I have a question for yahoo answers?

Question

Agnostic, don't want to convert anyone.

If you don't believe in God, is there anything anyone could do or say that would make you believe in God? Or would it require a supernatural occurence, the presence of God herself?

If you don't believe in evolution, would there ever be any proof that you could see that would change your mind?

If you don't believe in the invisible tree in my front lawn, which has no empirical evidence, would it be reasonable of me to suggest it gives me shade?

Answer 1

not reasonable... but if you sit yer a$$ out under it all summer long and don't get a sunburn, you might have some evidence before you...

I admit that I don't know if there is a god, yet for some reason I do. Yet on boards like this, the athiests are the ones who don't piss me off.

Does that answer the question in any way? NO? Oh, well...

Answer 2

There would have to be completely solid undeniable evidence before I believed in God. Until I see something that actually proves it instead of just hopeful grasping evidence I won't do it. I don't know why some things happen, and I may never know, but I'm willing to accept that I'm too dumb to not rather than give some supernatural force credit for it. And I do think evolution (modern synthesis) is correct. And I'd say that any shade that your tree gives you is psychological placebo effect. If you really think it's there I'm sure you will think it gives you shade.

I'd like to add that wind IS real, and yes you can contain it and weigh each individual atom. It is just a collection of gases moving, very real, very tangible.

And I'm not sure which side one of the lower answers is on, but electricity is basically the flow of electrons. Electrons are very tangible too. So if you're trying to compare it to God as above our senses, you kind of failed.

Answer 3

If there was a being so large and so vast as to transcend the ability of any human to perceive it, how could it reveal itself without destroying us and most of the universe in so doing? Sort of like blowing a soap bubble then poking your finger in it. Oops.
So another evidence is required. What could it be? Would I discount it or believe it? What if this incredible big being found a way to communicate without disrupting anything in the universe. Would I accept it? So that is my answer...I want God to reveal, but not doing it in a way that destroys my universe, and if He is that big, I'm happy with spiritual revelation, thank you.

Evolution? Sure I'm open to bellieve it. as soon as the first observation of one order of creature becoming another order of creature is recorded, and then repeatable so I can personally see it, I'll certainly believe. And then we need proof that if that does happen, great, but does it apply to EVERYTHING? Guess we'll have to see that, too. For now it remains a theory, with some physical evidence that is compelling but remains wanting, falling way short of proof. So far the similarities in creation all point to a common creator, but are far from proving evolution as His method. But who knows, could be. Maybe we will one day know.
Maybe we can watch space dust get mixed with water and some sunshine and become life. Just hasn't happened in our observation, has it?

The invisible tree? I'd want a few more witnesses to testify before I believed, because lacking empirical evidence (like my personally ability to observe), many witnesses would convince me.

Good question. But is it invisible, or am I just blind? Perhaps I don't have the means to detect it, but I wouldn't say that proves it isn't there. I need more means.

:)

Answer 4

For natural creation to be true (evolution is a problematic word), then on one petri dish, I'd like someone say they saw a bacteria evolve to a multi cell animal. Or!

In nature, I'd like to see a new species created. Or!

In micro-biology, I'd like a scientist show the mechanism that new genetic code can be created (not adapted) that has new biological functions or species (what is called macro evolution). I've read a fairly sophisticated exposition of the 29+ evidences of macro-evolution on the talk origins web site, and its telling word was, "once the genetic material was elucidated", then.... How was it elucidated? No answer! I had to read the fine print to find this. I will believe once it is clear as will any honest person. Right now, it is an article of faith that nature can create new genetic code that can lead to new functions and species.

I'm from Missouri and right now, belief in the mechanism of natural creation is a faith based science. Worse, if it is truly unrealistic, it has had such tragic consequences for humanity.

Answer 5

I have seen people in Yahoo chat come in to mock God, and His followers, and stay to pray with us. It doesn't happen often, but it happens.

If someone could actually show me some modern example of one species morphing into some totally different species, I would believe it. There wouldn't be any reason not to.

I like the tree analogy. If it makes you feel cooler, go for it...me, I'm taking a swim in the invisible pool!!

Answer 6

I have miracles in my life that could only be from God, but how would that help anyone else believe in God?

If they were there from the start to the finish with me? Or could they stand on what I speak as truth? on my faith? I don't think so, it can only be by the beckoning of the Holy Spirit, who is a gentleman and will never push himself on anyone.

Why do you call God "herself" when the bible clearly calls God with a male gender?

Is evolution and adaption to environment the same thing, because my physical body adapted to the environment when I moved south, but I believe I am created from higher design.

Answer 7

People will believe in what comforts them most. If shade comforts you, then that invisible tree with the big leaves in your front yard is there. If the thought of meeting up with loved ones after death in heaven comforts you, then you will believe in God. If you get uncomfortable about facts that you cannot see with your eyes, you will like the theory of evolution.

Its all in the person.

Answer 8

1. The presence of god, most likely. If someone could tell me or show me some actual evidence that god exists, I'd take it into consideration, but I have no idea what that proof would be (I would already believe if I did, I suppose).

2. moot point

3. Reasonable? Eh, that's debatable. Certainly not sane.

Answer 9

I believe in God, so question two applies. The only way I'd believe in evolution is if DNA evidence positively shows the "missing link" is my relative and is related to the supposed evolutionary steps prior to it. By faith, I know this will never happen.

Re: your third question, I assume your point is, "how can we believe in something we cannot see, much less receive anything from it?" Here's my answer:

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/astronomy/dark_matter_sidebar_010105.html

http://www.newscientistspace.com/article.ns?id=dn8631

http://thestaronline.com/news/story.asp?file=/2006/8/23/worldupdates/2006-08-23T020231Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_-264498-1&sec=worldupdates

If scientists believe invisible matter has measurable attributes, how can anyone use the same argument to say our God doesn't exist?

Answer 10

No, it would take a supernatural occurance with god himself/herself coming down to claim it as his/her work for me to believe he/she exists. Then it would take a Hell of alot more convinceing to make me believe that he loves us or that I should be thanking him for anything or worshiping.
No, an invisible tree, even if it was real, couldn't provide shade.