Abstract
The paper discusses how philosophers such as J.L. Mackie have posed two important challenges to the theist belief in a good, omnipotent, omniscient God - such as the God of Judaism, Islam or Christianity. The paper explains that both of these challenges relate to the existence of so much arbitrary, unjust evil and suffering in our world. The paper notes that the first challenge sets out to prove that the existence of evil is logically incompatible with the existence of a good, omnipotent God. The paper explains that the second challenge argues deductively and logically from the existence of evil, arguing that the existence of evil in itself is adequate proof that no such God can exist. This paper briefly reviews these challenges, and shows that either separately or together, they pose a very serious challenge to theists - so serious indeed that it is hard to see how any thinker can maintain a belief in such a God in any logically or intellectually coherent way.

From the Paper
"Philosophers such as J.L. Mackie have posed two important challenges to the theist belief in a good, omnipotent, omniscient God - such as the God of Judaism, Islam or Christianity. Both of these challenges relate to the existence of so much arbitrary, unjust evil and suffering in our world. The first challenge sets out to prove that the existence of evil is..."

Tags:philosophy, mackie, god

Abstract
The paper discusses how the question "Could God know what it is like to be a bat?" is a seemingly factitious question that addresses a number of complex philosophical issues related to consciousness and its conceptualization. This essay explores this question, arguing the thesis that God could not know what it is like to be a bat, for this would require as a precondition the capacity of God to access the direct experience of the bat, which would necessarily require God to be a bat and not, in fact, God.

From the Paper
"The question "Could God know what it is like to be a bat?" is a seemingly factitious question that addresses a number of complex philosophical issues related to consciousness and its conceptualization. This essay will explore this question, arguing the thesis that God could not know what it is like to be a bat, for this would require as a precondition the capacity of God to access the direct experience of the bat, which would necessarily require God to be a bat and not, in fact, God. In addressing this question, given that the introduction of a deity into the debate brings with it a range of variables that would not be present..."

Tags:god, bat, mind

Abstract
This paper examines the nature of God as described in the "Book of Exodus", one of the five books of the "Torah", the Jewish holy book. The book contrasts the Hebrew conception of God with that of the Christians and describes God's actions in the Kabbalah. This paper also discusses the ten aspects of God as defined in the Kabbalah and provides the Jewish perspective on God and the "Book of Exodus".

From the Paper
"In the dictionary, exodus is defined as, "A going out; a departure or emigration, usually of a large number of people." This word also represents, to those of the Jewish faith, a literal and physical emigration from the life they had known before. First, they had been introduced to their God--they knew his character and could sense his presence. He intervenes in their lives for the first time, bringing the plagues to Egypt. He destroys all of the firstborn Egyptian children in the Passover because they did not know him. God gives messages to the Jews and gives them a set of standards to live by in the form of Commandments. He gives them Divine Law (Exod. 20:12), and tells them that they are his chosen people. He gives them a definitive set of rules and promises that there will be divine intervention for those who break them: "But the LORD said to Moses, 'Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book'"(Exod.32:33). The Exodus is therefore not only the removal of the Jews from Egypt but a removal of God's chosen people from ignorance. They now know YHWH; they can ascribe a name to their God. By understanding one of God's names, they could begin to understand the very nature of divine mystery, which was not just YHWH, but adonai: literally, My Lords."

Tags:god, hebrew, judaism, christianity, bible

Abstract
This paper supports Mackie's position that the traditional Judeo/Christian/Muslim God cannot possibly exist given the evidence of the existence of evil, since God is omnipotent, omniscient and most importantly, Good. The writer maintains that if God did exist and was as described, then evil could not possibly exist because God would do everything - could, in fact - to prevent it, yet evil abounds.

From the Paper
"The question of whether or not God, in the Judeo-Christian and Islamic tradition, exists is as old as the religions themselves, and has been answered many times in many different ways. God is said to be omniscient and omnipotent, yet Evil still exists in the world. According to J.L. Mackie and other philosophers, this trilemma is irreconcilable, and therefore God must not exist. It is the writer's argument that Evil does exist, therefore God cannot exist if the statements regarding the power and knowledge of God are true. It is important to establish meanings of the words God and Evil for the purposes of this discussion. The definition of God given by the American Heritage Dictionary will suffice: "a. A being conceived as the perfect, omnipotent, omniscient originator and ruler of the universe, the principal object of faith and worship in monotheistic religions"."

