Welcome to Knowledge of God's Existence
Welcome to your study notes for Developments in Christian Thought (Component 03)! In this chapter, we explore a foundational question in Christian theology: How can human beings know anything about an infinite, invisible God?
Don't worry if this topic sounds philosophical or intimidating at first. We will break it down into two main routes Christians debate: Natural Theology (knowing God through human reason and nature) and Revealed Theology (knowing God through direct divine unveiling, scripture, and Jesus Christ). We will also look at the famous 20th-century debate between Karl Barth and Emil Brunner.
Top Tip for Component 03: This is a theology paper, not a philosophy paper! Keep your focus firmly on how Christian thinkers view the human mind, the Fall, grace, and Jesus Christ.
1. Natural Knowledge of God (Natural Theology)
Definition: Natural Theology is the view that humans can gain knowledge of God's existence and nature through human reason and the observation of the natural world, without needing special direct revelations.
A. The Innate Sense of the Divine (Sensus Divinitatis)
How does natural knowledge start inside us? The 16th-century theologian John Calvin wrote extensively about this in his masterpiece, Institutes of the Christian Religion.
• Sensus Divinitatis: Calvin argued that God has implanted an innate "sense of the divine" in every single human being. No one can claim complete ignorance of God because the awareness is woven directly into our human nature.
• Semen Religionis (Seed of Religion): Calvin also referred to this as a "seed of religion" planted by God in all people, which naturally inclines us toward worship.
• Consensus Omnium (Universal Agreement): A major piece of evidence for this innate sense is that across history, cultures, and continents, human societies have universally developed religious beliefs and practices.
• The Human Conscience: Our internal moral compass acts as a direct witness to God's moral law. When we feel guilt or a sense of justice, our conscience reflects God's divine standards.
Everyday Analogy: Think of the sensus divinitatis like pre-installed software on a brand-new smartphone. You don't have to download it; it is part of the basic operating system from the factory.
B. Knowledge via the Order of Creation
Calvin and other Christian thinkers argue that looking outward at the world confirms what we feel inward:
• The World as a "Mirror": Calvin described the beauty, vastness, and intricate order of the cosmos as a mirror reflecting the majesty, wisdom, and power of its Creator.
• Thomas Aquinas and the Five Ways: The medieval theologian Thomas Aquinas argued that human reason can look at the "effects" in the world (motion, causation, design) and logically deduce the "cause" (God). Reason allows us to trace creation back to the Creator.
• Imago Dei (Image of God): Genesis teaches that humans are made in the image and likeness of God. Because we possess rational intellect, we have the unique capacity to observe creation and recognize God's craftsmanship.
Key Takeaway for Natural Theology: Natural theology says God has left clear "fingerprints" both inside us (the sensus divinitatis and conscience) and outside us (the order and beauty of the universe), accessible via human reason.
2. Revealed Knowledge of God (Revealed Theology)
Definition: Revealed Theology is the view that God is so transcendent (beyond human understanding) that humans can only know Him when He chooses to pull back the curtain and "unveil" Himself.
A. Why Isn't Natural Reason Enough? The Fall and Grace
Why do many theologians argue natural theology falls short? The answer lies in human limitation and sin.
• The Noetic Effects of Sin: The word noetic comes from the Greek word for mind (nous). When humanity fell into sin (the Fall in Genesis), it did not just damage our moral behaviour—it corrupted the human intellect and reason. Our thinking is distorted by selfishness, pride, and illusion, making reliable natural knowledge of God impossible on our own.
• Faith and Grace: True knowledge of God cannot be earned by human intellect; it must be received as an unearned gift (grace) through the Holy Spirit. Faith is the God-given capacity to accept this revelation.
B. The Ultimate Revelation: Jesus Christ
• Jesus as the Mediator: In Christian theology, Jesus Christ is the pinnacle of divine revelation. Because God is infinite and humans are finite, there is an infinite gap. Christ is the "mediator" who bridges the transcendent God and finite humanity.
