Christian Philosophy and Applied EthicsBrockwellReasons for Christian belief in God

Albert Einstein said ‘ When I see all the glories of the cosmos, I cannot help to believe that there was a divine hand behind it all.’(Awe inspiring)

Teleological Argument/argument from design

By the end of the lesson you should be able to…

explain William Paley’s watch analogy and how it relates to the idea of design

understand the design (teleological) argument for the existence of God

appreciate and discuss some of the strengths and weaknesses of the argument

Key words:1.Cosmological Argument – first cause2.Teleological Argument – argument from design

3.Purpose – things appear to be connected

4.William Paley – watch analogy5.Isaac Newton – thumb print6.Richard Dawkins – Atheist/scientist7.Thomas Aquinas – Cosmological Argument

DesignWhich of these three is the odd one out?

What is design?

When things are connected and seem to have a purpose: for example the eye is designed for seeing.

What evidence is there of design in the world?

Evidence of design

in the world

Draw the following table Aspect of the world/universe

Evidenceof Design

Reason

The whole universe or Can’t have just happened by chance

Is this evidence for purposeful design in world??

The Complexity of nature?

Spiral Galaxydisk containing stars, gas and dust

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr7wNQw12l8

Is this evidence for purposeful design in world??The Complexity of nature

Isaac Newton’s thumb

The human immune system

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrYlZJiuf18

‘In the absence of any other proof, the thumb alone would convince me of the existence of God’.

Is this evidence for purposeful design in world?The Complexity of nature

O2

CO2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t4sdgvy-pk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOFH6oWP5SY

Is this evidence for purposeful design in world??

The Complexity of nature? DNA - the blueprint of life(Double Helix Structure)

Is this evidence for purposeful design in world??The Complexity of nature?

blend in with their surroundings.

Key ‘chap’ - William Paley

He said, 1. Imagine finding a watch in the street, if you had never seen

one before 2. On examining it, you would be amazed at its complicated

inner workings3. You might assume there must have been a watchmaker who

designed and put it together. 4. It’s the same when you look at the world. It is designed, it is

ordered, it is intricate 5. It could not have been made by chance. It is so complicated

yet everything fits perfectly into place6. Therefore the world needs a world-maker/creator 7. This creator is God8. This explains the design in the world

To do…1. Draw a watch and in your own

words explain Paley’s Watch argument for the existence of God.

2. Create a flow diagram to explain how the appearance of design may lead to, or support, belief in God.

Problems with the design argument??Bad design?

Psychopaths

Cruelty Natural Disasters

Disease

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcvSNg0HZwk

Designer = God(s)

Problems with the design argument http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9002284641446868316#docid=-8675713685999107466

Let Richard Dawkins explain (14-18) His message is based on the work of

Charles Darwin who said that humans evolved through a mechanism of natural selection.

The animals that survive adapt to the environment better.

Can you think of an example: Explain how evolution worked for this animal.

Demonstrate your learning

What are the problems with the argument?

Explain what you think about the design argument?

Homework – due next lesson

‘The design argument proves that God exists’

i. Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion

ii. Give reasons why some people may disagree with you…

Level 0 0

No evidence submitted or response does not address the question.

Level 1 1-2

A weak attempt to answer the question. Candidates will demonstrate little understanding of the question. A small amount of relevant information may be included Answers may be in the form of a list with little or no

description/explanation/analysis There will be little or no use of specialist terms Answers may be ambiguous or disorganised Errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling may be intrusive

Level 2 3-4

A satisfactory answer to the question. Candidates will demonstrate some understanding of the question. Information will be relevant but may lack specific detail There will be some description/explanation/analysis although

this may not be fully developed The information will be presented for the most part in a

structured format Some use of specialist terms, although these may not always

be used appropriately There may be errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation

6 mark question – How your marks are calculated.

Level 3 5-6

A good answer to the question. Candidates will demonstrate a clear

understanding of the question. A fairly complete and full

description/explanation/analysis A comprehensive account of the range and

depth of relevant material. The information will be presented in a

structured format There will be significant, appropriate and

correct use of specialist terms. There will be few if any errors in spelling,

grammar and punctuation

Pretend you are God and write a response to this prayer

Dear Lord,

Why is there so much trouble in

the world? Please can you

come down and sort it out!

What is the main problem with praying?

How do Christians respond to this?