Essay about The Characteristics of God - 1108 Words

The Characteristics of God In Section eleven of An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding Hume argues that if a teleological argument is sufficient proof for a god, then that god must have deficiencies in morality, power, benevolence and intelligence. I will present Hume’s argument and the subsequent objections he considers. As well, I will defend Hume’s final position by giving my best objection to it and explaining how that objection fails. Hume chooses to speak about the matter in the style of an imaginary dialogue between the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus and the Athenian populace. I assume Hume did not do this to take a stance against the Greek pantheon but rather because the positions he presents in this argument could easily†¦show more content†¦(EHU 11.13-14) Hume’s argument that God is imperfect is viewed as follows: -All things which are created reflect, in their qualities, the qualities of their creator. -Nature was created. (from the teleological argument; we will refer to the creator as god.) -Nature is flawed in moral order and in happiness. -Therefore god is flawed in moral order, intelligence, or power, or benevolence (these being the causes which result in the aforementioned flaws in nature) Hume is sympathetic to those who after accepting a teleological argument assert the stronger proposition that god must be capable of anything and that god is perfection, But he also points out that by making this assertion we are also required to give an explaination of the imperfections and unhappiness in the world (which is contradictory to a benevolent, intelligent, moral and powerful creator). (EHU 11.16,18) Hume considers that the third premise of his argument may be challenged. If it is assumed that nature is not flawed in moral order or happiness, but rather nature as we observe it is a morally and emotionally perfect work which is not yet complete, then the argument’s stated conclusion is no longer derivable. While this view of nature does invalidate Hume’s argument, Hume explains why it is not reasonable to assume that nature is not yet complete.Show MoreRelatedThe Different Characteristics Of God Essay769 Words   |  4 Pages Different characteristics of God are displayed in men and women, which helps us more fully understand each gender. While God is genderless, males display some traits and women embody other characteristics of God. Throughout the Bible, God is referred to as father, ruler, lord, and head, all of which are roles God calls men to and are characteristics generally natural to men. Psalm 68:5-6, depicting God as a father with traits of leadership and protectiveness, states he is Lord, â€Å"father to theRead MoreThe Knowledge Of God s Existence And Fundamental Characteristics1435 Words   |  6 PagesUsing solely reason, we can obtain genuine knowledge about God’s existence and fundamental characteristics. Although the more complete knowledge of God unveiled in revelation cannot be strictly proven through the use of reason, this knowledge is consistent with that which we have come to know through reason. Therefore, it is entirely reasonable to hold the Catholic narrative of God as truth. Modern society, however, insists that only what is proven through science is worth believing. This attitudeRead MoreGod s Covenants : An Important Characteristic Of The Book Of Joshua1843 Words   |  8 PagesGod’s Covenants An important characteristic of the Book of Joshua was God assuring Joshua that He would be with him (Josh. 1:9 New International Version). As long as Joshua lived, God would be with him, the same way He was with Moses, As I was with Moses, I will be with you (Josh. 1:5 and 3:7). Nobody would be able to stand up against him. Joshua was to be strong and courageous. He was also to be careful to adhere to God’s law. He would be prosperous and fruitful if he carefully to it andRead MoreEssay on Greek Gods And Human Connections555 Words   |  3 Pages The Greek gods and goddess carry many attributes, most human. They are very much like humans in the way that they have weaknesses and strengths. Even though the gods display their characteristics much more drastically than humans do, the similarities are obvious. In Rosenberg and Bakeramp;#8217;s book, the Greek gods have many human characteristics such as vengeance, jealously, and love. An example of a human trait is that the Greek gods and goddess displayed excessive vengeance. Whenever anyoneRead MoreThe Reign Of God s Kingdom854 Words   |  4 Pagesthe teachings of Jesus, Jesus never stopped to mention about the Kingdom of God. According to various writings about Jesus’ perspective on the reign of God’s Kingdom, it is clear that Jesus portrays a particular set of characteristics that provide his clear perspective about the reign of God. These characteristics are mostly exhibited through most of his preaching to different gatherings. Although most of the characteristics are hidden within his message to the people, a closer analysis definitelyRead MoreThe Modern Time883 Words   |  4 PagesOne of the characteristics of the modern time is the velocity with which everything around us is changing. Some people would say that we are in a period of great technological advances and deep spiritual introspection. Nevertheless, is this spiritual phenomenon an intrinsic characteristic of our time or is it a long process coming from the Ancient Period? In one way or another, much of the religious history is tight to one or many superior beings, often called gods. Still, it seems like these superiorRead MoreDeath Penalty and Life in Prison1623 Words   |  7 PagesCWV 301 Christian Worldview Characteristics of God Worksheet amp; Essay For Part I of this assignment, you will look up the following passages in the Bible to learn about certain characteristics of God and how they shape the Christian Worldview. This is a brainstorming exercise, in which the listing of ideas is more important than writing. Consider using a bullet list or outline to discuss elements and sub elements. For Part II of this assignment, you will write an essay that summarizes whatRead MoreOntological Argument Is Not Reliant On An Posteriori933 Words   |  4 Pages Ontological Argument Saint Anselm created the â€Å"Ontological Argument†. Saint Anselm was the archbishop of Canterbury. The premise of Saint Anselm’s Ontological Argument is that, no greater being can be conceived than God. The Ontological Argument is an a priori or deductive argument. An a priori argument does not have to be supported by real or factual evidence just by reason without observation. Thus, the Ontological Argument is not reliant on an a posteriori premise. An a posteriori argumentRead MoreXenophanesCriticisms Against Homeric And Hesiodic Portrayals Of The Gods978 Words   |  4 PagesIn this paper I will discuss Xenophanes’ criticisms against Homeric and Hesiodic portrayals of the gods, as well as the arguments that supported these criticisms and his positive theology that is devised as a solution to these arguments. In the works of Homer and Hesiod, the gods were characterized, first, by the fact that they were born or came to be in some way or another, second, t hat they are constrained in multiple ways, third, that they were interested in human affairs and meddled in them,Read MoreAre Gods And Humans One?1025 Words   |  5 Pages Are Gods and Humans One In The Same? Take away the mystic powers and all other unworldly characteristics, gods are very much similar to humans. Referring to the myths Ancient Greece, the gods can be considered as anthropomorphic. Which means a supreme being, such as a god, possessing human-like characteristics. Greek myths are so identified with, because of the relevance to us as people vs if the myth was of a dog creature or an eagle. Generally the creator has the appearance of a human or if not