This page in brief ….
If you have followed this series of pages, we have seen that there are arguments both for and against the existence of God. How do we decide which is true, or how to at least move forward?
Granted there are good arguments either way, it makes little sense to write off either viewpoint. It makes better sense to consider how to balance the different arguments and facts, or to consider what steps we might take to reach a resolution.
Putting it all together
We have seen that there are a number of arguments which seem to point to God’s existence, and a number that seem to point the other way. And there are counter arguments, and replies to those counters, and so on.
Here is a listing to remind you of the ones we have considered:
Pointing to God
- How can we explain the millions of people who say they have experienced miraculous healing?
- What caused the universe to appear?
- Why is the universe “fine-tuned” for life?
- How did conscious, rational human beings with free will and a sense of right and wrong evolve?
- How do we explain the historical Jesus who acted as if he was God’s unique son?
Suggesting there is no God
- How could a good God have created a world with so much suffering and evil?
- If God is there, why does he keep himself so hidden?
- Some attributes claimed for God seem incoherent.
What can we learn?
There are no easy answers.
It is clear that there are good (and perhaps not so good) arguments either way. Good reasons to believe, good reasons to doubt. We cannot easily write off either view.
Those who experience God cannot be easily dismissed.
Millions of people believe they have experienced God in some way – via healing, or comfort during trouble, or a word of guidance, or a vision. Their experience is sufficiently supported by the objective arguments to make it difficult to say they are all mistaken.
Those who lack such experience might reasonably seek it.
God may be there, he may be willing to respond. If we are sincerely seeking him, it makes sense to ask him or her for some confirmation.
Thinking some more or making a choice?
For the rest of us, these arguments, and others like them, are all we currently have. Do we think one ‘side’ is strong enough to make a choice now? Are the pro or con arguments more fundamental, or more compelling?
If we are not yet ready to make a choice, there is surely enough evidence on each side to lead us to want to investigate further.
A personal choice
My view will be clear enough to you. I believe the argument from evil is a strong reason to doubt God, but I find the other arguments for God’s existence outweigh it. For example, we can only call the world truly evil if we have an objective standard of good and evil, which is an argument for God’s existence.
The preponderance of evidence seems to me to fall clearly on God’s side.
Where to from here?
If you are convinced as I am, some of the links below may help you take your next steps in belief.
If you are still unsure, there is plenty more on this website to help you further consider all the arguments I have analysed here. Please feel free to write comments or send me an email.
And if you are convinced the evidence shows God doesn’t exist, I wish you well. Thank you for visiting and reading.
If you found this worthwhile, you may like these:
Obtain peace with God and make a difference in the world.
Simple keys to a happier life.
Can we really know truth about God?
The plight of many oppressed people, and how we can help.
Main photo: Flickr Creative Commons.
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