Question 1

What is the difference between general and special revelation?

Accepted Answer

General revelation is God's communication through nature, conscience, and history—available to all people at all times. For example, Christians believe that the complexity of creation points to a creator (Psalm 19:1-4). Special revelation is specific, direct communication, such as scripture (the Bible or Qur'an), miracles, or the person of Jesus Christ. Special revelation is often seen as clearer and more detailed, but it is only accessible to those who encounter it.

Question 2

How does the problem of evil challenge belief in God?

Accepted Answer

The problem of evil argues that if God is all-powerful (omnipotent) and all-good (omnibenevolent), he should be able and willing to prevent evil. Yet evil and suffering exist. This creates a logical contradiction for some philosophers (Epicurus). The evidential problem points to the amount of seemingly pointless suffering in the world. Theodicies attempt to reconcile this, such as Augustine's free will defence (evil comes from human misuse of free will) or Irenaeus' soul-making theodicy (evil develops character).

Question 3

What is the design argument for God's existence?

Accepted Answer

The design argument (teleological argument) claims that the universe shows evidence of order, purpose, and complexity, which implies a designer. William Paley's watchmaker analogy says that if you find a watch, you assume a watchmaker; similarly, the intricate design of nature (e.g., the human eye) suggests a divine creator. Modern versions include the fine-tuning argument, which notes that the physical constants of the universe are precisely set for life, implying a designer. Critics like David Hume argue that order could arise from chance or natural processes.

Question 4

Do religious experiences prove God exists?

Accepted Answer

Religious experiences are subjective and personal, so they do not provide objective proof of God's existence. However, some philosophers argue they can be evidence for the individual. William James, in 'The Varieties of Religious Experience', claimed that experiences like visions or prayers have lasting positive effects, suggesting they are genuine. Critics say they could be explained by psychology (e.g., hallucinations) or neurology (e.g., temporal lobe activity). In exams, you should evaluate both sides: experiences can be transformative but are not universally verifiable.

Question 5

What is the first cause argument?

Accepted Answer

The first cause argument (cosmological argument) states that everything in the universe has a cause, so there must be a first cause that started everything—this is God. Thomas Aquinas' 'Five Ways' include the argument from motion (everything moves, so there must be an unmoved mover) and causation (every effect has a cause, so there must be an uncaused cause). Critics like Bertrand Russell argue that the universe might simply exist without a cause, and the idea of a first cause leads to an infinite regress problem.

Question 6

How should I structure a 12-mark question on revelation?

Accepted Answer

For a 12-mark question (e.g., 'Revelation is the only way to know God.' Evaluate this statement), use a balanced argument. Start with a brief introduction defining revelation. Then present arguments for the statement: e.g., scripture provides clear guidance (special revelation), and nature shows God's glory (general revelation). Then present counter-arguments: e.g., reason and science can also lead to knowledge of God (natural theology), or atheists argue revelation is unreliable. Conclude with a justified judgement, e.g., 'While revelation is important for believers, reason and experience also play a role, so it is not the only way.' Use scholars and scripture to support each point.

Theme C: The existence of God and revelation

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