Quote:
Originally Posted by fraleyight
My main problem is the whole argument relies on the universe needing a creator. The Theists have literally just replaced "universe" with "God" here. Both starting points are theoretically possible.
I see no problem with an eternal universe. Just as the theist sees no problem with an eternal creator.
Here is the Kalam Cosmological Argument from that link I gave you earlier:
1) Everything that begins to exist has a cause of its existence.
2) The universe began to exist.
3) Therefore, the universe has a cause of its existence.
4) Since no scientific explanation (in terms of physical laws) can provide a causal account of the origin of the universe, the cause must be personal (explanation is given in terms of a personal agent).
Your response is that you think (2) is, or might be false. Okay. But that isn't enough on its own. You have to engage with the arguments given by theists and other people for thinking that the universe did begin to exist.
For instance, as noted by a couple people in this thread. according to some popular cosmological models of the universe, the universe did begin to exist. Maybe you have some reason to think that these cosmological theories of the universe are false. But you haven't presented these reasons.
Furthermore, theists also
present arguments that attempt to show that time must have a beginning - thus showing that the universe could not be eternal. Maybe you think these arguments are all bad. But you haven't shown that here.