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Catechism 101: The Cosmological Argument for God's Existence

Catechism 101: The Cosmological Argument for God's Existence

Author: Dr Caitlin West August 3, 2026 Duration: 16:29
Crash Course Catholicism
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityChristianitySpirituality

How do we know that God exists? Can reason lead us to God?

In this episode, we begin a new series exploring one of the most famous arguments for the existence of God: St Thomas Aquinas’ cosmological argument.

Before diving into Aquinas’ First Way, we take a step back and look at the big picture. What exactly is a cosmological argument? How does it work? And why did Aquinas think that observing the ordinary world around us could lead us to the existence of a First Cause or Unmoved Mover?

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What a cosmological argument is
  • Why we often reason from visible effects to invisible causes
  • Aquinas’ observations about change, causation, and contingent existence
  • The difference between temporal and hierarchical causes
  • What Aquinas means by a First Cause or Unmoved Mover
  • Why Aquinas is not yet trying to prove every Christian belief about God
  • How this overview prepares us for Aquinas’ First Three Ways

This is the first episode in a series unpacking St Thomas Aquinas’ arguments for the existence of God. Whether you’re interested in philosophy, theology, apologetics, or simply wrestling with life’s biggest questions, I hope these episodes help make Aquinas’ thought more accessible and encourage you to explore these remarkable arguments for yourself.

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For anyone curious about the foundations, traditions, and everyday implications of the Catholic faith, Crash Course Catholicism offers a thoughtful and accessible entry point. Hosted by theologian Dr Caitlin West, this podcast breaks down complex theological concepts, historical context, and Church teachings into clear, manageable conversations. Each fortnightly episode focuses on a specific topic-from the sacraments and scripture to moral philosophy and liturgical practice-providing listeners with a structured yet engaging overview. Dr West’s approach is both scholarly and welcoming, making centuries of tradition feel relevant and comprehensible. Whether you're a lifelong parishioner seeking a refresher, someone exploring spirituality, or simply a person with questions about the world's largest Christian denomination, this series is designed to inform without overwhelming. Tune in for a calm, considered journey through the pillars of Catholic thought, all delivered in short, easy-to-digest segments perfect for a daily commute or quiet moment of reflection. You can find more from Dr Caitlin West and the podcast at her website.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 50

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Podcast Episodes
Catechism 101: The Argument from Contingency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:27
In this episode, we continue our series on St Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways by exploring his Third Way: the Argument from Contingency. Aquinas begins with a simple but profound observation: the things we encounter in the wor…
Catechism 101: The Argument from Efficient Causality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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<p>In this episode, we explore <strong>St Thomas Aquinas' Second Way</strong>, also known as the <strong>Argument from Efficient Causality</strong>. This is a classic cosmological argument for the existence of God.</p><p…
Catechism 101: The Argument from Motion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode, we explore St Thomas Aquinas’ First Way, also known as the Argument from Motion. This is one of the most influential philosophical arguments for the existence of God.Building on our introduction to cosmo…
120 - Truth & Freedom Under Threat | Magnifica Humanitas Part 4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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“God, the first principle and last end of all things, can be known with certainty from the created world by the natural light of human reason.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church, p. 36In this episode of Catechism 101,…
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Catechism 101: The Universal Desire for God [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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