Unlocking the Divine Mystery: Biblical Guide to Cosmological Argument for Christian Believers

The Cosmological Argument: Evidence for God’s Existence

The cosmological argument is a powerful way to demonstrate the existence of God by observing the world around us. It is based on the idea that everything that exists must have a cause, and that cause is often referred to as a “God-type” thing. This argument has been used by philosophers and theologians for centuries and has gained even more support in recent times with scientific discoveries confirming that the universe had a beginning.

The Two Forms of Cosmological Arguments

There are two main forms of cosmological arguments: the vertical and the horizontal. The vertical argument focuses on the ongoing cause of everything in existence, while the horizontal argument deals with the initial cause of creation.

The Horizontal Cosmological Argument (Kalam)

The horizontal cosmological argument, also known as the kalam cosmological argument, is relatively straightforward to understand. It asserts that all things with beginnings must have causes. Since the universe had a beginning, it must also have had a cause. This cause, being outside the universe, is identified as God.

To illustrate this point, let’s consider the example of trees. All trees began to exist at some point, starting from a seed which serves as the cause for their growth. However, each seed also had its own beginning in another tree. This chain of causes cannot be infinite because all series must have an end. Therefore, there must be a first cause that initiated the chain of causes—the one that had no beginning. This first cause is God.

The Vertical Cosmological Argument

The vertical cosmological argument is more complex but carries greater depth. It not only demonstrates that God caused the initial chain of causes but also asserts that He continues to sustain everything in existence.

When we observe things in the world around us, we tend to think of existence as an inherent property of those things. However, this is not the case. For example, a triangle can be defined as a plane figure formed by connecting three points not in a straight line using straight line segments. Notice that existence is not part of this definition. Even if no triangles exist, the definition remains valid. This means that triangles require something else to give them existence, such as someone drawing them. This process of causation continues, with each cause needing a prior cause.

Applying this concept to everything in the universe, we realize that nothing exists on its own—it all depends on something else for existence. Therefore, the universe must have an initial cause to bring it into existence, and it also requires something to sustain its existence at all times. The only thing that would not need to be given existence is something that exists as its very nature. This something is God—the eternal and infinite being who encompasses all creation.

Why This Matters

The cosmological argument provides evidence for the existence of God by examining the nature of causes and their relationship to the world around us. It demonstrates that everything we see in the universe had a beginning and requires a sustaining cause. This points to the existence of an eternal, uncaused, and limitless being—God. Understanding this argument can strengthen our faith and provide a rational basis for belief in God’s existence.

Think About It

1. Consider the concept of causation in your everyday life. Can you think of any examples where things come into existence without a cause? How does this relate to the cosmological argument?

2. Reflect on the idea that everything in existence depends on something else for its existence. How does this perspective impact your understanding of God as the ultimate cause and sustainer of all things?

3. Explore how the cosmological argument aligns with your own beliefs about the origins of the universe and God’s role in creation. Does this argument strengthen your faith or challenge any preconceived notions?