Book Review: New Proofs for the Existence of God by Robert J. Spitzer

New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy by Robert J. Spitzer

Robert Spitzer has written a book presenting proofs for God's existence that incorporate the latest understandings and insights from current physics, especially cosmology. Spitzer is well aware of the classical five arguments from Saint Thomas Aquinas as well as other medieval proofs, some of which he elaborates and enhances with contemporary ideas from philosophy and physics.

The first part of the book looks at the current understanding of the origin of the universe, i.e. the cosmology of the Big Bang. He starts out with a general discussion and then delves into very particular issues in the field, including things like the Borde-Vilenkin-Guth Theorem's Boundary to Past Time. I had never heard of that before and still don't have a solid grasp on it after reading this section. I got to a point where I started skimming because I don't know enough contemporary physics to follow the discussion.

In the second part of the book Spitzer shifts to philosophical proofs for God's existence. He begins by laying out the boundaries of philosophy and science and showing that one can argue from basic assumptions to a reasonable and responsible belief in a thing's existence, e.g. the existence of the universe or the existence of the reader of the book. He then gives three proofs for God's existence. 

The first is a metaphysical consideration that all contingent beings must be dependent on a non-contingent being for their existence. That non-contingent being must have no conditions on which it relies for its existence; it must be therefore simple, unique, and unrestricted. As such, it must be the creator of all things that are real and must sustain them in existence. This being we call God. The second proof is a modification of Bernard Lonergan's proof from 1992. Lonergan's argument proceeds from our human understanding of the universe and eventually leads to an unrestricted intelligibility that we call God. Spitzer shifts the starting point to the intelligibility of the real world to follow the same logic, a path he thinks is easier to demonstrate and more persuasive. The third proof involves the impossibility of an infinite past time, thus requiring a Creator of past time that is independent of time. 

The second part ends with a discussion of problems around disproving the existence of God, including some insights on human freedom, suffering, and the problem of evil.

The third part of the book discusses the Transcendentals, various aspects of reality that apply to every thing in the universe, e.g. unity, simplicity, goodness, and beauty. These are preeminent characteristics of God and also longings of our human nature. The divine mystery is the fulfillment of our human mysteries, the fulfillment of our desires for the ultimate in truth or beauty.

This book is very technical and as such is not readily accessible to the lay reader. I've had a good portion of philosophical training, so the second and third parts were interesting and edifying to me. The first part, as I said, was too technical for me to follow. What I am saying is that this is a very well argued book, but reader beware! Or, at least, be aware of the demands it will put on you.

Slightly recommended--if you've got some scientific and philosophical training, this is a lot more valuable and elucidating than if you are less well read in those fields.