• Fullness of Revelation: While nature might hint that a powerful creator exists, only in Jesus Christ do humans discover God’s true personal nature: His love, mercy, and plan for salvation.
C. The Bible and the Church
• Sacred Scripture: The Bible is viewed as the inspired record of God's self-revelation over human history.
• The Church: The traditions, sacraments, and community of the Church preserve and proclaim this revealed word, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaway for Revealed Theology: Because human reason was fractured by the Fall (the noetic effects of sin), we are completely reliant on God's grace, Scripture, and above all, Jesus Christ for true saving knowledge.
3. The Barth-Brunner Debate (1934)
One of the most famous theological clashes in modern history took place in 1934 between two Swiss Protestant theologians: Emil Brunner and Karl Barth. This debate is central to your AO2 essay evaluations!
Emil Brunner: Nature Provides a "Point of Contact"
Brunner argued that natural theology still plays a valid, complementary role alongside revelation:
• Formal Image vs. Material Image: Brunner argued that while the Fall completely destroyed our material image (our moral goodness and relationship with God), our formal image (our rationality and capacity to communicate) was preserved.
• Point of Contact (Anknüpfungspunkt): Because we still have our formal rationality, there is a "point of contact" within human nature. God can use nature to speak to us, and natural theology can prepare our minds to receive the higher revelation of the Gospel.
Karl Barth: A Resounding "Nein!" (No!)
Barth fiercely rejected Brunner’s position, publishing a famous pamphlet titled simply Nein!:
• Total Depravity and Idolatry: Barth argued that the Fall corrupted human nature entirely. If humans try to construct knowledge of God through their own reason, they will simply invent a god in their own image—which is idolatry.
• God is "Wholly Other": God is utterly transcendent and beyond human reach. Knowledge of God flows strictly in one direction: from God down to humanity through Jesus Christ alone.
• Historical Context (Crucial for High Marks): In 1934, Barth was witnessing the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany. The "German Christian" movement was using natural theology (arguing that God reveals Himself through German culture, nationhood, and history) to justify Nazi ideology. Barth warned that natural theology opens the door to false, dangerous human ideologies masquerading as divine truth.
Quick Summary Comparison Table:
• Emil Brunner: Believed the Fall left a "formal" image intact; natural theology creates a "point of contact" for the Gospel.
• Karl Barth: Believed the Fall left zero natural capacity; God is "Wholly Other"; natural theology leads to idolatry; Christ is the sole revelation.
4. Revision Essentials: Pitfalls, Key Terms, and Memory Aids
Common Exam Pitfalls to Avoid
• Treating this as a pure philosophy essay: Do not spend paragraphs explaining Aquinas' First Way step-by-step as an abstract logical proof. Focus on the theological implications: Does reason work without grace? Does nature reveal God's character?
• Forgetting the "Noetic" impact: Don't just say "the Fall made humans sinful." State specifically that the Fall had noetic effects, meaning it impaired human intellectual and rational abilities.
• Omitting technical Latin terms: High-scoring answers actively use Sensus Divinitatis, Semen Religionis, and Imago Dei.
Memory Aid: The "S-E-E-D" of Knowledge
• S – Sensus Divinitatis: The innate sense of God inside everyone (Calvin).
• E – Effects of Sin (Noetic): The Fall broke our thinking, making natural reason flawed.
• E – Emil vs. Karl: Brunner's "Point of Contact" vs. Barth's "Nein!".
• D – Divine Grace: Revealed knowledge through Scripture and Jesus Christ as Mediator.
Quick Review Quiz Yourself
1. What Latin term did John Calvin use to describe the innate sense of the divine?
2. What is meant by the noetic effects of sin?
3. Why did Karl Barth say "Nein!" to Emil Brunner in 1934?
4. What role does Jesus Christ play in Revealed Theology?