Single Idea 21245

[catalogued under 28. God / B. Proving God / 2. Proofs of Reason / a. Ontological Proof]

Full Idea

We think of a thing when we say the world, and in another way when we think of the very thing itself. In the second sense God cannot be thought of as nonexistent. No one who understands can think God does not exist.

Gist of Idea

The word 'God' can be denied, but understanding shows God must exist

Source

Anselm (Proslogion [1090], Ch 4)

Book Reference

'The Existence of God', ed/tr. Hick,John [Macmillan 1964], p.27


A Reaction

It seems open to the atheist to claim the exact opposite - that you can commit to God's existence if it is just a word, but understanding shows that God is impossible (perhaps because of contradictions). How to arbitrate?