Starter: We have looked at three arguments

for the existence of God so far; Design, First

Cause, and miracles. Which of these three do
you think offers the best evidence for God’s
existence? Give a reason for your choice.

Arguments Against God’s

Existence
Objectives
Examine arguments against the
existence of God based on science and
on the problem of suffering and evil.
 Complete your table
• You will rotate arguments against God’s
existence around between your groups. Consider
• You need to : these…

1. Write the argument down

2. Think of a counter argument
3. Write down a personal view – which side
of the argument do you agree with and
why?
• As you go, think about how these
argument may be grouped into
categories…
 Science can now explain
things that, in the past, people
used to use religion to
understand.
Even if there are things that we
currently do not understand,
science will eventually give us
the answers.
 We don’t need God for
creating life – science can now
do this as well!
Evil and suffering exist in the
world, therefore an all-loving,
all-powerful God cannot.
Natural disasters are evidence
of poor design. Why would a
good God create an imperfect
world which causes suffering?
 Has science disproved God?
• Many Christians see
no conflict between
science and religion.
If the Bible’s creation
stories are not taken
literally, then science
can be seen as
revealing the laws by
which God created
the universe
Has the problem of evil disproved God?
• For Christians, suffering and
evil are the result of free will.
• Adam and Eve’s disobedience
brought evil and suffering into
God’s perfect world.
• The existence of both good
and evil allow humans to show
their human qualities to the
full.
• Without evil and suffering, it
would not be possible to show
compassion, learn from
mistakes and make good
choices.
 Is God real?

Make your case…

Having looked at all

the arguments, you
need to make a
decision that is based
on evidence, logic and
reason.
 ‘All the evidence shows that God is not real.’
Evaluate this statement.
Reasons to agree (include Reasons to agree (include Personal conclusion
non-religious views) religious views)