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1. Arguments for the Existence of God (a) Outline three features of the design argument - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 1
1. Arguments for the Existence of God (a) Outline three features of the design argument. (b) Explain two issues that suffering might raise for Catholics. (c) Expl... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. Arguments for the Existence of God (a) Outline three features of the design argument - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three features of the design argument.
Answer
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Designer Necessity: The design argument posits that anything that is designed requires a designer. This infers that the complexity of the world indicates an intelligent creator.
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Paley's Analogy: Philosopher William Paley used the analogy of a watch to illustrate the design argument, asserting that just as a watch's intricate design implies a watchmaker, so too does the complexity of the universe imply a creator.
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Evidence of Design: There is considerable evidence supporting the notion that the world has been deliberately designed rather than being a mere accident, suggesting the existence of a higher intelligence.
Step 2
Explain two issues that suffering might raise for Catholics.
Answer
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Problem of Evil: Suffering challenges the belief in a benevolent God who is omnipotent and omniscient. Catholics may question how a loving God allows suffering and evil to exist in a world He created.
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Faith Crisis: Exposure to suffering can lead to doubts and crises of faith among Catholics, potentially prompting them to question God's presence, love, and ultimate plan for humanity.
Step 3
Explain two reasons why Catholics believe visions prove that God exists.
Answer
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Divine Origin of Visions: Many Catholics believe that visions come directly from God, as evidenced by biblical accounts, such as God speaking to Abraham in a vision (Genesis 15:1). This direct communication suggests God's existence and involvement in human affairs.
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Personal and Verifiable Experiences: The personal nature of visions, as illustrated by Paul's vision in prison (Acts 23:11), reinforces Catholic belief. The transformative power of these experiences offers individuals a sense of divine reassurance, supporting the belief that God actively communicates with believers.
Step 4
"Only God could have caused the world." Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments for the statement suggest that everything requires a cause; hence, to explain the universe's existence, one must posit an ultimate cause, which Catholics would argue is God. They might cite the philosophical notion that 'nothing comes from nothing,' thus supporting the belief in a first cause.
Conversely, arguments against posit that natural processes can explain the universe's existence without the need for divine intervention. Non-religious perspectives often rely on evolution and scientific explanations, suggesting that the universe could exist without a deity acting as its cause. This debate encourages a reflective consideration of the origins of existence and the nature of God.