Evidence of “God”

I suppose the title of this post should actually be evidence of gods (plural) since there are so many. But since I’m the most familiar with the Hebrew/Christian god, I hesitate wandering off into the field of dreams gods.

Having been part of the blogging world for quite some time, I’ve noticed that discussions related to religious matters tend to be some of the most popular — and generally receive the most feedback. In fact, I think I’ve read nearly every believer’s viewpoint on WHY a god exists … as well as those who doubt or adamantly deny the existence of same.

Nevertheless, I find the topic fascinating. 

Many of my regular readers know where I stand. I am convinced that no god of any kind exists … but I’m particularly convinced that the Christian God is a delusion illusion. 

Yes, I admit there was a time when I was sucked into the dreams and hopes of the Christian faith. And yes, I could cite scripture and verse to justify this faith. And of course, I experienced all those “good feelings” of knowing I was … Redeemed! Saved! Bound for Heaven! 

Further, no matter what ANYONE said in dispute, I KNEW all of it was REAL because I could feeeel it in my heart.

So what happened? Well it’s a long story (some of which I covered in my book), but mostly it was because the whole experience started feeling artificial. More times than not, prayer yielded nothing. Bible events and stories frequently contradicted the mantra of a loving being. Following certain mores felt contrived and unnecessary. And of course, evangelizing frequently resulted in the estrangement of friends and family.

Now some may want to point out that their church/religious experience is not like this. And perhaps it isn’t. But I know for a fact there are many, many religious denominations that are far more focused on synthetic actions than they are on presenting evidence for their god.

So the question becomes/remains … Where. Is. The. Evidence?

The Bible is not evidence for innumerable reasons, many of which have been pointed out by scholars far more learned than me. An individual’s feelings are not evidence (except perhaps to that person). So-called answered prayer is not evidence because it is anecdotal and personal.  (Notice that no one talks about unanswered prayers.). A “changed life” is not evidence because simple lifestyle changes or how a person responds to situations are simply part of the human experience.

Someone once made this far-reaching statement: “Everyone knows that God exists.” However, what I’ve discovered in my various and sundry wanderings through books and blogs and branches of knowledge, this is far from an accurate statement. And I tend to believe a majority of my blog followers/readers will agree.

So here’s the deal. If you consider yourself a God-Believer, I invite you to provide solid and indisputable EVIDENCE that a god exists. But before you do, please keep in mind that …

• The Bible is not evidence.
• Your feelings are not evidence.
• Answered prayer is not evidence.
• A “changed life” is not evidence.

The floor is open.

Wouldn’t It Be Great …

If we could remove belief in a “God’
from the human community?

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It has been proven time and again throughout history that God and “His” influence in human affairs has done nothing but create strife and dissension.

This is partially because the many and several individuals who are certain a “God” exists are unable to agree on what “He” wants.

• Does “He” want a person to use beads when s/he prays?
• Does “He” want individuals to dance in the aisle in worship of “Him”?
• Does “He” want his followers to speak to “Him” in a strange language?
• Does “He” want “His” believers to perform or avoid certain acts?
• Does “He” want “His” worshippers to wear special clothing?
• Does “He” support killings in “His” name?
• Does “He” enjoy songs –or silence– when people worship “Him”?

(Of course I feel certain my readers can offer several other areas in which “He” isn’t clear on what “He” wants.)

Yes, the dissidence among “His” followers as related to “His” wishes and instructions is overwhelming even though each one of them is certain s/he knows what “He” wants.

Some know because they have put their confidence in a book — even though it is replete with confusion and obfuscation related to “His” wishes. Others have turned to individuals whom they believe possess (inside) “divine” knowledge. Others rely on what they call a “still small voice” to gain insight. But no matter what method is used, believers have total confidence they know what “His” wishes and desires are for each of them.

Even though “He” has never uttered a sound.

Yes, even considering all these logical fallacies, unknown multitudes of humans continue to accept –and defend– “His” existence. 

Further, anyone who rejects “His” existence is seen as confused, belligerent, self-absorbed, stubborn, ignorant, antagonistic, hard-hearted … and most of all, to be pitied.

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Now let’s consider a world where these illusions do not exist. Let us imagine a world in which humans rely on humans. Let us consider an environment where decisions are made to benefit humans rather than to please a “god.” 

 Let us contemplate courses of action that are based on acquired knowledge and intelligence. Let us ponder the idea of educational studies based on science and logic. Let us think about a world in which women are free to make choices about their own bodies (!).

