_and_a_.E2.80.9CBetter_World.E2.80.9D |A Better World]]
  
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4. To allow us to develop our sense of empathy and compassion.
+
=== To leave room for us to build the kingdom of God. ===
  
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5. To leave room for us to build a better world. 
+
[[Suffering_Caused_by_Nature#The_Fifth_Purpose_of_an_Imperfect_World:_Building_the_Kingdom_of_God |The Kingdom of God]]
  
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6. To leave room for us to build the kingdom of God.
+
=== Conclusions about Suffering Well ===
  
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Conclusions about Suffering Well
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[[Suffering Caused by Nature#Conclusion |Conclusions]]
  
 
== Unit M: References ==
 
== Unit M: References ==
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 +
[[Believe_in_God_Reference_List]]
  
 
A comprehensive bibliography of all the references used in the above twelve units.
 
A comprehensive bibliography of all the references used in the above twelve units.
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 +
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[[Category:Table of Contents]]
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[[Category:Intellectual Evangelization]]
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[[Category:Supplemental Material]]

Latest revision as of 16:26, 7 January 2015

Magis God Wiki: "Why Believe in God?"

© Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. Ph.D./Magis Institute July 2011

There is a list of suggested Search Terms to assist users in quickly finding their topic of interest.

Contents

Unit A: Does Belief in God Enhance Purpose in Life?

Purpose in Life

This material is not in NPEG, but may be found beginning in Unit 26 of PID.

What produces happiness and purpose in life?

Happiness and Purpose

From immediate gratification and surface apparentness to what is pervasive, enduring, and deep.

Shallowness to Depth

Four levels of happiness and purpose in life

The Four Levels

Level two identity, the comparison game, and our culture’s source of anxiety.

The Comparison Game

Two ways out of the comparison game – level three and level four purpose in life.

Getting Out of the Game

Level four purpose and happiness – transcendence and faith.

Faith Leading to Transcendence

Maintaining a level four purpose in life.

Maintaining the Transcendent Happiness

Unit B: Is There any Evidence for the Human Soul?

This material is not contained in NPEG, but is in Units 20-21 of PID.

An assessment of peer-reviewed medical studies on near death experiences from the Lancet, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and other studies.

The Human Soul (This is a single article covering the topics below, which are indexed there for quick reference).

The definition of “brain death,” alternative explanations, and controlled, longitudinal studies.

Eight similar characteristics in near-death experiences.

Characteristics of NDEs.

Patients report seeing data that should not have been accessible to them in their brain-dead states, and which is subsequently verifiable (veridical).

The von Lommel Study. Veridical data established.

80% of blind patients can see during their near-death experience.

The Kenneth Ring Study of NDEs of the Blind.

The measurable absence of death anxiety in both children and adults.

The Melvin Morse Study of NDEs in Children.

Encounters with transcendent beings (loving white light, Jesus, deceased relatives, etc.).

Conclusions of Von Lommel and other studies.

Conclusions drawn from the studies.

Unit C: Is there Evidence of a Human Soul (Transcendentals)?

The Transcendentals

An in depth analysis of this material may be found in NPEG Chapters 7-8 and a lecture presentation may also be found in PID Units 14-19.

The desire for complete intelligibility and perfect truth.

The Desire for Perfect and Unconditional Truth

The desire for perfect love and empathy.

The Desire for Perfect and Unconditional Love

The desire for perfect justice/goodness.

The Desire for Perfect and Unconditional Goodness & Justice

The desire for perfect beauty.

The Desire for Perfect and Unconditional Beauty

The desire for perfect being/home.

The Desire for Perfect and Unconditional Being & Home

The five transcendental desires and the transmateriality of human consciousness.

Conclusion

The five transcendental desires and God.

Unit D: Is there Evidence of God from Science?

Cosmology incuding Physics.

A more in depth assessment of this material may be found in NPEG Chapters 1-2 and the Postscript to Part One, and a lecture presentation may be found in PID Units 1-5.

The extent and limits of scientific method.

Limits of Science.

The standard big bang model.

The Big Bang and the Beginning.

Was the big bang the beginning of the universe (13.7 billion years ago)?

Beginning of the Universe.

The significance of a beginning in physics – implications of creation.

Implications of Creation.

Three models for a pre-big-bang period.

The string theory-inflationary multiverse.

The bouncing universe.

String theory-higher dimensional bouncing universe.

Significant evidence that all three models for a pre-big-bang period would have to have a beginning.

Space-Time Geometry.

The evidence from space-time geometry proofs (Borde, Guth, and Vilenkin).

B-V Proof of 1994.

The Guth Analysis of 1999.

The 2003 BVG Theorem.

The evidence from entropy (Penrose, Beckenstein, Banks, Carroll).

Universal constants, anthropic coincidences, and fine-tuning.

Fine Tuning.

Five examples of fine-tuning.

Can fine-tuning be explained by pure chance?

Pure Chance Improbable.

Two competing explanations: the multiverse and supernatural design.

Which of these two explanations is most reasonable and responsible?

Discussion of Probability

Conclusions about the probability of super intelligent Creator.

Conclusions.

Unit E: Can the Bible be Reconciled with Science?

The Bible and Science

This unit is not found in either NPEG or PID, however, there is a free videocast on The Magis website.

The bible is not doing science – but theology, sacred truths.

Theology not Science

What was the biblical author’s intention in writing Genesis:1:1ff?

The Intent of Genesis

Is evolution reconcilable with the bible?

The Bible and Evolution

Human beings are not reducible to merely organic mechanisms, and therefore, cannot be the result of a merely bio-physical process (like evolution).

