Arguments Against the Existence of God (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Flashcards
Exam code: 8062
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How does science challenge belief in God?
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Cards in this collection (15)
How does science challenge belief in God?
It explains the origin and development of the universe and life through natural processes (Big Bang, evolution), leading some to argue God is unnecessary.
Define scientific naturalism.
The view that everything can be explained by science and natural laws, leaving no room for supernatural explanations including God or miracles.
Define theistic evolution.
The Christian view that the Bible tells us who created the world and science tells us how — God used the Big Bang and evolution as his tools.
How do Creationist Christians respond to science?
They reject scientific explanations — taking Genesis literally, believing God created the world in six days, and seeing science as opposed to faith.
How do many Muslims respond to the challenge of science (the harmony view)?
They accept science but believe Allah created the laws of nature; the Qur'an encourages study of the world, and the Big Bang and evolution are acceptable if Allah is the ultimate cause.
Which Qur'an verse is interpreted as supporting the expanding universe?
Qur'an 51:47: 'And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander.'
Define the inconsistent triad.
The problem of evil: God is omnipotent, God is omnibenevolent, and evil exists — but all three cannot logically be true together.
What three conclusions might the problem of evil suggest?
Either God is not all-powerful, or not all-loving, or does not exist at all.
How does the free will response answer the problem of evil?
God gave humans free will; moral evil results from human choices, not God's will — without free will, humans couldn't truly love or be good.
Define the soul-making response.
The view (developed by Irenaeus) that suffering helps people grow spiritually and develop virtues like courage, patience and empathy — the earth as a 'testing ground'.
How does Jesus' suffering help Christians respond to the problem of evil?
Jesus suffered on the cross, showing that God understands human pain and is with people in their suffering, offering comfort and hope.
How do Muslims respond to the challenge of evil and suffering?
Life is a test from Allah; suffering is a chance for repentance and patience (Sabr); Allah is just and merciful, and justice will be seen in Akhirah.
Qur'an 2:155 teaches: 'We will certainly test you with fear and hunger ... but give good news to the ______.'
Qur'an 2:155 teaches: 'We will certainly test you with fear and hunger ... but give good news to the patient.'
What practical responses to suffering do Christians and Muslims share?
Both act with compassion — Christians through charities like Christian Aid or CAFOD and prayer; Muslims through charity (zakat) and prayer (du'a).
True or False?
All Muslims accept the evolution of humans from earlier species.
False.
Some Muslims accept evolution for animals but not humans, believing Allah created Adam; many hold that the Qur'an is perfect and must be right even if science disagrees.
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