Why do some people try to use scientific method to prove or disprove the existence of God?

Question

I've seen it happening from boths sides - Christians who claim to have proof that God exists, and Aitheists who claim the opposite.

As was pointed out to me last week it impossible to disprove, but that does not mean he definitly does exist. Similarly, there is no solid evidence that he does exist, but that does not prove that he doesn't.

I have had intellegent conversations with both Aitheists (philosophically) and Christians (theologically) on this subject, but only when words like "proof" and "facts" are avoided.

It seems to me that science can contribute nothing to a theological discussion - it is like trying to use a calculator to write a song. I mean no offence to those who still try to do it, but can anyone explain to me why?

So far every answer has either added something constructive to my thoughts on this subject or at least made me smile.

I have had to give every answer so for a thumb up (even the yoga advert).

I'll keep it open for another day or so , in case there is anyone who is slow in putting their thoughts into words.

Answer 1

Is there a good reason why science should not try to investigate the truth or otherwise of the existence of a God? I suggest science is equally if not better equipped to investigate god than any cleric is, what qualifications does a cleric have to claim knowledge of God?

Answer 2

The Lord created all that exists in the heavens, upon earth, and beneath it. Thus, Science has everything to do with the Bible and God. In time, Science always proves the Bible to be historically and scientifically accurate and without error. The problem is that many Scientists fail to recognize this, or refuse to admit it.

Science does not "contribute" anything to a Theological discussion...it only "confirms" what scripture has already shown, or allows one led by the Holy Spirit to reveal accuracy of Scripture. What Scientists claim to "discover" is only that which was previously UNKNOWN to imperfect humans.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 - "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun." Humans have not created or discovered anything NEW!!

I personally view Science as a Gift provided by the Lord to keep humans busy until His return. No different than giving a child blocks to play with. What one does with those blocks, depends on the heart and the relationshiip one has with God.

As a Christian, I personally enjoy when Science is brought into a Theological discussion, because I'm confident the Bible can support any and all topics presented. To think any less, means one questions the Sovereign Wisdom and Power of God through His Word.

****To answer your question, Humans try to use the "scientific method" to prove or disprove the existence of God, because it comes naturally. That is how God created us. We are intelligent beings with free will and curious natures. Unfortunately, arrogance and pride prevents many from giving God the Glory.

Blessings, Miji

Answer 3

I think that its a debate that will forever go around in circles, and there will not be a true answer, but you have posed a great question.
My answer is that we are human, and as humans we strive to prove and understand things if they work or not & why this star is here and why that planet is there and so on.
As you rightly say Science can & is used by both groups for their own ends.
But in the end it's really up to the individual in what they either believe in or not.Even if to some the idea of a God does not seem logical!

By the way I love the answer by Amelie. Its well good!

Answer 4

Atheist answerer.

You're quite right, it is impossible to prove or disprove the existence of god, the invisible pink unicorn and nice-tasting processed pork.

However, the sum total of humanity's scientific endeavour has shown that creation as depicted in the bible is utter fiction - and that rather than being the creation of benign creator, the universe is both frighteningly and terribly hostile. This does of course at the very least put the notion of a deity under harsh scrutiny.

The leap that mystifies me though, is the mental leap between believing that there is *A* deity and believing that a *particular* deity exists - since the outcome of that leap largely hangs on the factor of: who got to you first?

Answer 5

After hearing both sides of the story so to speak, I have made the choice not to believe that god exists. Like you say, it's impossible to prove which is why people will always argue about it.

Answer 6

We try to answer the question of god's existence because as humans we are naturally curious. It is whats helped us evolve into what we are today.
I personally do not believe in God. There have been many gods over the millenia and do people still believe in them. The Greek gods, pagan gods, Gods of the earth, sea, fire e.t.c.
I feel that the only reason for the belief in god is the huge influence of Christianity over the past 2 thousand years. This alone is made up of many different beliefs and religions. so if god did exist he would have to be many different gods to many different people, therefore he could bot be one god, so how can he exist.

Answer 7

If he does exist, surely you'd have thought that he'd have popped down from wherever he hangs out & said "Hi!" I mean he finished the Earth after 5 days or whatever so in theory he's been doing bugger all for the last god knows how many million years!

Answer 8

People want to do everything with their minds, but we have to accept we can't. I liked what Sheldon Vanaukan said in his book, A severe mercy, about why so many of his friends who were physicists were also committed Christians:

'The non-scientists say: well, we don't know the answers, but the scientists do; and the scientists who are not physicists say: well we don't know the answers either, but the physicists do; and the physicists know that they don't in fact have the ultimate answers and accordingly turn to God who does.'

Maybe science can't proof that God exists, but God and science go well together. Einstein said this: "Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind."

Answer 9

Read Richard Dawkin's 'The God Delusion'.

Or perhaps you don't think we can use the scientific method to prove/disprove the existence of fairies at the bottom of the garden.

Answer 10

You connot prove or disprove the existance of God. Well, not yet anyway. I don't know why people try to do that, but I may just be that they are trying to prove that what they believe is really true.