By Troy Spradlin

These are the words God spoke to Moses when describing who He was (Exodus 3:14). They indicate that God has always existed and will continue to exist. However, this affirmation is not enough evidence for some men. They are compelled to raise objections such as, “A God that is good would never allow evil to exist,” or, “All existence can be justified by human reasoning.” Some of these were refuted by an ancient philosopher and theologian, Thomas Aquinas. He categorized several arguments that can be used in establishing a case for the existence of God. We can learn a great deal by examining his reasoning.

His first argument simply states that all motion must begin with a mover. Since it can be shown that nothing is put into motion by itself, and an infinite regress would be impossible, there must be a “first mover.” This is concluded to be God. His next argument involves the logic of “efficient cause,” which states that every end result has to have an originating source. If the first cause is removed, there can be no subsequent effects. God is attributed as the first cause. Aquinas introduced a third argument similar to “efficient cause” but based upon contingency. If traced back, eventually, there must have been one thing from which all others have occurred. This necessary being, which is not contingent on any other, is recognized as God. He also puts forth an argument about the existence of degrees of perfection. If everything is a different degree of perfection, then the pinnacle of perfection is what is known as God. His final argument rests upon intelligent design. He states that all natural bodies are working toward an end purpose. This indicates that a characteristic of intelligence is involved. The intelligence to guide all things to their end is concluded to be from God.

Although men may reject that God exists, He has declared, “I Am Who Am.” Thomas Aquinas used his arguments to form the evidence to support that claim. They sustain that everything can be traced back to a first principle or cause. This can only be God who is also the One that allows evil to exist in order to produce good.

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