Knowledge of God’s existence

• What is the main topic of the summary notes provided?

  The main topic is the Death & the Afterlife in Christianity.
• What are the two versions of the summary notes mentioned?

  The two versions are A*-A grade notes and B-C grade notes.
• What do most theologians agree is a vital pillar of Christian belief?

  Faith is a vital pillar of Christian belief.
• What do Catholic natural theologians claim about reason?

  Catholic natural theologians claim that reason can support faith in God.
• What is natural theology?

  Natural theology is the knowledge about God gained through the power of the human mind.
• What is revealed theology?

  Revealed theology is the knowledge about God gained through faith.
• What is the debate among theologians regarding natural and revealed theology?

  The debate is between those who subscribe to natural theology and the Fideists who argue that only revealed theology is valid.
• Who is associated with natural theology in this context?

  Aquinas is associated with natural theology.
• What does Aquinas argue about original sin and reason?

  Aquinas argues that original sin could not have completely destroyed our ability to reason.
• How does Aquinas distinguish humans from animals according to Genesis?

  Aquinas believes humans are distinguished from animals by being made in the image of God.
• What is Barth's view on natural theology?

  Barth rejected natural theology as it places a dangerous overreliance on human reason.
• What does Barth claim about the finite mind's capacity to understand God?


  Barth claims that the finite has no capacity for the infinite.
• What does Barth warn could happen if we use reason to know God?

  Barth warns that using reason could lead to a false view of God and idolatry.
• What does Barth conclude about knowing God?

  Barth concludes that we should solely rely on faith in the Bible.
• Why is Barth's argument considered unsuccessful by some?

  Barth's argument is unsuccessful because Aquinas argues that reason can support faith by providing inductive evidence for God's existence.
• What does Aquinas say about the unmoved mover?

  Aquinas states that there must be some unmoved mover, which he refers to as 'that thing we call God'.
• How does Aquinas view natural law in relation to reason?

  Aquinas believes that reason can know the lesser natural law within our nature, not God's infinite eternal law.
• What qualities of God does Aquinas argue we can know through reason?

  Aquinas argues we can know that God has qualities of love, power, and knowledge that are analogous to ours but proportionally greater.
• What is Calvin's view on the innate ability to sense God's existence?

  Calvin believes that humans are born with an innate ability to sense God's existence.
• How does Calvin's view differ from Aquinas' regarding natural theology?

  Calvin's view does not involve or require reason, while Aquinas' view does.
• What does Calvin argue is necessary for people to be without excuse for not believing in God?

  Calvin argues that it is necessary for everyone to know God exists to justify sending non-believers to hell.
• What does Calvin think about natural knowledge of God?

  Calvin thinks that natural knowledge is insufficient for full knowledge of God, which requires faith in the Bible.
• What criticism is made against Calvin's view on the innate sense of God?


  The spread of atheism suggests that this innate sense does not exist.
• What social context does the criticism of Calvin's view consider?

  The criticism considers that social pressure to believe in God may have influenced Calvin's impression of an innate sense of God.
• What support does Plantinga provide for Calvin's view?

  Plantinga suggests that some might lack the sense of God because of sin.
• Why is Plantinga's argument considered weak?


  Plantinga's argument is weak because it assumes that atheists sin more than religious people.
• What does Romans 1:20 suggest about God's qualities?

  Romans 1:20 suggests that God's invisible qualities can be understood from what has been made, leaving people without excuse.
• How does Aquinas' cosmological and teleological arguments relate to Romans 1:20?

  Aquinas' arguments align with Romans 1:20 as they suggest that God's qualities can be understood from the natural world.
• How does Calvin interpret Romans 1:20 differently from Aquinas?


  Calvin argues that Romans 1:20 justifies his style of natural theology, focusing on sensing God rather than reasoning.
• What is the significance of the word 'understood' in Romans 1:20?


  The word 'understood' implies reasoning rather than merely sensing God's existence.
• What does the verse suggest about understanding God's nature?

  The verse suggests that God's qualities and nature can be understood through reasoning about the natural world.
• What is Barth's reinterpretation of Romans 1:20?

  Barth claims that humanity has become too sinful due to original sin to know God through our own mind.
• Why is Barth's argument about Romans 1:20 considered unsatisfying?

  Barth's argument is unsatisfying because the quote claims that knowledge of God leaves people 'without excuse'.
• What does Augustine argue about original sin?

  Augustine argues that original sin is the best explanation for the existence of evil.
• How did Aquinas reconcile original sin and natural theology?

  Aquinas reconciled original sin and natural theology through reason.
• What is Pelagius' view on original sin?

  Pelagius denied original sin altogether.
• What is a counterargument to Augustine's view on original sin?

  Modern science shows that the fall did not happen, and humanity evolved, making Augustine's view questionable.
• What does genetic diversity suggest about the story of Adam and Eve?

  Genetic diversity suggests that it is not possible for all humanity to have come from just two people.
• What is a defense of original sin against modern scientific criticism?


  Some argue that even if Augustine was wrong about the details, we can still empirically observe that original sin exists.
• What does C.K. Chesterton argue about original sin?

  1. K. Chesterton argues that you can see original sin 'in the street'.