Reflections On The Existence Of God: Study Guide

“This study guide calls us to discuss issues that all Christians need to wrestle with in an easy and comprehensive format. Mr. Collmus’ questions are student tested and approved to drive in-depth dialogue in the classroom, homeschool group, Bible study, and much more.” --–Luke Morris, The Covenant School Class of 2023

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, my brother Dan recommended I read Richard E. Simmons’ book, Reflections on the Existence of God. I was intrigued by the book’s brief essays and timely reflections on the climate of our culture. I have been educating students for 44 years and currently teach an apologetics class to tenth graders at The Covenant School in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Reason for God, by Tim Keller, had been my primary text. With the encouragement of several students, who also read Reflections on the Existence of God, I decided it was time to try something new.

During this school year, my tenth-grade classes, the class of 2024, spent time reading and discussing Reflections on the Existence of God. One of their ongoing assignments was to create a list of questions from each section. We were after “essential questions”, ones that cause you to think a bit more deeply and ones that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. We discussed the text and debated which of the submitted questions were the best. I can’t say that each student contributed at least one question, but each student was a part of the process, for which I am grateful.

I hope you find this study guide helpful. It can be used in a variety of settings―for group and individual study, family worship times, college ministry studies, or as a course curriculum for private and home education. It is also a valuable tool to equip you to engage with skeptics, friends or family struggling with doubt, using thought-provoking questions and conversation. In my classes, I assign a chapter or a smaller section to read for homework. They are to highlight or take notes. I ask for feedback from their reading and then use my questions to engage in a discussion which hopefully leads them into a higher level of thinking and application. I still refer to Tim Keller’s work and several other resources mentioned in this guide.

JOHN COLLMUS has been an educator for 44 years in both public and private schools and is entering into his 35th year at The Covenant School in Charlottesville, Virginia. He has served in various roles as an administrator, science teacher and coach. He currently teaches Theology to tenth grade students.

John grew up in Frederick, Maryland and attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia where he earned a BS in biology. He later received an MEd and an EdS degree in Administration and Supervision from The University of Virginia. He and his wife Jacquelyn have four married children and six grandchildren. John serves as an Elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church and also is a member of the World Missions Committee. He has led many missions trips with his church and with his students. When not in the classroom John enjoys exercising, all forms of sports and the great outdoors. He and his wife are avid gardeners, bird watchers, enjoy woodworking and love to travel.