The question then becomes … What would such a world look like to you?

Life: It Is What It Is

There’s no denying that there’s both good and bad in this world (Note that I didn’t use the term “evil”).

We know there are people who commit loathsome deeds against other humans that raise the hair on the back of our necks. Yet on the other end of the spectrum, we also know of untold numbers who step in to help a person in need — many times putting their own lives in danger.

We recognize that some people suffer from severe physical maladies and handicaps, while others enjoy almost perfect health and only rarely experience any kind of physical ailment.

We are aware of folks that fight daily battles with mental issues (often as a result of damaged childhoods), yet we also know of others who always have a smile and seem to enjoy a nearly carefree life.

Each of these examples are simply illustrations of life as a human being. NONE of them have ANYTHING to do with whether there is a good or evil force in the world.

Yet there are untold numbers of people who are CERTAIN there are two opposing powers battling for control of our lives.

Within the Christian community (of which I am the most familiar), these powers are known as “God” and “Satan.” All that is “good” is identified with the former and all that is “bad” (evil) is laid at the feet of the latter.

Thing is … no one knows for sure if either of these entities even exist. Believers will swear to and/or voraciously argue for the actuality of either or both, yet NO PROOF of their existence has ever been established by any creditable means. (However, this doesn’t stop them from trying!)

The most common way these folk offer “proof” is by referencing a collection of VERY old (we’re talking ancient!) stories that have been passed down over many CENTURIES. Stories they are convinced (by what source?) are totally true and (verifiably?) accurate.

A second method they use is physical – as in they feeeel a presence in their hearts (?) – and they are certain this feeeeling is connected to some supernatural entity that exists … where?

Nevertheless, all this devotion to and belief in a hypothetical source doesn’t change the undeniable fact that humans (all of us) are going to commit good and bad deeds in life.

It also does not change the fact that some people who are ill are going to get better and some aren’t. Nor does it change the fact that some folk are going to commit unspeakable acts against their fellow humans while others are going to devote their life to helping the sick, the dying, the poor, the mistreated … and any others who need help.

THIS. IS. LIFE.

We live … we die. And all that happens between those two events is OUR responsibility. To lay it on an entity who has never offered evidence/proof/validation that it even exists is, at best, foolish.

At worst, it’s living this life as though you are a participant in a children’s story – one that involves a wondrous force, special beings, and improbable events. All in hopes of experiencing a (very unrealistic) “happy ending.”

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Image by John Hain from Pixabay

The Existence of GOD

Makagutu, a blogger from Kenya, recently wrote a post entitled Atheism and other random stories. As I was reading it, this comment stood out to me:

That it is in the bible does not make it true.

Non-believers have undoubtedly uttered these very words more than once in their conversations with believers. And I would venture to say that much of the time, it was to no avail because … “The Bible” was written by none other than “God” him/her/itself … and who are we mortals to question “God?”

Which brings me to the point of this posting.

Since leaving the Christian faith, I’ve thought long and hard about the existence of “God.” Of course, like other believers, my vision of such a being was centered around the entity described in “The Bible.” It took many years of extensive research (and deep thought) before coming to the conclusion this “Bible God” simply does not exist.

But what about … GOD?

More than once, I’ve heard/read this statement (or something similar) from atheists: “I can’t say with absolute certainty there is no god (or gods), but I have not come across any tangible, concrete evidence to support the existence of  such a being.” Many who feel this way often call themselves “agnostic atheists.”

I suppose there is the remote possibility a supernatural being does exist. And there’s even the potential this being created the universe and all that goes with it.

However, the question that comes to my mind is … if such an all-powerful entity does exist, why would it be interested in the minutiae of human life?

As I’ve indicated elsewhere on this blog, I do believe in a “Universal Presence.” But this is not the same as a god. It is more of a feeling, a sense of awe at the grandeur of the cosmos. Carl Sagan said we are all “star stuff.” In other words, we are made up of the same atoms that make up the stars. Neil deGrasse Tyson added to this when he said: “We are not simply in the universe. The universe is in us.”

In answer to the usual question from Christians regarding how everything got started … I don’t know. And I really don’t care. I’m here now and I intend to enjoy every moment of my existence. If others want to believe a metaphysical entity lives somewhere “up there” and is interested in the “sinfulness” of humankind, that’s their prerogative.

What say you? What’s your view/perspective/position about GOD?

I would love for my Christian readers to share their thoughts about the existence of GOD as well, but from a personal standpoint, not just quotes and/or references from the bible. 🙂