Tags:god, evil, existence

Abstract
This paper discusses the theory of the image of God. It discusses research that indicates that some believe that the image of God and man's creation refers to the physical image. The research paper contends that this is the spiritual image of God that is found in Christ and in man that is spoken of in the Bible. Through research this point is discussed within the paper.

From the Paper
"To be created in the image of God means to be, in all ways possible, like He is. In the Bible it is written, "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man" (1 Corinthians 11:7). This passage infers that man should not be ashamed of who he is because he is created in the image of the creator of the world, and in this there can be no shame. Reverend Dennis Duncan contends that some believe the passages from the Bible that speak of man being created in God's image refer to His physical form (Duncan). Yet, Duncan clarifies to his readers that the "image" is in reference to what is inside of a human being."

Tags:god, christ, image

Abstract
This paper explains that the Greek god Apollo represents archery, music and the sun. The author points out that, by being raised on the island of Delos, he was trained by Themis to develop god-like skills away from other Olympian gods and the lower mortals of Earth. The paper relates that, by being the son of Zeus and Leto, Apollo had the powers of both a Titan and Olympian, making him unusually powerful within the pantheon of Greek Gods.

Tags:apollo, god, sun

Abstract
This is an essay which discusses God and morality. It looks at how God is viewed by different people. The author disagrees that a lack in faith in God has contributed to the country's current moral fiber, and argues that while moral standards and looser values are in existence today, but they are a result of the influence of the mass media and dissolution of the nuclear family, and not because of absence of a God-based society.

From the Paper
"The negative effects of the loss of God are just as crucial to understand in discussing God and morality. These have often been overlooked by those who welcome all things new and better at whatever cost. The fact that society has lost the perception of harmony and unity created by divine guidance means that it can be argued that there are no universal morals left in the world. The acceptability of certain acts that were considered immoral before bothers many of us, and the term "liberalization" is often used in society when we really mean that we are without common norms of behavior or values."

Tags:god, morality, philosophy, religion, values, society, faith, tradition, knowledge, church, family

Abstract
This paper argues that the proposition set up by J.L. Mackie whereby he claims to prove that an all-mighty, all-good God and the existence of evil are logically contradictory is itself in error. The paper uses the concept of a "process-relational" God, first proposed by Alfred North Whitehead, to disprove Mackie's argument. The paper also shows that this does not damage God's omnipotence any more than neo-Thomist arguments do.

Tags:God, omnipotent, logic, evil, nature, Whitehead

Abstract
This is a teleological argument for God's existence. Cleanthes' argument for the existence of God is based on the assumption that the universe has an ordered arrangement. This is why Cleanthes attempts to present a case for order in the universe. In doing so, he argues for the existence of God. In his view, there is a design in the creation, and he believes that a certain amount of scientific thought was needed to create the universe.

Tags:teleological, argument, god

Abstract
This paper discusses the Seventh Day Adventists Church, its history and its basic tenants. The paper compares the beliefs and practices of Seventh Day Adventists to members of other Christian denominations and particularly Protestant groups from which the Seventh Day Adventists originated. The author also points to similarities to other Christian sects that also believe in the literal interpretation of the bible.

From the Paper
"Furthermore, Seventh-Day Adventists observe the Sabbath on Saturday and not Sunday with most other Protestants. Their ascription to the traditional Jewish Sabbath also stems from the Adventists' firm belief in a literal interpretation of the Old and New Testaments. A significant feature of the Seventh - day Adventist religion is the promotion of an almost ascetic lifestyle. Abstinence from alcohol and tobacco is a core tenet. Moreover, the Adventists promote Biblical dietary guidelines similar to kosher practices. Finally, Adventists uphold Ellen White as a prophet."

Tags:church protestants prophet religon christ, seventh day adventists, baptists presbyterians methodists god