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Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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CLASSICAL THEISM AND THE COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT

Authors: JEREMIAH OLALEKAN ADENIJI B. TH (Missiology); B. A. (Hons); M. A; Ph. D;

CLASSICAL THEISM AND THE COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT

Abstract

This paper provides a critical examination of the cosmological argument for the existence of God within the framework of classical theism. It begins by outlining the standard version of the argument, particularly as formulated by Thomas Aquinas, focusing on the concepts of contingency, necessity, causality, and the 'Unmoved Mover'. The argument posits that a contingent universe, characterized by motion and change, necessitates the existence of an independent, unchanging, and Necessary Being—God. The paper then pivots to a rigorous critique of this position, highlighting a fundamental dilemma: the Unmoved Mover of philosophy is incompatible with the personal, dynamic, and responsive God depicted in the Judeo-Christian scriptures. It argues that biblical portrayals of God show a being who is moved by human suffering, prayer, and repentance, thus exhibiting change and contingency. This scriptural evidence directly contradicts the philosophical requirement of absolute changelessness. The paper concludes that the cosmological argument, by insisting on an immutable God, ultimately fails to support the concept of a "living God" central to religious faith. It results in a philosophical abstraction rather than the personal deity of classical theism, leaving theists with an unresolved contradiction between their philosophical proofs and their theological commitments.

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Keywords

Classical Theism, Contingency, Thomas Aquinas, Philosophy of Religion, Unmoved Mover, Cosmological Argument, Changelessness, Necessary Being

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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