About the Human Soul

The trans-material component of human beings must have another origin

See above, Unit B.

Unit F: Can the Existence of God be Logically Proven?

Metaphysical Proofs

This Unit contains only steps I and V of a logical proof for God’s existence. Steps II, III, and IV can be found in NPEG Chapter Three (Sections II through IV) and PID Units 6-11. Those wishing a review of logical syllogisms may want to consult PID Units 6-7.

Three kinds of publicly corroborateable evidence – a-priori, a-posteriori, and combinations.

Three Kinds of Publicly Corroborateable Evidence

Step I of the metaphysical proof – proof that there must be at least one unconditioned reality in “all reality.”

Proof of the Existence of at least One Unconditioned Reality

A record of the missing steps of the proof

These can be found in NPEG and PID (as noted above). These steps prove that there can only be one unconditioned reality and that it must be absolutely simple and unrestricted in its power.

Step V of the proof which shows that the one unconditioned absolutely simple unrestricted reality must be the continuous Creator of all else that is.

Proof that the One Unconditioned Reality is the Continuous Creator of All Else that Is.

Unit G: Is there Evidence of God from Mathematics?

For a more in depth presentation of time and the formal a-priori synthetic argument for a timeless Creator of time, see NPEG Chapter Five and also PID Units 22-25.

“Infinite past time” is an analytical contradiction.

An Analytical Contradiction in "Infinite Past Time"

Three kinds of infinity (A, B, and C infinities).

Covered in the last paragraphs of An Analytical Contradiction in "Infinite Past Time"

David Hilbert’s prohibition of C infinities applied to real aggregate structures.

Hilbert's Prohibition of Actual Infinities

What is real time?

A Brief Explanation of Real Time

The prohibition of a C infinity to real time

Implying that past time must be finite and that it must have a beginning, further implying a Creator of past time. See Conclusions

Unit H: Why Doesn’t God Need a Creator?

God is Uncreated

An in depth treatment of this material may be found in NPEG Chapter Six Section I.C. It is briefly treated in PID Unit 12.

No serious philosopher ever suggested that “everything must have a cause,”

For this would imply that God needs a cause. See Serious Metaphysicians Don't Dismiss First Cause

All rigorous logical proofs require that there be at least one uncaused reality.

All rigorous proofs show that there can only be one uncaused reality

(see Unit F).

Conclusion of Proof of God Not Needing a Creator

All rigorous proofs show that everything in reality besides the one uncaused reality must be caused and that the one uncaused reality must be the cause of all else that is. God does not need to be created – indeed, he must be “that which is uncreated,” otherwise nothing would exist. See Conclusion

Unit I: Can Atheism be Rational?

Can Atheism Be Rational? (the article of that title).

For a more in depth study of this material, see NPEG Chapter Six, Sections II and III; for a brief lecture presentation, see PID Unit 25.

It is impossible to rationally disprove the existence of a transcendent being

it cannot be done, a-priori, a-posteriori, or through any combination of that. See The Impossibility of Disproving the Existence of God

A brief response to the problem of suffering – why would God allow suffering if He is all powerful and all loving?

(See Units K&L for a much more extended treatment.)

A brief Discussion of the Tenuous Rationality of Atheism

The Tenuous Rationality of Atheism

A response to Freud’s contention that God is the product of wishful thinking.

Is Belief in God Mere Wishful Thinking?

Unit J: Why Seek Revelation?

Reason and Revelation

This is not presented in NPEG. For a brief lecture presentation see PID Unit 30.

A brief summary of the four sets of evidence for God

Four Sets of Evidence

The evidence from physics.

The evidence from the logical proof for the existence of God.

The evidence from philosophy of mathematics.

The evidence from near-death experiences and human transcendentality.

The mutual corroborative effect of these four sets of evidence.

The complementary picture of God given by these four sets of evidence.

If reason can probe so deeply, why do we need God to reveal himself (revelation)?

There are five basic areas into which reason cannot probe deeply.

The heart of God.

How to pray and worship.

Specific ethical precepts and attributes of God that cannot be known by reason

(e.g. the trinity).

God’s inspiration, response to prayer, and redemption of suffering.

The dynamic of sacred community.

Toward a definition of love (agape).

A Definition of Love

Five reflective questions manifesting the unconditional love of God and his desire to be with us empathetically.

God as Emmanuel

Six Questions Toward Emmanuel

Unit K: Why Would God Allow Suffering from Humans?

Suffering Caused by Humans

This is only briefly treated in NPEG Chapter Six Section III. (See PID Unit 25-27.)

If our love is to be our own (and not merely a program) we must freely choose to love

Which means that we must have another choice – namely, “not to love.” But the choice not to love gives rise to the possibility of suffering and evil. See The Intrinsic Relationship of Freedom and Love

Responses to special cases concerning suffering caused by humans.

Special Cases Discussed

Unit L: Why Does God Allow Suffering from Nature?

Suffering Caused by Nature

This is only briefly treated in NPEG Chapter Six Section III. (See PID Unit 26-27.)

Suffering is caused by nature because we are born imperfectly into an imperfect world.

Why would God make an imperfect world?

To help us to self-initiate

development of our purpose in life and our identity (from Level One to Level Four). See Identity Transformation

To allow us to cultivate the “stoic” virtues

The Stoic Virtues (e.g. courage and self-discipline, etc.)

To allow us to develop in love (agape).

Agape

To allow us to develop our sense of empathy and compassion.

To leave room for us to build a better world.

A Better World

To leave room for us to build the kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of God

Conclusions about Suffering Well

Conclusions

Unit M: References

Believe_in_God_Reference_List

A comprehensive bibliography of all the references used in the above twelve units.

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