Episode 127: Proof that God Exists! Or Doesn't! [Discussion]

[loqk]

neither theism nor atheism can ever be a science. the discussion of whether a supernatural being that can hide from experiments at will, and manipulate the fabric of reality, can only ever be a philosophical debate.

even standing in front of him only convinces you, not others.

although, depending on which church you go to they will teach, and all churches you ask should say this is true, you can never be converted by a person or an argument, you can only be converted to Christianity by an internal work of the holy spirit.

there are many philosophical arguments for and against, using this rule, but it says that god knows the proof you need and will supply it if he wants to. it is not required or even advantageous for you to know in advance what would convert you.

the main argument against tends to be "then why doesn't he prove himself to everyone? and i believe the answers come under free will and faith and that sort of thing. for actual arguments, talk to a well read priest, as they should have a good grounding in the basics of metaphysical philosophy.

the only true scientific state is agnosticism. this is of course influenced to various levels of theism and atheism due to reading, observation, experience and world view.

due to various historical reasons, agnosticism is often called atheism even if it is pure agnosticism, though that may mainly be an American thing.

for those who grasp for the hitch-hiker's popular
"I refuse to prove that I exist," says God, "for proof denies faith, and without faith I am nothing."
remember that Jesus was perfectly happy to prove his existence to several people, to the point of letting Thomas put his fingers in the nail holes and personally blinding Paul. Jesus said that faith was appreciated, not required.