What would you do if it were proven that God didn't exist?

[Ken-1122]

Now before we start, this is purely speculative. I don't care what it would take to prove it, let's just say theoretically that it was proven.

I'm curious what people's reactions would be in such a situation; what would you do? Burn your bible, resist, assume it's a sham? I'm simply curious that's all.

Ken

 

[solarwave]

Now before we start, this is purely speculative. I don't care what it would take to prove it, let's just say theoretically that it was proven.

I'm curious what people's reactions would be in such a situation; what would you do? Burn your bible, resist, assume it's a sham? I'm simply curious that's all.

Ken

Assuming such a thing could be proven decisively then I would probably mourn the loss of my faith, keep my Bible as it is still an interesting book, and then skin kittens because the is no moral law. Well perhaps not the last one. I might even up with some kind of humanistic spirituality.

 

[Cuddles333]

I would do whatever I could to get ahead in my job. Money (or the need for more money) would then be the priority of my life. Couldn't depend on God to take care of me anymore, would have to do it myself. Guess I would become pretty predatory, but not so much as to become a criminal.

 

[drich0150]

Now before we start, this is purely speculative. I don't care what it would take to prove it, let's just say theoretically that it was proven.

I'm curious what people's reactions would be in such a situation; what would you do? Burn your bible, resist, assume it's a sham? I'm simply curious that's all.

Ken

I have always thought that Christianity has been the one thing that has kept the worst society has to offer at bay. (Look at the dark ages, crusades, the inquisition and all of the other things that have been done in the name of God) Now remove that filter, and the morally neutral will have to hide themselves from us whom are currently being restrained by God. Or in your scenario the idea of Him and accountability.

At least I know this to be true for me. It is not society nor it's punishments I fear. It is the one who can destroy the body and the soul that keeps me in check. Remove ultimate accountability and it's on.

 

[GA777]

Simple.Stop believing in God,stop going to church and reading the bible and praying and doing anything having to do with God.

 

[drich0150]

what will you do when proof is provided?

and if it is too late to change your position?

 

[ebia]

Now before we start, this is purely speculative. I don't care what it would take to prove it, let's just say theoretically that it was proven.

I'm curious what people's reactions would be in such a situation; what would you do? Burn your bible, resist, assume it's a sham? I'm simply curious that's all.

Ken

Conclude that there was something wrong with the proof, probably.

 

[razeontherock]

Now before we start, this is purely speculative. I don't care what it would take to prove it, let's just say theoretically that it was proven.

What would you do if the moon were "proven" to be made out of blue cheese? A little too late for that? Same thing.

 

[Ken-1122]

Drich0150 (quote) “what will you do when proof is provided?
and if it is too late to change your position?”

(reply) Of course if proof were provided, I would accept it as the truth. Of course I would have lots of questions for this God, but as far as what would I do, (love him, hate him, fear him, rebel, etc.) I guess it all depends upon which God, and which version of this God is proven to exist.

Razontherock (quote) “What would you do if the moon were "proven" to be made out of blue cheese?”

(reply) I would continue doing what I am doing right now; I wouldn’t change a thing.

Ken

 

[Brenda Morgan]

There is a very interesting movie that is set in modern Israel.

The Body is a 2001 film based on a novel by Richard Sapir, and starring Antonio Banderas and Olivia Williams.
The movie follows Father Matt Gutierrez (Banderas), a Jesuit priest sent by the Vatican to investigate an archaeologic finding by Dr. Sharon Golban (Williams) which is suspected to be the remains of the body of Jesus Christ. This finding puts Gutierrez' faith and his doubts in constant confrontation with Golban's scientific views.
Also, the finding stirs the political problems between Palestine and Israel in the area, while also shaking the foundations of Christianity itself. Both of these problems put Dr. Golban, and Gutierrez himself, in danger.

Dr. Sharon Golban (Williams) finds an ancient skeleton in Jerusalem in a rich man's tomb. Coloration of the wrist and leg bones indicates the cause of death was crucifixion. Other signs, include a gold coin bearing the marks of Pontius Pilate and faint markings around the skull, lead authorities to suspect that these could be the bones of Christ. The different reactions of politicians, clerics, religious extremists—some prepared to use terror to gain their ends—to the religious, cultural and political implications of the find, make life difficult and dangerous for the investigators as they seek to unearth the truth.
Father Matt Gutierrez is assigned by the Vatican to investigate the case and to protect the Christian faith. Troubled by his case, he comes to understand that it is the Church that he is protecting and not the faith.

It is a great movie which raises the question of the OP. If the body is Jesus then he didn't rise from the dead and your faith is in vain. 1Corinthians 15:14

 

[ebia]

Finding the demonstrable body of Jesus is about the only thing I can think of that would approach the hypothetical - but it's hard to see how you could demonstrate that a given bodily remains were Jesus'. There were plenty of other people crucified in that era.

 

[razeontherock]

I guess it all depends upon which God, and which version of this God is proven to exist.

1) There is only 1 God

2) He is unique.

What you are trying to express in this part of what you wrote is more commonly referred to as "seeking the Truth." (Also, most "different versions" that you see Christian's debate, are much like your blue cheese moon; wouldn't change a thing we do either way)

 

[Peacedove]

No matter what proof was given to me that God did not exist it would not make any difference to the way I live my life or my beliefs because God has already proved Himself to me and what I know in my heart to be true no one can disprove.

