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PROOF FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD AT TWO EXTREMES
Abstract
This is a dissertation setting forth a reasoned account of how and wherein some of the purported proofs for and against the existence of God have failed. Paul Tillich (1886-1965) and Thomas B. Warren (1920) have been chosen to represent the two extremes. Each of these two men stand at opposite poles in the theological circle. Together they both represent a long tradition of converging and diverging views within the Christian community. The term "Theological Circle" is taken from Tillich, and is used in a modified form. It is an appropriate metaphor for discussing the terms "liberal" and "conservative" as used in this study. The circle encompasses all of those who call themselves "Christian", thus, it is a "Christian Theological Circle." Those within the circle hold the Bible (Old and New Testaments) to be, in some sense, a revelation from God. The Bible is in some degree authoritative in matters of faith, doctrine, and practice. Jesus of Nazareth is believed to be the Christ, the Annointed One of God. This Christ is variously interpreted to be the keystone in a divine, cosmic plan. Thus, the circle is sufficiently large to accommodate a many faceted religion with views sometimes diametrically opposed, and often in conflict. Chapter I deals with the importance of this subject, and why this approach. Chapter I is concerned with both the belief in the existence of God, and the knowledge of God's existence. Chapter II, entitled "Definitions," points out the difficulty, if not the impossibility, of agreeing on the "Basic God." This chapter takes up some of the attributes of God, and the problem of evil. Chapter III is an explanation of Mystery, and the meaning of "mystery" in the Christian context. The traditional arguments for (and against) the existence of God will be introduced, analyzed, and criticized, in orer to demonstrate the necessity of Mystery. Chapter IV is entitled "Tillich and God," and considers what Tillich has to say about the proofs for the existence of God as they relate to mystery, revelation and reason. Tillich's use of "ultimate concern" and his "theological circle" are discussed in view of the general thesis under study throughout the dissertation. The problem of evil and Tillich's theodicy is also taken up in this chapter. Chapter V, "Warren and God," deals primarily with Warren's theodicy and its relationship to proofs for the existence of God. Chapter V also considers Warren's views of religious experience, revelation, and reason as these views relate to proofs for the existence of God. Chapter VI, "The General Failure of the Arguments Considered," deals with a set of related flaws that render the arguments considered defective in some way. Chapter VI shows how what has been discussed in earlier chapters may be applied to other arguments for the existence of God.
Subject Area
Religion|Philosophy
Recommended Citation
SHAW, JOHN PAUL, "PROOF FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD AT TWO EXTREMES" (1980). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8110581.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8110581