Is it mystical nonsense to believe that there is an underlying order and meaning to the universe?
Cause.
There is no case known (nor indeed is it possible) in which a thing
is found to be the efficient cause of itself, because in that case it
would be prior to itself, which is impossible. Now in efficient causes
it is impossible to go on to infinity. Now to take away the cause is to
take away the effect. Therefore, if there be no first cause, there will
be no ultimate, nor any intermediate cause. Therefore it is
necessary to admit a first efficient cause, to which everyone gives
the name of God. [Summa Theologica, 1.2.3]
Purpose:
We see things which lack knowledge, such as natural bodies, act for
an end, and this is evident from their acting always, or nearly always,
in the same way, so as to obtain the best result. Hence it is plain
that they achieve their result not by chance, but by design. Now
whatever lacks knowledge cannot move towards an end, unless it
be directed by some being endowed with knowledge and
intelligence, as the arrow is directed by the archer. Therefore some
intelligent being exists by whom all natural things are ordered to
their end; and this being we call God. [Ibid.] |
