(May 23, 2017 at 8:46 am)Thumpalumpacus Wrote:(May 22, 2017 at 3:29 pm)SteveII Wrote: The statement is contradictory and cannot be correct. God belongs to the set/class of "everything".
A correct version: "Everything that begins to exists has an explanation for its existence".
God didn't begin to exist because if he did, then he wouldn't be God--whatever created him would be. At some point you have to have a necessary being (in the sense of couldn't be otherwise).
You cannot reason a being into existence.
And, "God did it" is not an explanation -- it is only a fancy way of saying "I don't fuckin' know." [1]
And, you're equivocating "explanation" and "cause". They are not the same thing. General relativity explains the relationship between time and space, but it doesn't cause a damned thing. [2]
Finally, the only class your god belongs to is "unproven horseshit." Until you can demonstrate his or her existence, you really shouldn't be making claims. [3]
1. This specific natural theology argument is one of many many reasons to believe God exists. It is part of a cumulative case for God. Other reasons include my list I've posted elsewhere:
Quote:Reasons that I believe God exists and Christianity best fits the facts:
1. Person of Jesus is compelling.
2. The NT describes actual events including the miracles, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
3. God works in people's lives today--changing people on the inside as well as the occurrence of miracles.
4. The natural theology arguments:
a. God is the best explanation why anything at all exists.
b. God is the best explanation of the origin of the universe.
c. God is the best explanation of the fine-tuning of the universe for intelligent life.
d. God is the best explanation of intentional states of consciousness.
e. God is the best explanation of objective moral values and duties.
2. While I think 'explanation' is a more robust word, I don't think it matters. Insert 'cause' if you like.
3. See 1. I have lots of evidence and reasons to believe.
