All of Aquinas’ proofs are good, but one other compelling argument for the existence of God can be found in our very nature as humans. This argument is a bit like Aquinas’ proof from gradation, but much more personal. We long for truth and beauty. We seek moral goodness and nobility. These sentiments are echoes of our eternal souls. The presence of an eternal soul is, in a certain sense, a proof for God’s existence.
However, I would like to add a bit of a caution with regards to trying to prove God’s existence: You can’t. We can demonstrate that it is reasonable to believe. Our greatest way of knowing the God exists is to live in a loving relationship with him. I know God exists because I have experienced his love. In fact, isn’t it a bit insulting to spend a great deal of time trying to prove that God exists? I mean, what do you think my wife’s reaction would be if I spent a great deal of time and energy trying to prove to myself that she exists? To paraphrase Pope Benedict (by paraphrasing I don’t have to look up the exact quote!), much of the problem with modern relationships is our constant search for “proof” of the other’s love. By seeking that proof we end up destroying the relationship. We can do that with God too.
Tomorrow we will begin to look at how God reveals himself. This revelation is necessary since “man cannot possibly arrive at [some knowledge of God] by his own powers;” CCC #50. God reveals himself to us so that we may know and love him better.
 | About Pat Arensberg Patrick Arensberg is the Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Mobile. Previously, he taught for 17 years at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, where he served as Chairman of the Theology Department. He attended the Gregorian University in Rome and holds an M.A. in Theology from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He is married to Connie and they live in Mobile with their 5 children. |
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