The document summarizes two arguments for the existence of God - the design argument and the causation argument. The design argument holds that the universe is too complex and orderly to have formed by chance, and must be the work of an intelligent designer (God). The causation argument states that everything must have a cause, so the universe must have been caused by a very powerful cause (God). The document also outlines Richard Dawkins' view that scientific explanations for the origin and development of the universe lead some to doubt the existence of God.

1. Tuesday, 06 December 2011
Can we see God in the design of
the world? (Yellow pages 4-5)
Aims:
• Know what the design argument is
• Understand arguments for and against this
theory

2. Key Glossary Terms
• Analogy
• Design
• Causation
• ‘Big Bang’ theory
• Creationists
• Evolution
• Natural Selection

3. The design argument
• G:FacultiesSocial SciencesREICT
PackagesReligious EthicsSI_design.pps

4. Overview of the design argument
Design is the result of intelligent thought
The universe has the appearance of design
This suggests that a being with intelligence and thought designed
the universe
The universe is too complex to be designed by any other being
than God
Therefore God exists

5. Summary
• Some Christians argue that the appearance of
the world supports belief in God
• The design argument is based on the principle
that the world is so orderly and purposeful
that it cannot have come about by chance, but
is rather the work of a designing God.

6. Tuesday, 06 December 2011
Can we see God in the design of
the world? (Yellow pages 4-5)
Aims:
• Know what the causation argument is
• Evaluate the causation argument
• Compare and contrast Scientific and
Religious ideas about creation

7. Overview of the causation argument
Nothing can happen by itself
Everything that happens must be caused by something
else
The universe cannot have happened by itself
A very powerful cause was necessary to bring the
universe into being
This cause has to be God
Therefore, God exists

8. Which is the stronger argument and
why?
The design argument The causation argument

9. Summary:
• The causation argument is based on the
principle that nothing causes itself and it must
therefore be caused by God.

10. Science, Religion or both?
• A creationist explains his belief
• Explanation of theistic evolution
1. Outline the scientific explanation for the
creation of the universe
2. Explain why this might cause some people to
doubt the existence of God

11. Richard Dawkins – The God Delusion
• The God Delusion – part 1
• The God Delusion – part 2
1. Why does Richard
Dawkins not believe in
God?