In the upcoming posts, we will delve into three prevalent arguments that critics present to dispute the existence of God: the Ontological Argument, the God of the Gaps argument, and the Religious Incoherence Argument. From my perspective, these arguments fail to directly address the tangible evidence surrounding God's existence. Instead, they tend to lean on abstract philosophical ideas—what I refer to as “philosophical word gymnastics”—to undermine the likelihood of a divine being. This chapter will concentrate on the Ontological Argument, also known as the Perfect Being Argument, and will provide a counter to the atheist critiques that frequently accompany it.
The Ontological Argument: God as the Greatest Conceivable Being
The Ontological Argument presents a compelling philosophical case for the existence of God, asserting that one can deduce God's existence from the definition of God as the ultimate being. Formulated by Anselm of Canterbury, the argument posits that if God is indeed the greatest conceivable being, then He must exist; a God that exists is inherently greater than one that exists only in our imagination. This implies that existence is an essential characteristic of perfection, and if we can envision a perfect being, that being must exist in the real world.
Critique from Atheists: Concept vs. Reality
Atheists frequently challenge the Ontological Argument, claiming it is flawed because merely defining a perfect being does not guarantee its existence in reality. They argue that the ability to imagine a perfect being does not necessitate its existence beyond our thoughts, suggesting that the argument conflates conceptualization with actual existence.
Counterargument: This critique overlooks the fundamental essence of the Ontological Argument. It does not assert that the mere act of imagining perfection brings it into existence. Instead, it emphasizes the nature of necessary existence. The argument contends that the concept of a perfect being inherently includes the attribute of existence; something cannot be deemed perfect if it does not exist. A non-existent "God" cannot be the greatest conceivable being, as existence is integral to greatness. Thus, if we can conceive of God as the ultimate being, it follows that He must exist.
Envision a treasure chest overflowing with gold. A tangible chest of gold far surpasses any imagined one. When we envision the ultimate treasure, its worth is inherently tied to its real existence. Similarly, a perfect God must encompass existence within His essence; otherwise, He cannot be deemed perfect.
Take, for instance, mathematical truths. We can visualize flawless geometric figures like circles and triangles, even though perfect versions of these shapes are absent in the physical realm. Yet, the existence of these mathematical ideas reveals something genuine and essential about their theoretical perfection. Likewise, God's perfection as the greatest conceivable being indicates His necessary existence. The Bible begins with a declaration of God's existence as a fundamental truth: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This statement is not just an idea; it is a profound reality that underlies all of creation.
Atheist Critique: Existence is Not a Predicate
One notable critique, famously presented by philosopher Immanuel Kant, posits that existence is not a predicate. Kant contended that existence does not serve as a defining characteristic like dimensions or color. According to his reasoning, defining God as a perfect being does not logically necessitate God's existence, since existence is not a trait that contributes to something being "perfect."
Counterargument: While it is accurate that existence is not a predicate in the same manner as other attributes such as size or shape, Kant’s argument overlooks the distinctive nature of God's necessary existence. In the context of God, existence transcends mere property—it is fundamental to what constitutes God as the greatest conceivable being. A God that does not exist cannot be considered maximally great. This differs from the notion that existence enhances the perfection of something like a car; we are addressing the essential nature of existence itself in relation to God.
Consider a bridge. The primary function of a bridge is to facilitate passage over a gap. A theoretical bridge that exists solely in our imagination fails to fulfill its intended purpose. Similarly, a "perfect" God who does not actually exist would not embody the essence of perfection. Existence is crucial to God's perfection, just as the tangible presence of a bridge is vital for its utility.
The Importance of Perfection and Existence
Both critiques of the Ontological Argument ultimately miss the mark when it comes to its fundamental assertion: that existence is an essential quality of God, the greatest being we can conceive. While the argument may appear abstract at first glance, it reveals a profound philosophical truth: God's existence is not merely a possibility; it is a necessity.
The Bible reinforces this idea with the verse: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good" (Psalm 14:1). This passage suggests that the rejection of God often stems from a deeper moral and intellectual defiance rather than a lack of evidence.
Conclusion: The Ontological Argument's Strength
The Ontological Argument stands as one of the most compelling and contentious philosophical discussions regarding the existence of God. It challenges us to reflect profoundly on the concepts of perfection and existence. Critics may contend that merely defining God as perfect does not substantiate His existence, yet they overlook the crucial point that existence is an integral aspect of what defines God as the ultimate being imaginable.
As we delve into the philosophical discourse surrounding God's existence, it is vital to recognize that these discussions transcend mere academic interest. They lead us to profound insights about the essence of reality and our connection to the Creator. "In Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28), and through these philosophical inquiries, we enhance our comprehension of a God who is not only a concept but also a tangible and present reality.
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