Required reading
Systematic Theology Volume 1 by Charles Hodge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 2 (Theism) up to the heading '3. The teleological argument'.
My summary
Today Hodge begins examining arguments for theism.
Firstly Hodge states the ontological argument: 'This is a metaphysical a priori argument. It is designed to show that the real objective existence of God is involved in the very idea of such a Being.' Hodge then gives the views of:
(i) Anselm;
(ii) Des Cartes;
(iii) Clarke;
(iv) Cousin.
Secondly Hodge states the cosmological argument: 'Syllogistically stated, the argument stands thus : Every effect must have an adequate cause. The world is an effect. Therefore the world must have had a cause outside of itself and adequate to account for its existence.' And after unpacking the argument he even deals with objections to it, primarily from Hume.
What grabbed me
Hodge gave a good summary of the conclusion of the cosmological arguments: 'We are reduced, therefore, to this alternative. The universe is. It therefore either has been from all eternity, or it owes its existence to a cause out of itself, adequate to account for its being what it is.'
I still find it hard to believe that anyone could think that the universe has simply always existed without an intelligent cause.
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 2 (Theism) by reading up to the heading '5. The moral, or Anthropological argument.'
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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