It is difficult for a Christian to prove scientifically or rationally that there is a God. The wonderful thing is that the Christian does not have to prove and should not be tempted to prove. God is his premise, not his conclusion.
But for the atheist he may not start with a premise that there is no God. That is not scientific. He must prove it, make his case. As I see it there are three types of atheists. At least these are the three that I have encountered.
1.“I do not believe in God!” This fellow is not really an atheist. What he is really saying is this, “There is a God in whom I do not believe.”
2.“I believe there is no God!” The “no” in this sentence modifies God instead of “believe” as in the first atheist’s sentence. However, the statement is a faith statement. This atheist has a great positive faith in nothing. That is more faith than I have in God.
3.“There is no God!” This is a dogmatic statement. It cannot be a premise. It has to be a conclusion. This person has to find the origin of everything. Philosophically, it is impossible to prove a negative. He must know absolutely everything to make his case. However, if he did know everything he would be God. He might respond that he could know a lot and deduce the rest. Sorry that is not good science.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3
Faith is right for Christians; it is not right for atheists.
But for the atheist he may not start with a premise that there is no God. That is not scientific. He must prove it, make his case. As I see it there are three types of atheists. At least these are the three that I have encountered.
1.“I do not believe in God!” This fellow is not really an atheist. What he is really saying is this, “There is a God in whom I do not believe.”
2.“I believe there is no God!” The “no” in this sentence modifies God instead of “believe” as in the first atheist’s sentence. However, the statement is a faith statement. This atheist has a great positive faith in nothing. That is more faith than I have in God.
3.“There is no God!” This is a dogmatic statement. It cannot be a premise. It has to be a conclusion. This person has to find the origin of everything. Philosophically, it is impossible to prove a negative. He must know absolutely everything to make his case. However, if he did know everything he would be God. He might respond that he could know a lot and deduce the rest. Sorry that is not good science.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3
Faith is right for Christians; it is not right for atheists.
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