The Attributes of God – The Proof of God’s Existence, Part 1
His Holiness Pope Shenouda addresses rational and spiritual proofs for the existence of God, stating that nature and matter by themselves cannot explain the existence of the universe or life, and that chance or an eternal nature are not convincing explanations.
Existence of matter and life
He explains that the existence of inanimate matter does not justify the existence of life, and that the Earth’s change from a fiery state to a place fit for life indicates the intervention of a powerful creator, because matter itself does not create life.
The human and human characteristics
He points out that human intellect, conscience, and will cannot arise from an inanimate nature without intellect, which necessitates the existence of a higher Being endowed with complete wisdom, power, and will.
The order of the universe and precision in creation
He affirms that the precise order in astronomy, seasons, organ functions and the structure of living beings — from the bee to the structure of the eye and heart — are all signs of an Engineer and wise Organizer.
Inference from environmental diversity and heredity
He mentions how nature is prepared for the living things (air, water, temperature, darkness) and how the system of birth and heredity demonstrate a creating wisdom that surpasses chance or purely material explanation.
General beliefs and atheists and types of denial
He explains that belief in a deity is innate among peoples even if names differ, and distinguishes between atheists who deny God’s existence and those who reject His relation to the world, such as existentialists and Marxists.
Basic attributes of God
He lists God’s attributes: eternality, everlastingness, being not limited by place or power, omniscience, and necessary existence — meaning God is the cause of the world’s existence, not the other way around.
Spiritual conclusion
Creation with all its precision and complexity points to an all-wise and all-powerful Creator, and acknowledging this Creator is the clearest conclusion when contemplating order and existence, accompanied by an invitation to reflection and thanksgiving.
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