The Kalam Cosmological Argument is primarily a logical argument but relies on cosmological evidence to strengthen its claims.
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Logical Foundation: It follows a deductive structure, where the premises logically lead to the conclusion that the universe must have a cause.
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Cosmological Support: It incorporates scientific discoveries, like the Big Bang and thermodynamics, to reinforce the idea that the universe had a beginning.
So while it is rooted in logic, it is strengthened by cosmology, making it a blend of both. Would you like help framing this in The Journey Home to enhance the persuasive impact of your argument?
Logical Proofs (Pure Deductive Reasoning)
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Ontological Argument – Defines God as the greatest conceivable being; existence is necessary for such a being.
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Leibniz’s Contingency Argument – Everything that exists must have an explanation; since the universe is contingent, it must rely on a necessary being.
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Moral Argument – Objective moral values exist, implying a transcendent moral lawgiver.
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Teleological Argument (without empirical basis) – The universe exhibits order and rationality, implying an intelligent designer.
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Modal Cosmological Argument – If a necessary being is possible, then it must exist across all possible worlds.
Aquinas’ Five Ways (Metaphysical & Observational)
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First Way (Motion) – Everything in motion must be set in motion by something else, leading to an unmoved mover (God).
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Second Way (Causation) – Nothing can cause itself; there must be a first uncaused cause (God).
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Third Way (Contingency) – Everything dependent must ultimately rely on a necessary being (God).
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Fourth Way (Degrees of Perfection) – Things vary in goodness, truth, and nobility, implying a maximally perfect being (God).
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Fifth Way (Final Cause/Design) – Nature operates with purpose, implying an intelligent designer (God).