Descartes thinks that he can provide an objective - logical proof of God's existence. Does this proof work? Even if the proof does, can belief in God be grounded solely in reason?

There have been many criticisms of Descartes' proof over the years. Writers like Hume or Kant thought that it was not possible to prove the existence of God simply by reason. Other philosophers, like Kierkegaard, have taken the position that belief in God requires something deeper than simply reason; it requires us to take a kind of passionate leap of faith, or it is not really belief at all. This question allows students to discuss both sides of the question and consider the way religious knowledge or belief differs from scientific or philosophical knowledge. It may also allow students to see the way Descartes' God is not an object of passionate devotion, but more like...