The Kalam Cosmological Argument: A Case For God

Published On: May 20, 2024

EVERYTHING THAT BEGINS TO EXIST HAS A CAUSE…

Exploring the Cosmic Origins of Existence

What lies beyond the farthest reaches of space and before the birth of time itself? This profound existential question has captivated philosophers and scientists across epochs and cultures. The Kalam cosmological argument beckons us to peer beyond the misty veil of the Big Bang and contemplate the ultimate metaphysical reality: the origin of the entire universe from literally nothing.

In this metaphysical odyssey tracing backward through cosmic history, we encounter signs that may unmistakably point towards a transcendent, supernatural source of all reality—an eternally existent, omnipotent Creator. This ancient argument, first developed by medieval Islamic thinkers, rests on three deceptively simple premises that carry seismic implications.

Arising from medieval Islamic philosophy, this ancient argument offers three powerful, yet simple, premises that have reverberated down the ages like the voice of a wise prophet:

Everything That Begins to Exist Has a Cause
The Universe Began to Exist
Therefore, the Universe Has a Cause

The Causal Principle: Why Things Begin to Exist

Think about it: whenever we come across something new—a towering skyscraper, a roaring car, or a captivating book—our minds instinctively ask, “What caused this to exist?” This simple idea lies at the heart of the Kalam Argument: Whatever starts to exist must have a cause. It’s like the steady beat of logic’s drum guiding us through our reasoning.

The Universe’s Finite Existence: Evidence of a Cosmic Birth

Scientific breakthroughs, like the Big Bang theory, have shown us the universe had a beginning—a moment when time, space, and matter burst into existence from a tiny point. The Kalam echoes this, declaring the universe had a starting point, tracing back to that epic moment when everything began.

The Uncaused First Cause: God as the Ultimate Creator

Imagine a vast tapestry being woven by an unseen master weaver, crafting galaxies, atoms, and even thoughts. The Kalam points us toward a transcendent First Cause—a force that kickstarted this cosmic masterpiece and exists beyond our notions of time and space. According to the Kalam, this First Cause is none other than God—the divine Architect who brought the universe into being.

Addressing Cosmic Skepticism: Christian Responses

Like any big idea, the Kalam Argument has its fair share of nay-sayers. Here are some common criticisms and how Christians typically respond:

The Infinite Regress Objection:

Critics ask, “If everything needs a cause, then what caused God?” This could lead to an endless chain of causes, right?

Christians explain God isn’t like anything else. He’s not caused by anything; He’s eternal, existing forever. He’s the foundation of everything, weaving existence from His own timeless essence.

The Argument from Non-belief: Echoes of the Divine Across Cultures

Sceptics point to the diversity of beliefs and rampant non-belief, and ask: if God truly exists, and His existence is that obvious, why are there all these varied responses? Or why doesn’t everyone recognize God as the universe’s first cause?

The multitude of our views about, and responses to, God doesn’t necessarily prove the non-existence of God. While we may all have an innate awareness of God’s existence, we each respond to this awareness in our own ways. Buried within the multiplicity of religions and philosophies, we consistently find core tenets hinting at something transcendent–a belief in realms beyond the physical, the existence of moral codes, an awareness of human sinfulness, a search for purpose and meaning. Even those professing atheistic worldviews wrestle with life’s biggest metaphysical questions.

The Christian may also remind the sceptic of Blaise Pascal’s suggestion that there’s a God-shaped vacuum in each of us that only the real God can fill, and the pretenders can’t. No pursuit of idols, or wealth, or power, or pleasure can ultimately fill this vacuum. Till we come to Him, we have a nagging sense there is something more to existence, some transcendent meaning and purpose we were created for, but are yet sadly missing.

Conclusion: The Implications of the Kalam Cosmological Argument

From the premises of the Kalam Cosmological Argument, a stunning conclusion emerges: the existence of an eternal, necessary, and immensely powerful First Cause or Creator. This First Cause is beyond the physical and temporal universe, existing independently and uncaused. Such a being is fundamentally different from the dependent, finite world we experience.

The Kalam offers a clear philosophical path to understanding God’s existence and essential attributes. It suggests an unimaginably great, eternal, simple, uncaused, supernatural, and incredibly powerful Source that is radically distinct from our finite cosmos. This conclusion may seem astonishing, but it leads us to the idea of a Supreme Reality—one that supports the entire structure of material existence. This reality is what we fittingly call God.

The Kalam presents a logical and straightforward explanation for the mysteries of the universe’s origin. For those open to exploring these profound questions, the argument offers a strong case for God’s existence, encouraging deeper philosophical and existential reflection. At the very least, the Kalam points us towards the vast, unexplored realms of existence, prompting us to consider the infinite mysteries that lie beyond our physical reality.

Related Reads:

Editor’s Pick

‘Out of Egypt I Called My Son’: Did Matthew Misuse Hosea 11:1?
When Matthew quotes Hosea 11:1 in his Gospel—“Out of Egypt I called my son”—he draws a connection that has puzzled [...]

Bible Allusions: How They Enrich Our Grasp of God’s Word
Ever experienced that moment when you're reading Scripture and suddenly recognise an echo of another passage? That spark of recognition [...]

Old Testament Theophanies: What Purposes Did They Serve?
Throughout the Old Testament, we encounter remarkable moments when God manifests Himself in visible, often tangible forms to His people. [...]

When Words Fail: How the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Our Prayers
Ever sat down to pray and found yourself at a complete loss for words? Or perhaps you’ve prayed diligently but [...]

Isaiah 64:6: How Are Our Righteous Deeds Like Filthy Rags?
“We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” — [...]

The Greatest Yet the Least: How Is John the Baptist Both?
In Matthew 11:11, Jesus makes a statement that has puzzled Bible readers: “Truly I tell you, among those born of [...]

The Pilgrim’s Progress: Journeying Through the Psalms of Ascent
The Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) are a remarkable collection of fifteen songs that have guided God's people for millennia. [...]

Not Home Yet: How Scripture’s Exile Theme Shapes Our Faith
When we read Scripture carefully, a striking pattern emerges: God’s people are almost always on the move, displaced, or living [...]

At Pentecost: God Fulfils Covenant and Reverses Babel
The scene is electrifying. Jerusalem, crowded with Jewish pilgrims from across the known world. A sound like rushing wind fills [...]

The Sun’s Age: Is It Really A Showstopper for A Young Earth?
When discussing creation and the age of the earth, sceptics often point to the sun as definitive evidence against the [...]