The Mozart Argument and (V) The Argument from Play and Enjoyment

Many atheistic philosophers concede that the prevalence of natural beauty is much more likely on theism than on naturalism. It is fairly easy to argue that beauty counts as evidence for God's existence. But how strong is this evidence? And what account of beauty are we using? This chapter examines several versions of the argument from beauty for God's existence, evaluates them, and presents a modified version of the argument offered by Alvin Plantinga. The chapter contends that beauty, as well as play, fit into the picture of Christian theology, and do not fit well within naturalism. An open-minded investigator should infer that Christian theism provides the best explanation for them, and that Christianity provides the best hope for satisfying our desire for beauty and play. In addition, the chapter offers a brief appraisal of Plantinga’s argument from play, and attempts to further it.