20 Nov 2004
The teleological argument is also known as “the argument from design” (The Greek word “telos” means “purpose” or “design.”). This argument for the existence of God goes like this: The universe evidences great complexity or design; thus, it must have been designed by a great Designer or God.
The argument from design can be likened to a watch. A watch is obviously made by a watchmaker. The world, which is much more complex than a watch, must also have been designed by a great Designer or Divine Watchmaker (God).
In sum, the teleological argument asserts that the universe evidences too much complexity to be the product of random chance. We know that the celestial bodies move with perfect accuracy in their orbits. Our bodies, too, are incredibly complex. According to the teleological argument, there’s just no way all this complexity could “just happen.” God must have created it all.
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