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July 27, 2005

Ch.IV. Q.31. The Cumulative Force of Theistic Arguments

THE force of the arguments for God's existence is cumulative, and sufficient to produce, in any unprejudiced mind, a moral certainty that He exists.1

2. Each particular argument is logically incomplete but each suggests the hypothesis of God's existence as the true explanation of the phenomena of the universe. When this hypothesis is once adopted, innumerable lines of evidence are seen to converge upon and corroborate it. While therefore, the hypothesis is seen to be the "solution of a problem," rather than the conclusion of a demonstration, the fact that it is the true solution becomes as certain as any scientific conviction.2

3. The hypothesis that God exists is known by all; and the a posteriori evidence which corroborates it is everywhere exhibited before the eyes of men. Therefore, the sufficiency of evidence for reasonable assurance, coupled with the fact that the Being whose existence is at issue is a moral Governor who demands our worship and service, renders all men accountable who refuse to believe in Him.3 "Probability is the very guide of life";4 and if a proposition which has practical consequences is seen to have probability in favor of its truth, we are under obligation to make the "venture of faith"—i.e., to think, speak, and act as if it were true. And "if any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine."5 The religious experience of devout Christians supplies them with grounds of assurance concerning God which make good all the imperfections of theistic argument.6


1 Flint, Theism, pp. 62-75; Barry, Boyle Lecs., Lec iii.; Illingworth, Personality, pp. 81-82.

2 Calderwood, Moral Philos., pp. 223-232; Strong, Syst. Theol., p. 50; Mason, Faith of the Gospel, ch. i., § 2; Staley, Nat. Religion, pp. 58-60; Davis, Elem. of Ethics, pp. 20-23.

3 Chalmers, Nat. Theol., Bk. I., ch. i., ii., esp. pp. 72-73; Pusey, Responsibility of the Intellect. Cf. Rom. i. 18-21.

4 Butler, Analogy, Introd.

5 John vii. 17.

6 Dale, Christian Doctrine, pp. 35-42; Clarke, Outline of Theol., pp. 123-120.

Posted by Debra Bullock at July 27, 2005 11:13 PM

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