Arguments Proving the Existence of God
The Argument:
- Observation: Humans possess a deep and universal longing for something more – a desire for ultimate meaning, purpose, happiness, and fulfillment.
- Premise: This innate desire cannot be fully satisfied by anything in this finite, temporal world.
- Conclusion: Therefore, there must exist a transcendent reality beyond this world capable of fulfilling this desire, which is God.
Examples of this Desire:
- Longing for Meaning: The search for purpose in life, the questioning of “why am I here?”
- Yearning for Love: The desire for unconditional love and acceptance that transcends human relationships.
- Quest for Beauty and Truth: The appreciation of beauty in art, nature, and music, and the pursuit of ultimate truth and knowledge.
- Spiritual Hunger: The feeling of emptiness or incompleteness that material possessions or achievements cannot fill.
Proponents of the Argument:
- C.S. Lewis: In his book “Mere Christianity,” Lewis famously argued that the human longing for joy points to a reality beyond this world, a joy that can only be found in God.
- Blaise Pascal: Pascal’s “wager” suggests that even if the existence of God is uncertain, it is rational to believe because the potential reward (eternal happiness) outweighs the potential risk (nothing). This implies an inherent human desire for a fulfilling afterlife.
- St. Augustine: In his “Confessions,” Augustine writes, “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in thee.” This expresses the idea that humans are fundamentally oriented towards God and find true peace only in Him.
Why Some Say the Argument Fails (Counter-arguments)
- Natural Explanation: Some argue that the desire for meaning and fulfillment can be explained by evolutionary psychology or social conditioning, without the need for a supernatural being.
- Subjective Experience: Critics contend that the feeling of longing is subjective and varies from person to person. Not everyone experiences this desire, so it cannot be used as a universal proof for God’s existence.
- Fulfilling Desires in this World: Some believe that meaning and fulfillment can be found in human relationships, accomplishments, or the pursuit of knowledge and beauty within this world, without the need for an afterlife or a divine being.
In Summary:
The Argument from Desire resonates with many people who feel a deep longing for something more in life. It suggests that this longing points to a transcendent reality beyond the material world, a reality that can ultimately satisfy our deepest desires. However, critics argue that this desire can be explained by natural or psychological factors and that true fulfillment can be found within this world.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post