Can you tell me why you believe in the existence of God, if so you do?

Question

It's not a loaded question, i'm sincerely interested in studying the answers and my position is i do believe in the existence of God.

Can you explain how you come to this conclusion, please?

What is your belief on the nature of His Being?

Thanks Everyone.

Can you guys extrapolate futher?
The nature of God.
Paradoxes concerning God's attributes, what d'ya think of that?

Yes Jen,...Wonderful and thorough response. Thanks a bunch!

Roswellfan....another explosive answer!
Keep it coming people!
Yeah baby yeah!

Answer 1

[UPDATE, 09/03/06: Roswellfan is right on with the Aquinas analysis. I'd like to comment on one thing he said. "I don't know what you mean by paradoxes. If you mean why do bad things happen to good people - I don't know..."

I think that's THE perfect example of a paradox. We hear it a lot: If God is love, why do bad things happen to good people? It's a fair question, but one that is not easily answered. And certainly not answered to everyone's satisfaction, especially that of the unbeliever. I've come to the conclusion that suffering is something that nobody is exempt from...good or bad. We all have our crosses to bear...some to greater degrees than others. But if you look at the question from the perspective that "man is fallen," then it becomes a little easier to accept the answer.

Original sin, according the Bible, is what caused death (and all other suffering, ills, sin, etc.) to enter the world...to afflict mankind. God did not impose sin on Man...Man chose to sin. God's perfect justice demands atonement for that sin. So, whether a man is "good" or "bad" from a human standard, it is still not good enough for God's perfection. God *in His MERCY* sent His only son, Jesus, to die a hideous death on a cross as a perfect atonement for the Sin of man. All a person has to do is believe on Christ and accept the free gift, and it's his (or hers). That is the ultimate of God's mercy on fallen Man.

As for the daily sufferings man experiences around the world, nobody is exempt. Why should we be? We're all human...we're all fallen...we're all sinners, subject to the same decay. Why should a "good" person be exempt from bad things, when a good person is every bit as human (and fallen) as a "bad" person? It doesn't seem fair from a HUMAN perspective, I know. But from God's perspective, when compared to HIS perfection, we're all in the same boat, sadly. The best we can hope for and attain is salvation through Christ. Period.

This seems like a harsh thing because we want to believe that good is rewarded and bad is punished. But who of us is truly good? Don't we all harbor some secret little sin? Some guilty pleasure? If we say we don't, we are liars. Nobody is perfect. Not one. Anyway, the thing that gives me comfort is this: As a relatively "good" person, bad things happen in my life. Before I trusted Christ, I was lost in my hopelessness when confronted with misery and suffering. Having trusted in Christ, I have access to a comfort beyond this world: God. He is loving and merciful. I know this because I have experienced it time and time again.

That's the answer to the paradox: Good or bad, from a human perspective, it doesn't matter to God because we can't work or earn our way to Heaven. Bad things happen to good people because good people are just that: people. Fallen. And God's mercy and love in the midst of universal suffering is all the sweeter because we don't deserve it. Stepping down from my soapbox.] ; )

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I believe because I have faith in what the Bible tells me. Even though you can't prove God's existence through rigorous scientific testing, the fact remains that He cannot be disproved, either. The *possibility* of God, combined with verifiable evidences of Biblical claims is what convinces me that God exists.

There are three things specifically which convince me of God's existence (note I do not say "prove" to me):

1) Nature/Universe - I look at all that is in front of me the moment I step out the door. Flowers, trees, mountains, grass, birds, animals big and small, humans, the sky, clouds, the sun, the moon, other planets and endless stars in the velvet black. There is so much beauty, so much order...what is the point of it all? What possible meaning could there be to everything that exists, if not for a purpose higher than chance? How can so much diversity in nature, so much order and beauty come from chaos, even if you do factor in billions of years? What point is there in mutation? Yes, "survival of the fittest"...but why then do we have such a vast number of species (including what we've not yet even discovered)? What's the purpose? Why haven't the uber-species of the planet and universe just dominated once and for all? Surely billions of years should be enough time. With my current understanding of science, evolution, geology, etc., I cannot reconcile the gaps in current theories with what I personally observe. I find it easier (and less a leap of faith) to explain origins by using the Intelligent Design model. (Occam's Razor dictates to me the belief in God. See reference below.)

2) The second (and more compelling) thing that convinces me that God exists is the person of Jesus Christ. He is an historical figure. Proven. The following are non-biblical sources for the historicity of Christ:

a) Cornelius Tacitus (born A.D. 52-54); Annals XV. 44
b) Lucian of Samosata; The Passing Peregrinus
c) Flavius Josephus (born A.D. 37); Antiquities. xviii.33
d) Suetonius (A.D. 120); Life of Claudius 25.4
e) Plinius Secundus, Pliny the Younger; Epistles X.96
f ) Justin Martyr (A.D. 150); 1.48
g) Encyclopaedia Brittanica; 20,000 words used to describe the historical Jesus. "This was more space than was given to Aristotle, Cicero, Alexander, Julius Caesar, Buddha, Confucius, Mohammed or Napoleon Bonarparte.

