What evidence do you have that God exists?

[Munising]

Perpaps a statistics course would come in handy. A probability of one means, by definition, that something must be true. So if atheists think there is a 100% chance of God existing, they are even more certain of that fact than the average theist.

I didn't say atheists think there is a 100% chance of God existing. I said A agnostic atheist allows for a 100% chance for a God to exist.. This by no stretch means the atheist thinks that the chances of a god existing are 100%.

All of the new atheists I have encountered claim to have an open mind, but if you try to pin them down you soon discover that nothing would convince them.

I can be convinced. And so could Richard Dawkins. See http://www.christianforums.com/t7710787/

They have an a priori presupposition that everything must have a natural explanation, and that directly implies that nothing can point to the existence of God. If they are otherwise stumped for an explanation they will come out with something like, "We might not understand it at the moment, but science will explain it some day. There is no reason to think any sky fairy did it."

Their faith in the omnicompetence of science is at least as great as any theist's faith in God.

I can see you have a chip on your shoulder.

 

[lesliedellow]

allows for a 100% chance for a God to exist.. This by no stretch means the atheist thinks that the chances of a god existing are 100%.

In which case it is a meaningless phrase.

I can see you have a chip on your shoulder.

I have met plenty of new atheists. Too many.

 

[Munising]

In which case it is a meaningless phrase.




I have met plenty of new atheists. Too many.

What do you mean by "new atheist"?

Are you talking about some kind of new generation atheist?

Or are you talking about someone who recently became an atheist?

 

[lesliedellow]

What do you mean by "new atheist"?

Are you talking about some kind of new generation atheist?

Or are you talking about someone who recently became an atheist?

Old atheist: John Gray, Mary Midgley, Iris Murdoch, Terry Eagleton, Michael Ruse.

New atheist: Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, Dan Dennett and 99% of the atheists who inhabit the internet.

The difference between the two? Well, the politest way of putting it is that the former group tend to know what they are talking about. The latter group are either too contemptuous of religion to even read "The Idiot's Guide to Theism," or they are ex fundamentalists, and fundamentalists tend to be as theologically illiterate as they are scientifically illiterate.

 

[Munising]

Old atheist: John Gray, Mary Midgley, Iris Murdoch, Terry Eagleton, Michael Ruse.

New atheist: Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, Dan Dennett and 99% of the atheists who inhabit the internet.

The difference between the two? Well, the politest way of putting it is that the former group tend to know what they are talking about. The latter group are either too contemptuous of religion to even read "The Idiot's Guide to Theism," or they are ex fundamentalists, and fundamentalists tend to be as theologically illiterate as they are scientifically illiterate.

You obviously haven't listened to Sam Harris. And probably haven't read anything he's written. If you had, you wouldn't be saying that about him.

Sam Harris cares about humanity and the negative impact religion is having on it. Listen to this before we go on: Does God Exist? Rabbi David Wolpe and Sam Harris (Full debate) PLEASE SUBSCRIBE - YouTube

 

[AllanV]

Believing in God is a state of mind and it changes the energy coming from a person. This mind holds the key to immortality. But the natural mind does not measure up and is deficient. The natural mind is regarded as rebellious and this means everyone is bonded in the mind. There are subconscious connections made with others that involve the memory and how different feelings for each other are developed. Each individual learns to be empowered in own self belief. The penalty of own power is the unusual thoughts that enter the mind that some act on through temptation and prompting. This power is also seen in the voice when it attempts to affect the emotions of others.
A person can have an experience of God but as an example of His power will fail the proof test. But in engineering when something is pulled apart witnesses in the wear and tear are looked for that indicate a direction of repair.
Therefore if own human mind is explored it is apparent there are deficiencies. Could it be possible that there is a way of escape from usual destructive influences from within. Human history is littered with death and mayhem and indicates perpetuated false ideas that even religion does not have the answer for.

 

[lesliedellow]

You obviously haven't listened to Sam Harris. And probably haven't read anything he's written. If you had, you wouldn't be saying that about him.

Sam Harris cares about humanity and the negative impact religion is having on it. Listen to this before we go on:

If there is one thing worse than a wall of text, it is a kind invitation to spend the best part of two hours watching a youtube video.

I will doubtless be able to find other things to do with my time.

