God of the Gaps (Leaving Cert Religious Education): Flashcards
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God of the gaps definition
God of the gaps definition
God used to explain what science can't yet understand
God of gaps pattern
God of gaps pattern
Mystery→God explains→science explains→God removed
Effect of God of gaps on God's role
Effect of God of gaps on God's role
Shrinking role for God as scientific knowledge expands
Who originated God of gaps criticism?
Who originated God of gaps criticism?
Henry Drummond, 19th century evangelist lecturer
Drummond's view of God's presence
Drummond's view of God's presence
Immanent - permanently present & sustaining universe
Historical example: Thunder explained as
Historical example: Thunder explained as
God's anger; now explained by meteorology/physics
Historical example: Life diversity before Darwin
Historical example: Life diversity before Darwin
Attributed to direct divine creation of each species
Modern God of gaps example (Neil DeGrasse Tyson)
Modern God of gaps example (Neil DeGrasse Tyson)
Dark matter - mystery some claim as evidence for God
Why God of gaps is a logical fallacy
Why God of gaps is a logical fallacy
Bases belief on gaps in knowledge, not solid foundations
Richard Dawkins' view on God of gaps
Richard Dawkins' view on God of gaps
Criticises it in 'The God Delusion' as argument against God
Francis Collins' alternative to God of gaps
Francis Collins' alternative to God of gaps
God fine-tuned universe for life through natural processes
Main problem with God of gaps approach
Main problem with God of gaps approach
Weakens faith as science grows; depends on ignorance
John Habgood's alternative view
John Habgood's alternative view
Look for God's actions within natural processes
Original purpose of 'God of gaps' phrase
Original purpose of 'God of gaps' phrase
Invented as criticism of limiting God to unexplained things