Why does the universe have a first cause?
The cosmological argument is one of the oldest and best-known philosophical arguments for the existence of God. It is based on the idea that the universe must have a first cause, and that this cause is God. In this article I will present the cosmological argument based on a first cause and illustrate it with an example.
What is cause one?
A first cause is a cause that itself has no cause. In other words, it is a cause that exists independently and eternally. According to the cosmological argument, the universe must have a first cause because it could not have come into existence by itself. It is God who is the eternal and transcendent first cause of the universe.
Example with a car.
Like a car, which has to be designed, built and driven, the universe must have had a cause. When we look at a car, we assume that someone built it, rather than it arising from itself. In the same way, it would be absurd to say that the universe came into existence by itself, without a cause. Imagine you're in a junkyard with all sorts of car parts, and after a whirlwind of time, a new car, such as a Bentley, is created from them. It sounds absurd, doesn't it? In this way, the cosmological argument based on first cause tries to argue that there is a God, as an eternal and transcendent cause, who is responsible for creating and driving the universe.
Why is God an appropriate first cause?
God is a proper first cause because He is eternal and transcendent. This means that he exists independently of time and space and is beyond them. Unlike the universe, which has a beginning and an end, God is eternally present and never ceases to exist. It is for this reason that He is the appropriate first cause for the origin and drive of the universe. Every phenomenon in nature has a cause and, according to the cosmological argument, the existence of the universe also requires its original cause. God as an eternal and transcendent being is able to fulfil this requirement. Furthermore, in Christian theology, God is also recognised as the Creator, meaning that He created the universe and brought order and harmony to it.
To sum up:
The cosmological argument based on first cause is one of the most important philosophical arguments for the existence of God. The use of the analogy of the car helps in understanding this argument. During this post, I would like to conclude that the cosmological argument based on first cause is a valid proof for the existence of God. Although it is not the only argument that attempts to prove the existence of God, it is one of the most well-known and influential. In addition, basing this argument on an example with a car helps to understand why the universe must have a first cause, and that cause is God.
If you are interested in philosophy and theology, you will certainly find the cosmological argument fascinating. Exploring the mysteries of the universe and trying to understand its root cause are topics that have occupied people for thousands of years. Therefore, if you are interested in learning more about the cosmological argument and other evidence for the existence of God, I encourage you to research further and explore this topic.
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