"Concerning the testimony of the many independent secular accounts of Jesus of Nazareth, it records:

" 'These independent accounts prove that in ancient times even the opponents of Christianity never doubted the historicity of Jesus, which was disputed for the first time and on inadequate grounds by several authors at the end of the 18th, during the 19th, and at the beginning of the 20th centuries.' "
("Evidence That Demands a Verdict," by Josh McDowell)

So, having established that Jesus, in fact, walked this earth and (corroborated by the non-biblical sources above) died on a cross (as well as performed "miracles," healed the sick and lame, affected the weather, and had mass influence on entire societies), I use his life and the accounts of his life by eye-witnesses (both biblical and non-biblical) to make my case.

The things Jesus did (aforementioned) are things I can't ignore. Jesus made claims about himself and God while he was here on earth. These are detailed in the Bible (esp. the 4 gospels), and they are corroborated by secular sources (see above list). So what is one to do with that information? Either one believes or one doesn't. I believe because the prepondence of evidence for him and the life he lived, the things he did and the claims he made is overwhelmingly in favor of the truth.

Of course, none of this will convince a skeptic that God exists. People look for the "writing on the wall." (This phrase, btw, comes from the Bible...the book of Daniel.) I can understand why people want to see, feel and hold tangible evidence that God exists. I say go and pick some roses. Sit with them. Look at their different colors. Smell their different, lovely scents. Notice the grace in each petal. Then ask yourself "why?" Why do they exist in their many forms? Why do they exist at all? Why do "I" exist?

3) The third thing that convinces me God exists is completely subjective....at least to the outside world. But it's completely objective to me. The third thing IS me. I exist. I have purpose. Since becoming a believer, I have changed in ways that make no sense to the average person. People say that I change because I'm motivated to please God (something that can't be proven to exist). That is partly the truth. But why am I motivated to please Him?? Because I have conscience...I have something within me willing me to change for the better, even when I don't WANT to improve because it's easier to stay as I am (which is infinitely flawed).

So, there you have it. Maybe not scientific proof, maybe not proof to the hardcore skeptic. But that's ok. I'm not out to change anyone's mind. It's enough for me...it's why I believe.

Peace to you. : )

Answer 2

Hello Lola,

Thanks for asking this question.

I also believe in the existence of God, and I think that the key word here is "believe", as the existence of God can not be proved, scientifically or by facts.

Using reason and logical deduction will always come short, and we would still need that "leap of faith" to cover the remaining ground.

So its only by faith that we can come to the conclusion that God exists. So I guess the question is: what builds that faith? (or belief)

Faith is ultimately a very personal thing; In my case is a sense of flow, a flow that I perceive in all things, in nature, in relationships, in circumstances, all is moving and going forward.

But who started that motion forward? there has to be an origin and a cause for it. So, I imaging that that "someone" (God), one day, decided to expel (spoke) and the force (energy=matter) created the motion, and everything else for that matter.

We can see that motion in all things (God is behind all things), it´s energy is sometimes called "entropy", and it is ever expanding (positive entropy), an example is the expanding universe.

Although it may seem chaotic at times (wars, suffering, disease), the motion has a direction, an order, an eventually a purpose. What the purpose is, I do not know, but it should be and ultimate good.

I tried to keep it short.

Happy birthday, Lola.
(09/01)

Regards
AV

Answer 3

Well, look at it logically. Everything has a balance. Where there is war, somewhere else has peace. There's love and hate, good and bad, right and wrong. And with that balance comes the balance of people. Good and bad. I believe in God not only because of the logic of balance, but because it feels nice to be able to just talk to someone knowing they're listening. Especially if you don't want an answer from them. Hasn't there ever been a moment where you've felt safe or protected and didn't know why? Or, how you can look at a Bible and feel like you should read it, but not yet becaues you think you're too busy? Deep down most people know God and Lucifer exist, believing in them or not is what causes you to take certain paths. You don't have to believe in them for them to believe in you.

Answer 4

I do not believe in A loving Deity called God. Where was He on September 11. Where was He when I was Living on the Street. Where is God or Allah for the Fact?, When Children are being Raped and Killed by Predators? I think God is Blind and Deaf to his Creations. He Loves us as Little Kids Love their Toys. Why Doesn't He do Something about The Killing and the Hunger in this World? Read the Poem the Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll. It Explains the Different Religions very well. And why we have them. And another thing Why doesn't God Strike me Dead for Blasphemy.

Answer 5

I don't think I can prattle on an on like some of the people who's writings would make a bible of their own.

The Bible says "Doesn't even nature tell you there is a God?", and I would say yes. I find that it is easier to believe in The God of Order than a chaotic pooh there is an earth and other planets and all living things.

9/11 didn't take place because God didn't care but because man didn't care. Man is born in sin and the ways of his heart is inclined toward doing evil.

