Does the cosmological argument prove God exists beyond doubt?
No — it is a reasoned argument with recognised strengths and criticisms. Learn it step by step →
Existence of God is a core part of GCSE Religious Studies. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
Design argumentThe argument that order and complexity in the universe, like the workings of a watch, point to God as designer; challenged by evolution and suffering.
First Cause argumentThe argument that everything caused needs a cause, so the universe requires an uncaused First Cause, which believers identify with God.
MiraclesEvents that seem to break the laws of nature and are attributed to God; Hume argued testimony for miracles is never strong enough to be believed.
General revelationGod made known indirectly and to everyone, through the natural world, conscience and the words of scripture.
Special revelationGod made known directly to individuals or groups, through visions, dreams and personal religious experience.
Arguments against God's existenceChallenges include evil and suffering, science explaining the universe's origins, and explanations of religious experience as illusion or wish-fulfilment.
Cosmological argumentUniverse must have a first cause — God
AquinasMedieval theologian — five ways to prove God
What your exam board covers
Where Existence of God sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.
OCRThe existence of GodSpec J625
Part of: Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
Does the cosmological argument prove God exists beyond doubt?✗ Yes, it is absolute proof.✓ No — it is a reasoned argument with recognised strengths and criticisms.
Does the problem of evil completely disprove God?✗ Yes, it settles the question entirely.✓ No — it is a serious challenge to which believers offer responses (theodicies).
Are religious experiences accepted as proof by everyone?✗ Yes, everyone accepts them as proof.✓ No — they convince some but are debated and open to other explanations.
Practise Existence of God — free games
Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:
