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The existence of God (a) Outline one philosophical argument for the existence of God - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
The existence of God (a) Outline one philosophical argument for the existence of God. (b) Describe one form of religious experience. (c) Explain why there are dif... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The existence of God (a) Outline one philosophical argument for the existence of God - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline one philosophical argument for the existence of God.
Answer
One prominent philosophical argument for the existence of God is the Cosmological Argument. This argument posits that everything that exists has a cause, leading to the conclusion that there must be a first cause, which is identified as God. The argument emphasizes that the universe's existence cannot be attributed to itself and thus, there must be an initial uncaused cause that originated everything.
Step 2
Describe one form of religious experience.
Answer
One form of religious experience is a mystical experience, often described as a profound sense of unity with the divine or the universe. This experience can involve feelings of uncontrollable love, peace, and a loss of self-identity, where individuals report a heightened awareness of the presence of God or a sacred reality. Such experiences can deeply transform one's beliefs and lifestyles.
Step 3
Explain why there are different Christian beliefs about the nature of God.
Answer
Different Christian beliefs about the nature of God can be attributed to varying interpretations of scripture, cultural influences, and historical context. For instance, some Christians adhere to a Trinitarian view, believing in one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Others may follow a Unitarian perspective, viewing God as a single entity. These differences arise from distinct theological traditions, such as Protestantism and Catholicism, which interpret biblical texts and doctrines differently.
Step 4
‘Human suffering means there cannot be a good God.’ Discuss this statement.
Answer
This statement reflects the problem of evil, a philosophical dilemma questioning how a benevolent and omnipotent God can allow suffering. From a Christian perspective, some argue that suffering is a result of free will and human sin, which contributes to a fallen world. Others propose that suffering can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith, suggesting that God's goodness is consistent with the existence of suffering, as He provides hope, redemption, and ultimate justice. Evaluating this from various theological viewpoints reveals a spectrum of beliefs regarding the nature of God in relation to human suffering, demonstrating that while the statement raises challenging questions, many Christians uphold God's characteristics of love and justice despite the presence of suffering.