What are the cosmological arguments for the existence of God?

Answer

Cosmological arguments aim to demonstrate the existence of God by observing the world around us (the cosmos). They start with the most evident aspect of reality: the existence of things. It is then argued that the cause of their existence must have been a “God-like” entity. These arguments trace back to Plato and have been utilized by prominent philosophers and theologians throughout history. In the twentieth century, science confirmed that the universe had a beginning, aligning with the insights of theologians. Consequently, cosmological arguments hold significant weight even for those not well-versed in philosophy.

There are two primary forms of cosmological arguments, which can be thought of as “vertical” and “horizontal.” These terms denote the direction from which the causes originate. The vertical argument posits that every created thing is currently being caused (imagine a timeline with an arrow pointing upwards from the universe to God). On the other hand, the horizontal version asserts that creation must have had a cause at the outset (visualize the same timeline, but with an arrow pointing back to a starting point in time).

The horizontal cosmological argument, also known as the kalam cosmological argument, is relatively straightforward to grasp as it does not necessitate extensive philosophical reasoning. The fundamental premise is that all things with beginnings must have causes. Since the universe had a beginning, it follows that the universe had a cause. This cause, existing beyond the universe, is identified as God. While one might argue that some things are caused by other things, this does not invalidate the argument, as those other things also require causes, leading to an infinite regress.

To elucidate the kalam, or the horizontal cosmological argument, let’s consider a simple example: trees. Every tree came into existence at a certain point (as they have not always existed). Each tree originated from a seed (the “cause” of the tree).But every seed had its beginning (its “cause”) in another tree. There cannot be an infinite series of tree-seed-tree-seed because no series is infinite. All series are finite (limited) by definition. There is no such thing as an infinite number because even the number series is limited (although you can always add one more, you are always at a finite number). If there is an end, it is not infinite. All series have two endings, actually—one at the end and one at the beginning (try to imagine a one-ended stick!). If there were no first cause, then the chain of causes never would have started. Therefore, there is, at the beginning at least, a first cause—one that had no beginning. This first cause is God.

The vertical form of the cosmological argument is a bit more difficult to understand, but it is more powerful. Not only does the vertical argument show that God had to cause the “chain of causes” in the beginning, but it shows He must still be causing things to exist right now. Again, we begin by noting that things exist. Next, while we often tend to think of existence as a property that things sort of “own”—that once something is created, existence is just part of what it is—this is not the case. Consider the triangle. We can define a triangle as “the plane figure formed by connecting three points not in a straight line by straight line segments.” Notice what is not part of this definition: existence.

This definition of a triangle would hold true even if no triangles existed at all. Therefore, a triangle’s nature—what it is—does not guarantee that one exists (like unicorns—we know what they are, but that does not make them exist). Because it is not part of a triangle’s nature to exist, triangles must be made to exist by something else that already exists (someone must draw a triangle). The triangle is thus caused by something else—which also must have a cause. This cannot go on forever (there are no infinite series). Therefore, something that does notNeed to be given existence must exist to give everything else existence.

Now, apply this example to everything in the universe. Does any of it exist on its own? No. So, the universe had to have a first cause to get started, and it also needs something to give it existence right now. The only thing that would not have to be given existence is a thing that exists as its very nature. It is existence. This something would always exist, have no cause, have no beginning, have no limit, be outside of time, and be infinite. That something is God, the “I AM” of Exodus 3:14. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge” (Psalm 19:1-2).