Vol. X • 1988 http://www.creationism.org/csshs/v10n2p31.htm
Causality as an
Argument for God's Existence
Diane Powell
Causality as an
Argument for God's Existence
Diane Powell
In our observations we note that the world around us possesses the qualities of space, time. energy, complexity, Iife, and, most importantly, persons with a moral nature. Unless these properties were self-caused, they must have been caused by an outside agent. According to the~ causality argument these properties can only exist because of a First Cause who is by nature both similar to, and not limited by, the property. For example, God qualifies as the source of time by being timeless, or eternal, since that involves similarity of nature as well as the lack of constraint.
According to the scriptures, all men have an innate sense of the reality of God.
...because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it to them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. (Rom. 1: 19-21 )
Men have both an inner sense of God and the testimony of the created world around them. However. because men have rejected God, they have chosen to disregard this testimony. (Rom 1:18)
A fascination with causality is inherent in man's being. Man asks, "Why?" He questions the meaning of his own existence. We can explain,s, man's rational, intelligent and creative nature only by virtue of his being| created by a God who possesses these characteristics. From the veryÉ first verse of Genesis God begins to provide answers to the questions~ man is asking concerning his own identity and his relationship to God. What happens wEen man uses his rational mind to consider the evidences for believing in God? Francis Bacon, who is credited w~th formulating the scientific method, wrote in his Essay on Atheism: A little philosophy inclineth a man's mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth man's mind back to religion, for while the mind of man looketh upon second causes scattered, it may sometimes rest in them and go no further, but when it beRolUeth the chain of them confederate and linked together, it must needs fly to providence and Deity[1].
Dr. John Cleveland Cothran, a mathematician and chemist, quotes Lord Kelvin of England, one of the world's greatest physicists, who said, "If| you think strongly enough, you will be forced by science to believe in God[2]."
Without a Creator God there is no satisfactory explanation for the origin of matter itself. Darwin was without an answer and spoke of the "mystery of the beginning of all things" which he referred to as "insoluble[3]".
Notes
[1]- Monsma, John Clover (ed.) "Physical Evidences of God." The Evidence of God in an Expanding Universe. New York BP Putnams & sons 1958. p. 59-60
[2]- "The Inescapable Conclusion" Monsma p. 37-41
[3]- Klotz, John w. "Darwin's Religious Beliefs" Creation Research Quarterly vo. 21 March 1985 p. 169
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