This + That = God

A Starting Point: The Cumulative Case for God’s Existence

When it comes to the question of God's existence, no single argument is likely to be persuasive to everyone. People are convinced in different ways—some through reason, others through experience, history, or beauty. For this reason, many Christian thinkers advocate what's known as the cumulative case approach. Rather than relying on one argument to prove everything, this method brings together multiple lines of evidence, each contributing to a broader and more compelling picture.

The cumulative case functions much like assembling a mosaic. A single tile may not be meaningful on its own, but as more pieces are laid in place, an image begins to form. Each argument may leave room for doubt, but when viewed together, they strengthen each other and gradually make the idea of God not only possible, but increasingly probable. Eventually, for many, God becomes the best explanation for what we observe in the universe, in human experience, and in history.

Prominent apologists like William Lane Craig, Garry Habermas, and Josh and Sean McDowell have used this approach to present the Christian worldview. Each offers different perspectives that, while distinct, work together as part of a unified case.

William Lane Craig, for example, is known for the Kalam Cosmological Argument, which argues from the beginning of the universe to the existence of a transcendent cause. He also champions the Moral Argument, asserting that if objective moral values exist (and most people intuitively believe they do), there must be a source beyond humanity—namely, God.

Garry Habermas contributes a powerful historical line of reasoning through his Minimal Facts Argument for the Resurrection. Using widely accepted historical data, Habermas argues that the resurrection of Jesus provides the most reasonable explanation for events such as the disciples transformed lives and the rise of early Christianity.

Josh and Sean McDowell, meanwhile, focus on the historical reliability of the Bible, offering evidence from archaeology, manuscript studies, and fulfilled prophecy. Their work helps support the claim that Christianity is not a blind leap of faith, but a belief grounded in credible history.

This essay serves as a gateway to a deeper exploration. In the essays that follow, each of these arguments will be unpacked more fully. You’ll be invited to consider the strength and significance of each one, not as isolated proofs, but as parts of a coherent and persuasive whole.

If you’ve ever wondered whether belief in God is rational, or if you’re seeking thoughtful reasons to support your faith or challenge your skepticism, these upcoming essays are for you. Whether you’re drawn to philosophy, science, history, or ethics, there’s a line of reasoning that speaks to your curiosity.

We encourage you to read further, explore each argument in detail, and consider how they might work together to build a robust and meaningful case for the existence of God.