The person who mentioned 9/11 for an example ;why not mention why did Eve eat of the fruit of the tree. WHY didn't God stop her if he cared. If she hadn't done so then there WOULDN'T be any sin in the first place. God made us beings of free will and the choice is ours to make for GOD doesn't FORCE his will on us.

Eve, like Adam, was made and all others were born in there sin. If God forced himself on us then it would be like Islam. He wants you to come to him on your own. He loves you enough to send his son to be the perfect sacrifice so that while you were yet a sinner you now have the power(authority) to become a child of God., the question is do you love him enough to except?

Answer 6

What is the proof for the existence of water (if you have never seen or discovered water) ?

It is the feeling of "Thirst" , the concept of thirsty is lost if there was not water in the universe. In other words, the feeling of thirst (lack of water) we experience is the proof that there must be something that will full fill this feeling.

In the same way, the feeling for the need for a Creator (hence concept of GOD in the first place, and you asking this question) is the proof you need !

Answer 7

Hmm, no preaching etc.? this must be exciting lol. In answer on your question, i've got self belief God created the dinosaurs. earlier the flood, scientists have self belief that the earth had a "cover" of water interior the ambience. interior the Bible (sorry lol) it says that God unfold out the heavens to flood the earth. This bumped off the "cover" making the dinosaurs and different countless existence types greater liable to the sunlight's rays. This killed them off. Why do i've got self belief in God? take a glance around you. This international we live in is so complicated, it may no longer in simple terms ensue. Take the human physique working example. Do you fairly think of that something so stunning ought to easily ensue? And as for evolution, if we developed from monkeys, then why are there nevertheless monkeys? And the great Bang concept? something had to be there to explode. So the place did that come from? all of it boils right down to this: If evolution is genuine, then each and everything got here from something precise? properly, the place did the 1st "something" come from? It had to be created. there is a lot greater i ought to declare, whether it would be "preaching" lol. So i will circulate away it as is for now. yet once you have any questions in any respect, please be at liberty to email me. ~Kat~ P.S. And God loves truthfully all human beings, and encourages us all to do likewise. He never inspired us to hate every physique. in certainty, He advised us to "Love our enemies, and do stable to those that persecute you." i would be honest and say that no longer all Christians save on with this concept. yet while Christians hate every physique, it is by utilising their very very own doing, and has no longer something to do with God. :)

Answer 8

I believe in a Supreme Being .. Vedic approaches like the Upanishads mirror my approach .. as they speak of "niether this or that" .. ineffable .. not conditioned by a human attribute or image ... neither masculine or feminine .. encompassing both a provident conditioning of spirit as an osmosing process .. and the capriciousness of nature , a tornadoes wrath , a cat's cruelty towards its prey ...

As for,"Can you explain how you come to this conclusion, please?" ... lol .. this would involve either an extant living way of seeking a similar conclusion .. or possibly secondly (I have no faith in the affectiveness of this second) writing one's own Holy Book .. lol

Answer 9

i am a firm believer of god.we get so many examples.look at the nature,there are so many examples u get from nature to quote.nature and other species existing in this world were all created by god to make this world a beautiful place for us to live.we are alive,each nd every part of our body is magnificient.nobody ever can create such a wonderful machine.how this world exists,when a baby is born ,or questions about death and life all leave us puzzled.there is only one question to this.....who is the major power that controls all this?and the answer comes from within....that its GOD...
its the firm unshaken faith in him that makes us believe in him and his supreme powers even without seeing him.he is unseen but he exists within each one of us in the form of love,truth,our conscience etc........

Answer 10

I realize the presence of the Lord whenever I engage in devotional service, bhakti-yoga, especially hearing and chanting His holy names, qualities and pastimes. The holy name of the Lord, such as Krishna, Rama or Govinda, is as equally transcendental as the Lord Himself. So any sincere person who hears His holy name can experience transcendental ecstasy coming from spiritual platform. The Lord reciprocates the devotional service of His devotee with further spiritual advancement. As the devotee makes more and more advancement, the material contaminations in his heart are cleansed away revealing our pure spiritual nature, the Lord's pure spiritual nature and our relationship of eternal loving service to Him.

Therefore to me there is no question of 'believing' in the existence of God. Even intellectually its quite apparent that the Lord is everywhere and everything, all material and spiritual manifestations. But more importantly and more tangibly, the Lord reveals Himself to his devotee in accordance to the surrender and love of the devotee. Our eternal constitutional position is be His servants in love and devotion. In that position we regain our lost inheritance of complete bliss and perfect knowledge.

Answer 11

God is someone whom we love very dearly someone and feel that person's presence everywhere and with whom we have no secrets and trust acting as bondage between us.

God is a person who loves us blindly as a mother loves her child,Strict discipline,punish for bad deeds and protecting the child from all the difficulties as a father.
Share all joys and sorrows equally as a friend.
Guides us in the journey of life as a teacher.