Is the atheist who asks for proof of God "close minded". Why or why not?

Answer 1

Asking for proof of God is like asking for proof of a purple Thursday.

One cannot posit the existence of something if that something means nothing. The term itself, without referring to any specific concept or possible instantiation, holds no actual or even potential place in reality. In truth, it is amusing to note that the theistic position is unwittingly equivalent to the atheistic position, as to posit belief in “God” actually means “belief in nothing” – the stance of atheism.

To even posit that, “A ‘God’ might exist, however improbable” would be to consider the term as meaningful from this particular approach – a view that must be considered as a false assumption.

Answer 2

Not at all - on the contrary, the person with blind faith, who accepts without question, is the closed-minded one. Atheists are at least questioning - well, agnostics do. If an atheist was given absolute proof, then perhaps we would believe. However, the blind follower is one who disregards out of hand all other possible answers. Keep in mind, the idea of God, at least for Christians, is based soley on faith. They are not supposed to question, just believe and have faith. I think an atheist or an agnostic is more likely to be open-minded about faith, because they DO ask the important questions about proof.

Answer 3

While I can completely see the athiest point of view, the athiest (in order to be open minded) would have to keep open the option that there is a possibility that there could be *something* beyond our understanding that fulfills our spiritual needs out there. Whether it's a sentient God, or a force of nature that brings order to chaos... One thing I think is important to understand is that many people base their belief in God(s) due to a profound *personal* experience. No one can prove or disprove someone else's personal experience or perception. Individuals have to do that for themselves. So if your personal experience is that there is no God because God cannot be scientifically proven or disproven, that's cool. But in order to be open minded you also have to be willing to allow others to have their belief in a higher power based on their personal experience, too. Personal experience is *proof* to a lot of people. To discount their personal experience (especially really strange - inexplicable things) and to insist they are wrong and that there can not be a higher power, is closed-minded, IMO. But I don't think all atheists are closed minded just because they want proof. I think they become closed minded when they bash others for having a belief in deity.

Answer 4

If you were close-minded, you wouldn't ask for proof. They just don't like the fact that you are not agreeing with what they view as Truth. I guess some assume that if you are asking, then you want someone to think for you. Or you will turn off rational thought and step outside of what "Proof" really means. Example: You can't prove the validity of the Bible by using the Bible. But many use it as "Proof".

Answer 5

This is a tough question to answer.

If you're doing that knowingly, and to deliberately bait someone into an argument, then yes, it's closed-minded. If you're going to take whatever the person who believes says and not really listen to it, but just say "you can't prove that, you're just a blind believer," then yes, it's closed-minded.

If you're actually curious as to how one who believes in a higher power has come to find that level of comfort with their faith, and can accept what that person has to say, even though you disagree, then no, you're not being closed-minded.

As for me, personally, think at some point we've all asked questions. I walked away from my own faith at one point, figuring that no all loving God would let some of the things happen to me, that happened to me. I later came to realize that while I might not understand it, or like it, there are reasons for everything that happens. I can't prove it scientifically. That's why it's called "faith."

Answer 6

He or she asks for proof.
Let's say God does give proof (whatever it may be).
Will that change the atheist's mind?

Answer 7

An atheist who actually asks for proof of God (not as a rhetorical question, but as a real request) is not an atheist, to begin with.

And one who asks for proof of god AS a rhetorical question, is trying to check how close-minded believers are.

Answer 8

Everyone wants proof of God. Sometimes even Christians who go through rough periods in their life look around and say " Where are you,God?" It is normal to question. We just have to remember that God provided all of the answers in His Word and we just have to read it.

Answer 9

An atheist who asks for proof of God is like an angry child who ask for a baseball bat, so he he can swing it at your head.

In an indirect way that could be considered closed-minded.

Answer 10

No, he just really wants to be proven wrong about there being no God. Atheists who ask and talk and give opinions about God are begging for a way out of there atheism belief.