This essay is due on Wednesday 23rd Nov. Please write in on paper or type and print. Don’t do it in your book!
The key issue here is discussing how Christians might know something about what God is like. What sources do we have for information about the nature of God? Are they reliable?
Some would agree with the statement and say:
- God, if God exists, is outside of space and time and is therefore beyond anything we mere humans can understand. Our language can only express certain things – it doesn’t really stretch to talking about God.
- No-one has “seen” God – how can we know about something we haven’t seen?
- Religious experiences are not reliable evidence about what God is like. They are subjective and therefore don’t convince everyone. How can we draw conclusions about a God based on things that happen to very few people?
- The Bible is no reliable evidence about the nature of God (it is not reliaBible). How do we know that the writings are genuinely inspired by God and not mere opinion?
Others might disagree, arguing:
- Jesus was God in human form so people therefore HAVE seen God. We can draw conclusions about what God is like based on what people have experienced through Jesus.
- We can infer things about God’s nature through nature itself. The beauty and design in the universe might imply a caring and powerful designer.
- Religious experiences tell us about God. Yes, they are personal but that doesn’t mean that they have no value.
- Over the years people have consistently found meaning in the God revealed in the Bible. Can all of these people be wrong?
Make sure you include both sides (try to weave them together if possible) and discuss the strengths and weaknesses. What are the problems with different arguments?
You also need your own opinion clearly expressed.
Hope that makes sense: leave a comment if you aren’t sure…