John Owen on Rational Arguments for God

[Sam Jer]

Nor is there any means for the recovery of such persons. The opposition that hath been made unto atheism, with arguments for the divine being and existence of God, taken from reason and natural light, in this and other ages, hath been of good use to cast contempt on the pretences of evil men to justify themselves in their folly; but that they have so much as changed the minds of any I much doubt.

No man is under the power of atheistical thoughts, or can be so long, but he that is ensnared into them by his desire to live securely and uncontrollably in sin. Such persons know it to be their interest that there should be no God, and are willing to take shelter under the bold expressions and reasonings of them who by the same means have hardened and blinded their minds into such foolish thoughts. But the most rational arguments for the being of the Deity will never prove an effectual cure to a predominant love of and habitual course in sin, in them who have resisted and rejected the means and motives unto that end declared in divine revelation; and unless the love of sin be cured in the heart, thoughts in the acknowledgement of God will not be fixed in the mind.

Spiritual Mindedness, chapter 8 paragraphs 23-24

 

[Ed Walsh]

But the most rational arguments for the being of the Deity will never prove an effectual cure to a predominant love of and habitual course in sin, in them who have resisted and rejected the means and motives unto that end declared in divine revelation; and unless the love of sin be cured in the heart, thoughts in the acknowledgement of God will not be fixed in the mind.

When I saw the title, John Owen on Rational Arguments for God, I had a brief moment of fear that Dr Owen had in some respect fallen for the arguments for the existence of God path. I thought to myself, oh no, it can't be true, not John Owen. But I was instantly relieved when I read that he was against all hope of rational arguments convincing anyone that there is a God. For Romans 1 makes it clear that all men already know God, not simply that there is, or may be a god, but all men know God, the true God. "For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead."

Romans 1:18-23​

[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; [19] because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [21] because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.​

 

[RamistThomist]

had a brief moment of fear that Dr Owen had in some respect fallen for the arguments for the existence of God path.

He admits the arguments are cogent. He just says they won't convert a sinner. Of course, even non-Calvinists like Norman Geisler say the same thing.

 

[Ed Walsh]

He admits the arguments are cogent.

I agree with everything you said completely. Actually, I think I always agree with you.
Thank you.
Ed