Return of the God Hypothesis

Synopsis

"The anticipated third book from New York Times bestselling author and respected Intelligent Design scholar Stephen C. Meyer makes a compelling argument for the existence of God based on breakthroughs in physics, cosmology, and biology"--.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Problem of Evil

This chapter examines the classical argument against God's existence based on the presence of evil in the world. It argues that an all-good, all-powerful God could not allow such suffering to exist, and therefore, God cannot exist.

Example: The child who dies of cancer. How can a loving God allow such innocent suffering?

Chapter 2: The Moral Argument

This chapter proposes that the existence of objective moral values, such as truth, goodness, and justice, points to the existence of God. It argues that these values are not mere subjective preferences but rather independent realities that exist outside of human minds.

Example: The universal condemnation of murder and torture suggests that these actions are objectively wrong, not just because people happen to dislike them.

Chapter 3: The Cosmological Argument

This chapter presents the argument that the universe had a beginning and that this beginning requires a cause. It argues that this cause must be an immaterial, transcendent being who created the universe out of nothing.

Example: The Big Bang theory suggests that the universe began as a singularity, a point of infinite density and energy. What could have caused this singularity to come into existence?

Chapter 4: The Teleological Argument

This chapter argues that the universe exhibits evidence of design and purpose, which points to the existence of an intelligent designer. It examines the complexity and order of nature, from the functioning of cells to the laws of physics.

Example: The human eye, with its intricate structure and ability to focus light on the retina, is a marvel of engineering. Such complexity suggests an intelligent designer.

Chapter 5: The Ontological Argument

This chapter presents the a priori argument that God's existence can be deduced from his definition. It argues that if God is defined as "the greatest possible being," then he must exist, for if he did not, he would not be the greatest possible being.

Example: If we define the concept of a perfect circle, it necessarily follows that at least one perfect circle exists. Similarly, if we define God as the greatest possible being, it necessarily follows that God exists.

Chapter 6: The Argument from Religious Experience

This chapter explores the subjective experiences of individuals who claim to have encountered God or the divine. It argues that these experiences, while not scientific proof, provide compelling evidence for God's existence, as they suggest the existence of a reality beyond the physical world.

Example: The conversion experience of St. Augustine, who claimed to have heard a voice saying, "Take up and read," leading him to find God in the Bible.