 

[Living in the Light]

God is all both invisible and visible. If one is looking for "the big man in the sky" he/she won't find Him. The Cosmos is the evidence, all composed of the essence of God. God is also invisible, the so-called "glue" that holds the Cosmos together. One doesn't even have to believe to be influenced by God; it happens automatically, however a belief in the Divine attracts more Spirit into the soul -- one who is on fire with the power, influence, and love from God.

God reveals himself to all at some point in their lives. We must be sensitive to know the Revelation.

 

[PoeticCondition]

There is no evidence that proves beyond a doubt that God exists, but nor is there any evidence that proves 100% that God doesn't exist. I say believe whatever makes you happy. Believing in God makes me happy, and I believe that I can feel his effect in my life, so I believe in God. Of course, there are some things such as the question how did the universe start, and why do we have morals that make me lean towards the side of God's existence.

 

[Munising]

Believing in God is a state of mind and it changes the energy coming from a person.

If that's what it is while not being a supreme being who knows everything and can do anything, then I have no conflicts with what you're saying. However, if that's true, there are many Christians who would disagree.

This mind holds the key to immortality. But the natural mind does not measure up and is deficient. The natural mind is regarded as rebellious and this means everyone is bonded in the mind. There are subconscious connections made with others that involve the memory and how different feelings for each other are developed. Each individual learns to be empowered in own self belief. The penalty of own power is the unusual thoughts that enter the mind that some act on through temptation and prompting. This power is also seen in the voice when it attempts to affect the emotions of others.

What does this have to do with whether or not an all-knowing, all-powerful supreme being exists?

A person can have an experience of God but as an example of His power will fail the proof test. But in engineering when something is pulled apart witnesses in the wear and tear are looked for that indicate a direction of repair.
Therefore if own human mind is explored it is apparent there are deficiencies. Could it be possible that there is a way of escape from usual destructive influences from within. Human history is littered with death and mayhem and indicates perpetuated false ideas that even religion does not have the answer for.

When you say "God", are you talking about a supreme being that can do anything and knows everything?

 

[Munising]

If there is one thing worse than a wall of text, it is a kind invitation to spend the best part of two hours watching a youtube video.

I will doubtless be able to find other things to do with my time.

If you're interested in why I think the way I do and/or want answers to some of your questions, then the Harris/Wolpe debate would be worth your time.

 

[Munising]

God is all both invisible and visible.

Really. If sunlight were shining on God would light be reflected such that a human would see - with his eyes - something different than if there were no God?

If one is looking for "the big man in the sky" he/she won't find Him. The Cosmos is the evidence, all composed of the essence of God. God is also invisible, the so-called "glue" that holds the Cosmos together. One doesn't even have to believe to be influenced by God; it happens automatically, however a belief in the Divine attracts more Spirit into the soul -- one who is on fire with the power, influence, and love from God.

Let's keep this simple: Does God manifest himself in reality?

God reveals himself to all at some point in their lives. We must be sensitive to know the Revelation.

If God is real and really does reveal himself to everyone, then how can one know if what is revealed really is God?

 

[Munising]

There is no evidence that proves beyond a doubt that God exists, but nor is there any evidence that proves 100% that God doesn't exist.

Correct. And there is also no evidence that proves with 100% certainty that there aren't thousands of three-headed maroon unicorns roaming the deserts of western Mongolia.

I say believe whatever makes you happy.

Can one be happy believing something that appears to not be true?

Believing in God makes me happy, and I believe that I can feel his effect in my life, so I believe in God.

Why does believing in God make you happy?

What exactly is it you feel that you are calling "his effect in my life"?

Of course, there are some things such as the question how did the universe start, and why do we have morals that make me lean towards the side of God's existence.

Why do you think non-theists and theists all have similar morals?

 

[Living in the Light]

Really. If sunlight were shining on God would light be reflected such that a human would see - with his eyes - something different than if there were no God?

God is All that includes sunlight


Let's keep this simple: Does God manifest himself in reality?

Yes, I haven't seen an apparition, but I'm always am ready if I am so chosen.


If God is real and really does reveal himself to everyone, then how can one know if what is revealed really is God?

