Saturday, December 12, 2009

Ontological and anthropological arguments for God, from “The Great Doctrines of the Bible” by Evans

Notes: (1) “The Great Doctrines of the Bible” by Rev. William Evans, Ph.D., D.D. is a well-respected reference material for Bible students, pastors, missionaries and laymen. You can read the entire book from Google (click the picture of the book cover), or download the complete zipped e-book. (2) Surf to the index of lessons and online quizzes from Evans. (3) The most important ideas and statements from this part of Evans’ book are listed in the “Basic truths” section below.

The Argument from Being: Ontological.

Man has an idea of an infinite and perfect Being. From whence this idea? From finite and imperfect beings like ourselves? Certainly not. Therefore this idea argues for the existence of an infinite and perfect Being: such a Being must exist, as a person, and not a mere thought.

The Moral Argument; Anthropological.

Man has an intellectual and a moral nature, hence his Creator must be an intellectual and moral Being, a Judge, and Lawgiver. Man has an emotional nature; only a Being of goodness, power, love, wisdom and holiness could satisfy such a nature, and these things denote the existence of a personal God.

Conscience in man says: “Thou shalt,” and “Thou shalt not,” “I ought,” and “I ought not.” These mandates are not self-imposed. They imply the existence of a Moral Governor to whom we are responsible. Conscience,--there it is in the breast of man, an ideal Moses thundering from an invisible Sinai the Law of a holy Judge. Said Cardinal Newman: “Were it not for the voice speaking so clearly in my conscience and my heart, I should be an atheist, or a pantheist, when I looked into the world.” Some things are wrong, others right: love is right, hatred is wrong. Nor is a thing right because it pleases, or wrong because it displeases. Where did we get this standard of right and wrong? Morality is obligatory, not optional. Who made is obligatory? Who has a right to command my life? We must believe that there is a God, or believe that the very root of our nature is a lie. (From “The Great Doctrines of the Bible” by Rev. William Evans, Ph.D., D.D.)
Basic truths

[1] Man’s “idea of an infinite and perfect Being” argues for the “existence of an infinite and perfect Being”.

[2] “Man has an intellectual and a moral nature, hence his Creator must be an intellectual and moral Being, a Judge, and Lawgiver.”

[3] “Man has an emotional nature; only a Being of goodness, power, love, wisdom and holiness could satisfy such a nature.”

[4] Conscience in man is an argument for “existence of a Moral Governor to whom we are responsible.”

Further study (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] Evidence for God, from Institute for Creation Research

ICR’s popular Acts & Facts free monthly news magazine contains articles and information of current interest dealing with creation, evolution, and related topics. Current and past issues can also be read, and you can sign up to receive future issues in the mail, all for free. Full versions of previous editions can be viewed online in PDF format.

[2] Does God Exist? by Jimmy Williams (also available in Spanish)

[3] Does God Exist? by Hampton Keathley IV

[4] Evidence For God's Existence by J. Hampton Keathley, III

[5] The Rationality of the Christian Worldview

[6] Materials by Ken Boa

[7] Evidentialist Apologetics: Faith Founded on Fact

[8] Presenting Evidence That Demands a Verdict

[9] Classical Apologetics: It Stands to Reason

[10] Taking Every Thought Captive

[11] How I Know Christianity is True by Patrick Zukerian

[12] Survey of Bible Doctrine: God by Sid Litke


Note: This ministry does not necessarily endorse or share all the views and opinions expressed in the materials, resources or links mentioned in these posts. Please always refer to the Articles of Faith and Biblical distinctives of Baptists when you study these materials.

Posted by Atty. Gerry T. Galacio at 6:14 AM

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