Existence of God

Theist: Someone who believes in God

Athesist: Believes there is no exisitance of God

Agnostic: Is not sure of one way or the other

Polytheist: Believes in MANY Gods (Hinduism)

Monotheist: Beliveves in ONE God (Christianity)

Freewill: The ability to decide for oneself

Christians and Moslems believe GOD created the earth in 6 days (Genesis).

Most believers would say that Genesis is a metaphorical account, meaning it does not give an eye witness description. But whatever did happen, God caused it.

Quote: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1)

The Cosmological Argument - St. Thomas Aquinas taught that the universe must have a "First cause" - God. Based on observation of "cause and effect."

Non-believers say that the universe happened by accident, not God's will. They cite the Big Bang as giving evidence of this.

The Design Argument, proposed by William Paley, says God must exist because the natural world appears to be designed. Things are complex and fit for a purpose. Paley explained this using his "watch analogy."

Non-believers often mention Darwin's Theory of Evolution as a scientific explanation of the complexity in nature. They believe that the chance process of Natural selection explains life on earth where only the fittest survive.

The conversion of St. Paul shows how people can change radically after an encounter with God.

Holy Communion (also called "Mass" by Catholic Christians, and "The Lord's Supper" by Baptists/Methodists) is a re-enactment of The Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. It involves eating bread and wine as symbols of Jesus' body and blood.

Miracles and worship can have a dramatic impact on a Christian's faith. They give a very personal experience of God that may deepen someone's faith.

Prayer and meditation are a means of daily personal meeting with God. Prayer may be assisted by Rosary beads, bible readings, music and other aids that help believers to communicate one to one with God.

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Suffering may be experienced in many different ways; through illness, conflict, natural disasters, and crime.

Suffering may be the consequence of human sin or may have natural causes, such as earthquakes and heart disease.

Suffering can have a purpose. It may test our character and determination and it can encourage us to make things better. It may make us more sympathetic and helpful towards others who suffer.

The problem of evil

Horrific events indicate the existence of a spiritual force for evil. Christians believe the devil tempts people to do wrong. The devil is a personal being opposed to God's will. Ultimately the devil will be defeated.

Christians believe God allows suffering and evil because they are the inevitable consequences of free will. People sometimes give into temptation and suffering is the consequence.

What Christians believe about God

• Creator of the universe - "In the beginning God made the heavens and the earth." (Genesis)
• God sees and knows everything, so his judgement is perfect. (Omniscient)
• Humans are made "in God's image." (having awareness, morality, free will)
• God is like a heavenly Father
• The Lord's prayer - "Our Father in Heaven..." shows God as holy, providing for out needs, offering guidance, judging/forgiving our sins. (Matthew 6)
• Jesus is God as a human
• Jesus is fully human (he feels temptation and pain)
• Jesus isfully God (he performs miracles)
• Christians believe there is one God, however, He is "One God in 3 persons." (Lord,Jesus & The holy spirit- The Trinity)
• The Trinity shows God in different ways:
• The Father - All-powerful creator
• God the Son - Jesus is "God made flesh."
• God the Holy Spirit - makes God known in believers' lives