The existence of God and revelation · GCSE Religious Studies

Arguments for God's existence

The Design argument: the complexity and order of the world suggest a designer. William Paley (1802) compared the world to a watch, which must have a watchmaker. Critics say evolution explains apparent design, and point to imperfections and suffering.
The First Cause argument: everything has a cause, so the universe must have a first cause, which is God (Thomas Aquinas). Critics ask what caused God, and say the universe may not need a cause.
Miracles: events that seem to break the laws of nature, such as healings at Lourdes. Critics, such as the philosopher David Hume, say there are better explanations, such as coincidence or mistakes.

Evil and suffering: natural evil (such as earthquakes) and moral evil (such as murder) challenge belief in a God who is all-powerful and all-loving. Believers respond that free will explains moral evil, that suffering can be a test, and that God's plan is beyond human understanding.
Science: many things once explained by God are now explained by science.

Special revelation: God revealing himself directly, such as through visions (Paul on the road to Damascus, Acts 9), dreams, prophets and scripture.
General revelation: knowing God indirectly, through nature, conscience and reason ('The heavens declare the glory of God', Psalm 19:1).
Some people explain religious experiences as hallucinations or wishful thinking. Buddhists speak of enlightenment rather than revelation from God.

Theist: A person who believes in God.
Atheist: A person who believes there is no God.
Agnostic: A person who believes we can't know whether God exists.
Design argument: The argument that the world's order and complexity show it was designed by God.
First Cause argument: The argument that God is the first cause of the universe.
Miracle: An event that seems to break the laws of nature, thought to be caused by God.
Special revelation: God revealing himself directly, as in a vision.
General revelation: Knowing God through nature, conscience or reason.
Natural evil: Suffering caused by nature, such as earthquakes.
Moral evil: Suffering caused by human actions.