 

[Angelish]

I would probably continue on the self destructive path that I was on before I found God and He showed me His unconditional love and grace. Separated from my husband (probably divorced by now) ruining other ppls marriage, popping pills and drinking while my mom was raising my four kids. Hmmmm thanks for the reminder of how great God is and how He has completely turned my life around!

 

[Ken-1122]

1) There is only 1 God

2) He is unique.

What you are trying to express in this part of what you wrote is more commonly referred to as "seeking the Truth." (Also, most "different versions" that you see Christian's debate, are much like your blue cheese moon; wouldn't change a thing we do either way)

(rpely) I’m not familiar with what Christians are debating on this forum but I have seen Christians debate issues that would make a difference; such as:
*Voting democratic or republican
*Political opinions leaning left or right
*Interracial relationships
*Homosexual relationships
*Women allowed to preach or hold positions in the church
*Should you be allowed to smoke or drink alcohol
*Sex outside of marriage
*the type of sex consenting adults engage in
*Contraception
And a host of other things. I guess I would attempt to get my information from this God instead of flawed, and agenda biased humans. That way I can adjust my life accordingly

K

 

[razeontherock]

I have seen Christians debate issues that would make a difference; such as:
*Voting democratic or republican
*Political opinions leaning left or right
*Interracial relationships
*Contraception

You really think G-d is concerned with such things to the point of it being Salvific? C'mon, how would any of this "make a difference," Spiritually?

*Women allowed to preach or hold positions in the church
*Should you be allowed to smoke or drink alcohol
*Sex outside of marriage

Except for one of these, these are personal matters which is why they are debated. Surely you understand why the other one is debated!

I would attempt to get my information from this God instead of flawed, and agenda biased humans. That way I can adjust my life accordingly

Good idea!

 

[bling]

Now before we start, this is purely speculative. I don't care what it would take to prove it, let's just say theoretically that it was proven.

I'm curious what people's reactions would be in such a situation; what would you do? Burn your bible, resist, assume it's a sham? I'm simply curious that's all.

Ken

OK you got some answers, but I have a question for you.

If the Christian God was proven to exist would that change your life for the better?

 

[Ken-1122]

You really think G-d is concerned with such things to the point of it being Salvific? C'mon, how would any of this "make a difference," Spiritually?

C'mon dude! Remember who you are talking to? Let me put it this way; wheather you like it or not, there are people who do believe these things matter which is why they debate them

Ken

 

[Ken-1122]

OK you got some answers, but I have a question for you.

If the Christian God was proven to exist would that change your life for the better?

It all depends upon which version of the Christian God was proven to exist! If it were the version I was taught and believed in during my Christian years; the big guy in the sky looking over your shoulder at everything you do, keeping score..... and is liable to send you to hell you don't grovel and worship him right, that kind of a God would change my life for the worse.

If it were the type of God some people believe in, the type that is all loving, will always forgive you when you mess up, everybody goes to Heaven, nobody goes to hell, except for maybe a few Hitlers. Stalins, and Amin's (people who deserve it) That's the type of God I can live with! If that were the God that existed my life wouldn't change at all because I could be as happy as I am right now.

Ken

 

[berachah]

If God was proved not to exist?

I would wonder how the heck all those people I prayed for got healed, how all those demons came out of people and how many relationships were reconciled.

It all depends upon which version of the Christian God was proven to exist! If it were the version I was taught and believed in during my Christian years; the big guy in the sky looking over your shoulder at everything you do, keeping score..... and is liable to send you to hell you don't grovel and worship him right, that kind of a God would change my life for the worse.

If it were the type of God some people believe in, the type that is all loving, will always forgive you when you mess up, everybody goes to Heaven, nobody goes to hell, except for maybe a few Hitlers. Stalins, and Amin's (people who deserve it) That's the type of God I can live with! If that were the God that existed my life wouldn't change at all because I could be as happy as I am right now.

Ken

You know what God is really like..... a loving dad.

Any good parent disciplines a child not for their suffering, but for their good. If you are a parent you will no doubt know that lack of discipline breeds a child of little value, of little capacity to achieve anything of note in life.

To use your logic you would, as a child love a parent who lets you eat whatever you want, do what you want, watch whatever TV you want, not do chores, homework or anything that you do not want to do...
And out of that lack of guidance you would hope to become something in life.

Unfortunately that just does not happen.

As for God forgiving....he does 70 x 7 times a day (at least) Only dont go steal something with the plan to ask for forgiveness afterwards. Try that with your own parents and see the response...

Finally, who decides which sin is worthy of judgment? Is it only the Hitler's would led to the death of million or is it the person that bullied another child at school and caused that child to become withdrawn and reclusive as an adult, having few friends and living a shattered life? Is it the Stalin's only or also the person that passes on sexually transmitted disease that untlimately causes another person to die of cervical cancer?

Is the suffering of 10 000 000 more evil than the suffering of one...especially if you are that one? All evil is evil, all pain is pain and who decides what is worthy of judgement? I suppose as long as the suffering and pain we have caused others through lying, cheating and stealing is considered not worthy of judgment, then we are happy.

We take offense if someone steals from us, and we demand justice, yet we do not expect that from God.....how strange.