51����

Year 8 RE Lesson: The First Cause Argument – What, If Anything, Was the Cause of the Universe?
School logos have been removed from the PPT.
This lesson introduces the First Cause (Causation) Argument, focusing on Thomas Aquinas’ view that everything has a cause and that God must be the uncaused First Cause. Pupils explore concepts like infinite regress, contingency, and necessary existence. They also consider criticisms, including the question “Who caused God?” and alternative scientific explanations like the Big Bang. Activities include comprehension questions, sentence completion, a comic strip, and extended writing evaluating whether the universe needs a cause.

Learning aims:

Explain what the First Cause Argument is and who proposed it

Understand the difference between contingent and necessary beings

Evaluate criticisms and alternative explanations of the universe’s origin

Form and justify your own opinion about whether the argument proves God exists

Includes PowerPoint slides, structured tasks, creative activities, and discussion prompts ready to teach.