As far as Revelation is concerned, few are chosen. God spoke to many of the biblical figures, such as Abraham, Moses, and St. Paul. The burning bush Revelation to Moses is a favorite of mine. Do you understand the Jesus was God Incarnate -- God-Man. I think that many, including myself, have experienced a Divine experience where one just KNOWS it is from God. I think most are hesitant to tell others about it because many so-called believers will think they are crazy. One must be open and non-resistant to the God experience. Doubt must vanish. Who I am to say how will God make himself know to others. I can only grasp this with my human mind. Spirit cannot be understood in physical terms.

 

[dogs4thewin]

What type of proof do you seek?

 

[Munising]

Really. If sunlight were shining on God would light be reflected such that a human would see - with his eyes - something different than if there were no God?

God is All that includes sunlight

Please answer the question. Once again: If sunlight were shining on God would light be reflected such that a human would see - with his eyes - something different than if there were no God?

Let's keep this simple: Does God manifest himself in reality?

Yes, I haven't seen an apparition, but I'm always am ready if I am so chosen.

When and where has God manifested himself in reality and to what degree was it documented?

Was this an occurrence that made the news?

How were experts able to confirm that this manifestation was indeed God?

If God is real and really does reveal himself to everyone, then how can one know if what is revealed really is God?

As far as Revelation is concerned, few are chosen. God spoke to many of the biblical figures, such as Abraham, Moses, and St. Paul. The burning bush Revelation to Moses is a favorite of mine. Do you understand the Jesus was God Incarnate -- God-Man. I think that many, including myself, have experienced a Divine experience where one just KNOWS it is from God. I think most are hesitant to tell others about it because many so-called believers will think they are crazy. One must be open and non-resistant to the God experience. Doubt must vanish. Who I am to say how will God make himself know to others. I can only grasp this with my human mind. Spirit cannot be understood in physical terms..

If God were to manifest himself in reality to a human, how would such human know it was God?

 

[Munising]

What type of proof do you seek?

Probably the same kind of proof you would need to believe that the tooth fairy is real. I need to see some kind of manifestation in reality. Anything short of that causes any assertions of a God to seem very specious at best.

 

[dogs4thewin]

Probably the same kind of proof you would need to believe that the tooth fairy is real. I need to see some kind of manifestation in reality. Anything short of that causes any assertions of a God to seem very specious at best.

but I mean a healing Him appearing what?

 

[Munising]

but I mean a healing Him appearing what?

Something like an amputee's lost limb spontaneously regrowing.

 

[AllanV]

If that's what it is while not being a supreme being who knows everything and can do anything, then I have no conflicts with what you're saying. However, if that's true, there are many Christians who would disagree.

(most)

God is an energizing Spirit. In the old testament the holy place was hidden from the people by a veil. Death would occur if the lid of the arc was dislodged.
Exo 25:8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
Exo 25:16 And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.
The significance of this is not understood until an individual person presents his body as a living sacrifice by purifying his self. The way into the Holy place in now shown.
God will indwell powerfully. The body becomes a kind of ark. Rather than dying physically a person kills off the old self inwardly and is allowed free entry. It is grace which means favor. Christians teach that Jesus has already done this and there is no other sacrifice to make. But His sacrifice allows others to enter. This is the Holy Grail and is powerful. Christ is anointed, each must acquire this and to deny this is anti-Christ.
There is a much deeper experience that modern Christianity denies, this is the reason there are so many types.


Rev 12:11 And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Rather than be in the ark of the covenant God now indwells and the testimony is within a person. This is not superficial.

This mind holds the key to immortality. But the natural mind does not measure up and is deficient. The natural mind is regarded as rebellious and this means everyone is bonded in the mind. There are subconscious connections made with others that involve the memory and how different feelings for each other are developed. Each individual learns to be empowered in own self belief. The penalty of own power is the unusual thoughts that enter the mind that some act on through temptation and prompting. This power is also seen in the voice when it attempts to affect the emotions of others.

What does this have to do with whether or not an all-knowing, all-powerful supreme being exists?
It doesn't but this is the barrier to knowing God. It is perpetuated from within, generation to generation. Satan is the influences in the self and demons are mind sets that prompt and tempt within the thoughts to act out.

When you say "God", are you talking about a supreme being that can do anything and knows everything?

Neh 9:6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Everything that is seen is made to appear at every instant.