Journal Article Critic (Proofs of Existence of God) (Essay Sample)

Journal Article Critic (Proofs of Existence of God) Name: Institutional Affiliation: Professor: Course: Bate Introduction Different opinions relating either in favor of the existence of God or in opposition has remained a controversial element for a considerable period. It is therefore essential to note that most of the affirmations that have existed in proving the presence of God are primarily based on the mysteries that are involved in nature and the origin of humanity and the universe. In as much as the existence of God remains an objective matter, Mander’s approach in proving his existence remains one of the efficient approaches geared towards removing the doubts that exist in the human mind. This paper therefore seeks to carry out a critique on the factors that prove God’s existence. Thesis The author’s thesis therefore provides the fact that God’s existence determines the reasons why the universe and its contents are present. In his introduction Mander gives a depiction of his own existence and alleges that he is a thinking thing. Mander therefore takes the opportunity of eradicating the element of doubt on the perception that his sensory experiences may not exist outside him but do exist inside him. In the conclusion of the author provides a substantial factor that human beings may not exist independently considering the fact that they have been created by an infinite being that is eternal, independent and hold a higher power and intelligence. The author in his conclusion therefore alleges that this infinite being remains the rationale behind the existence of humanity and everything surrounding him, a factor that points out to the fact that the being is God.[. Mander, W 2013, 'On arguing for the existence of god as a synthesis between realism and anti-realism', International Journal For Philosophy Of Religion, 96] [. Mander, W 2013,97] The author’s purpose in this paper is therefore aimed at establishing the validity of God’s existence amidst the different merging schools of thought that oppose this fact. This therefore determines the fact that the goal of the author is in developing a ground that ensures a belief in God’s existence, a factor that has been supported by several literatures. This paper therefore provides a hypothesis that seeks to address:[. Mizrahi, M 2012, 'Jewish Survival, Divine Supervision, and the Existence of God', Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal Of Jewish Studies, 30, 4, pp. 110] 1. How we acquired the concept of God 2. Where scientific laws find inclination on God 3. Where the sense of right and wrong come from. Zhang on the other hand believes that it is necessary to prove the existence of God which remains a crucial element in establishing the reasons why human beings and nature exist. According to this author, the desires of people has led them into a state of emptiness and lack, a factor that has seen humanity fail to notice the emptiness and lack, that would be filled by the presence of an ideal presence. Zhang through this literature therefore seeks to provide proof on the existence of God.[. Zhang, L 2014, 'A Logical Reflection on the Modal Argument for God's Existence', Philosophical Forum, 45, 3, pp. 275] Having assented to the fact that God exits, this author takes another view and determines to seek answers the question as to why human beings acquired the concept of God. In developing a response to this, Zhang also gives a description of three ideologies: adventitious, innate and factitious. The concept of adventitiousness is determined by the knowledge that human beings gain through the process of life. The factitious ideas on the other hand are determined to be the ideas that we gain from our creative imaginations and lastly ran innate idea is considered as an idea that comes from within us. According to this author, this definition gives a clear depiction of the fact that the acquisition on knowledge possessed by human beings on the existence of God is something that human beings are born with and which God placed in every individual.[. Zhang, L 2014, 276] Descartes' clear perception is therefore guided by the fact that God exists and this is as a result of his perfection. In justifying this Descartes' gives an elusive illustration and mentions that in order for an individual to be considered a betrayer, there must have been a detection of some faults. Considering the fact that God is perfect ad infinite the element of God being a deceiver betrayer is unjustified.[. Wee, C 2012, 'Descartes's Ontological Proof of God's Existence', British Journal for the History of Philosophy, 20, 1, pp. 25] II. Critical Interaction In the authors approach in proofing the existence of God, he takes a closer look at two things, the essence and his existence. Before having knowledge on something that exists one is always aware of the essence. This therefore means that in determining the essence of things it is required that a thorough understanding on the reasons why certain things exist and are not available is determined. This therefore gives a depiction of the manner in which human beings perceive things. Mander’s views weighed upon the lenses of the arguments of Siniscalchi (2013) on the essence and existence of God tends to agree on some issues. Siniscalchi alleges that the existence of God is an element that may not be proved or disapproved. According to this author, the scriptures take stance in bridging this gap with the element of faith on the fact that God exists (pp.697). The author brings in context Hebrews 11:6 and states that scriptures confirm that anyone who comes closer to God needs to have some element of belief on the fact that God exists and rewards those who commit to seek Him. However, this scripture leaves a lot to be determined. In any case God exists as is claimed then chances are He would appear to prove his existence to the world which is sceptic about this factor. However this would therefore means that if God revealed his existence to humanity, the element of faith would lose its true meaning.[. Hunter, H 2015, 'George Berkeley's proof for the existence of God', International Journal For Philosophy Of Religion, 78, 2, pp 185] Siniscalchi (2013), in his journal alleges that it is essential to denote that God is not a thing that anyone can be moderately interested in. According to Siniscalchi, if God’s existence cannot be proved then there are no reasons why humanity is interested in proving his existence. This author therefore supports Mander’s views on the fact that human beings are empty and need a vacuum to fill the emptiness in their hearts. This emptiness can never be filled by any other thing but by God who created and authored our lives. The knowledge on God’s existence may therefore be denied on intellectual grounds but the presence and existence of God in humanity and around human beings remains an obvious element. Considering the fact that different people through the face of history and in all civilizations and culture believe in this existence, there is a rationale behind it.[. Siniscalchi, GB 2013, 'New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy', Heythrop Journal, 54, 4, pp. 696] [. Siniscalchi, GB 2013, 698] Siniscalchi therefore brings into light other logical arguments that support the existence of God. The author therefore argues that God is a being which cannot be conceived, a factor that depicts the fact that God’s existence if greater than his nonexistence. This point therefore takes an ontological stand that explains the fact that if Go did not exist then there would have not been a greater being who would have been conceived, a factor that would contradict God’s definition. Mander’s views in line with this factor therefore tends to slightly vary considering the fact that this author believes that since the universe plays a significant role in life, then there is a initiator of the universe.[. Ibid] Desecrates gives an illustration by alleging that if the earth was situated closer to the sun, the world would have experienced numerous challenges considering the fact that the earth would not be a conducive place to live in since everything would die. This therefore provides a fact that there is a designer who figured out everything in the creation of the universe. According to Hunter (2015), God’s existence can be proved by the fact that everything and every effect in the face of the universe have causes. The universe and everything that exists in it according to Sousa are underpinned to have had a cause since they are effects. This author therefore proves his point by supporting the idea of Siniscalchi in proving that there is a force behind the existence of everything and the cause is attributed to God.[. Sousa, D 2014, 'Epistemic Probability and Existence of God: A Kierkegaardian Critique of Swinburne's Apologetic', Heythrop Journal, 55, 1, pp. 45] Mander on the other hand takes a moralist argument in proving the existence of God by alleging that in every culture throughout the source of history, there is an element of law that determines the rights and wrong in the society. As a result of this, human beings are aware of the rights and wrongs, a factor that has seen individuals avoid murders, thefts, lies and immoral actions rejected universally. This sense of right and wrong according to this author therefore emanates from God. Having determined this, I believe the views of the authors can be tested by scripture in determining the fact that God exists. It is essential to mention that the scripture mentions that people at some point will reject the word of God on the knowledge of God’s existence and choose to focu...