Skip to content Introduction: The Paradox of the Proof of God in Matters of Faith
In a world increasingly shaped by scientific inquiry, the pursuit of trying to find the proof of God’s existence stands as both a worthy endeavor and, paradoxically, a potentially futile quest. This exploration delves into the complexities of seeking evidence for the divine, its impact on faith, and the inherent challenges posed by the nature of God.
1. Strengthening Faith Through Inquiry
Throughout my life I have been plagued by doubt. Trained in a scientific discipline further brought about a higher level of inquiry. However despite the large question of whether God exists, the available explanations have shown to be formidable to a skeptical person like me. Questions like the problem of evil and suffering coexisting with a loving God, or how the existence of God can be compatible with our understanding of our physical universe. They are thankfully sufficiently answered by respectable scientist and philosophers. Exploring these great thinkers can help that lingering doubt.
This has been true to my experience with trying to answer God’s existence. There are a few moments in my life where I felt a high level of confidence in the existence of God and one those memorable moments was when I read the book “Atheist New Clothes,” by David Glass. The book is a critique of the modern atheist world view and the Christian response. I distinctly remember as I finished the last page of the book thinking, “Wow. God is real!”
So if you struggle with doubt, or if you have an honest open minded desire to understand how such a being like God exists, then lean in to the exploration of the proof of the existence of God.
2. God in the Modern Scientific Landscape
The modern day intelluctual is infused with a scientific framework. Unfortunately the popular opinion of the modern Christian is anti science. It has been an ongoing narrative that science is at odds with the Christian faith. So much so that Christians are thought to be anti intellectuals. Although at the heart of this, this couldn’t be further from the truth, there is a sliver of truth to this criticism.
Science vs Faith
Through science there have been amazing discoveries and advancement of our understanding of the universe, that it would be foolish to say that the scientific method is not a powerful tool. It is no wonder that science in a way has become a religion to some. It can possibly give us the answer to how we got here and how to live forever. And with this high regard to science and the power it wields, Christians should not run from it, but understand it. If we have confidence in our faith in the existence of God, then science, being just a tool, should help confirm God’s existence.
While certain scientific discoveries seemingly conflict with the Biblical understanding of the universe, a closer examination reveals no inherent contradiction. For instance, the scientific consensus supports a universe aged in billions of years, not the Biblically suggested 6,000. This age gap, often seen as incongruent with Christian faith, finds resolution in perspectives held by intellectual Christians. They argue that Genesis 1 may not be a literal narrative but a poetic expression of creation. This nuanced interpretation exemplifies that apparent contradictions between science and faith often dissolve with a more profound exploration. In essence, understanding both realms more deeply reveals harmony rather than conflict.
The importance of Understanding Science
With this in mind science should not be feared but embraced. Although we should not understand scripture through the lens of science it can help us understand scripture through the context of scientific discoveries. Furthermore science is the modern day language for understanding the world and to not be able to be relatively aware of how the scientific mind thinks we would not very effective in expressing our faith in their context. As Apostle Paul wrote, “To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.” 1 Corinthians 9:20.
3. Be in wonder of God’s Eternal Power
When you attempt to prove the existence of God you undoubtedly will encounter the greatness of God. Aspects like the fine tuning of the universe, the harmonious inner workings of our biological nature or even understanding the beginning of the universe from a first cause point of view, you can not help but be in wonder of God. The order and the greatness of our universe points to an even greater being that created it. One can not help but be in awe of this being we call God.
4. The Role of the Human Experience
When we explore the question of Does God exist, you will see how a person’s life is impacted by the question of God’s existence. Are we alone in the universe? If we are then how should we live? If God does, how do we approach morality? Does His non existence show that we can not have objective morality? These are profound questions that requires a prerequisite answer of whether one believes in an intelligent Creator. And through answering these questions we can have deeper understanding our human life.
5. Embracing the Impossibility: God Beyond Proof
Despite our fervent desire to prove God’s existence, it remains an impossible task. If God is real and the creator of the natural world, He transcends it and doesn’t necessitate empirical evidence within His creation. Like an artist not depicted in their artwork, God’s nature allows Him to exist beyond the plane of His creation. Knowing His existence relies on recognizing the evidence of a creator God within the universe, not definitive proofs. While 100% certainty is unattainable, understanding the compelling evidence of His presence counters the futility of this pursuit. The journey, though unfulfilled in proof, holds intrinsic value and is far from fruitless.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
As we navigate the landscape of proving God’s existence, we find that the journey itself holds profound value. It strengthens our faith, provides a bridge for the modern mind, helps us to understand our role in the universe and invites us to grapple with the enigmatic nature of such a God. In this pursuit, we discover that while the destination may remain elusive, the journey is still a worthy and transformative endeavor.
