Classical Theism, Philosophy, and Religion Forum / Consensus Gentium

**Posted by Jeremy Taylor** 4/12/2016 8:30 pm

Does anyone know of good resources for Consensus Gentium arguments for God's existence?

**Posted by iwpoe** 4/12/2016 8:35 pm

Is that the 'all peoples in all places/ most people in most places in most times believe in God, therefore God exists' style argument?

**Posted by Jeremy Taylor** 4/12/2016 8:36 pm

Yes, although you give the "everything has a cause" equivalent.

**Posted by Timotheos** 4/12/2016 9:48 pm

George Hayward Joyce gives a version of it in his book Principles of Natural Theology; it was Scott's favorite book on natural theology, so it's a good starting place.

Here's the link: https://www3.nd.edu/~maritain/jmc/etext/pnt05.htm

Last edited by Timotheos (4/12/2016 9:50 pm)

**Posted by Jeremy Taylor** 4/13/2016 3:15 am

Thanks, Tim, will check that out.

Alexander, I think the appeal is to the reliability of human faculties in general. In order to use our faculties, especially reason, we have to assume their reliability, and hence what is generally believed is to at least have presumption in its favour. Obviously, there are many claims here that need unpacking.