Religious fanatics, dont answer this. How can the Bible be proof of God's existence?

Question

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I look at the Bible as a book just like any other fiction book.

It is one of the greatest storys ever created telling of the creation of the world by a supreme being that it calls "God". He created all of what is in the universe, etc. It goes in to Jesus Christ and God in profound detail which makes the stories and ideas of the book extremely believable.

However, above all, the Bible is no more than a remarkebly well structured story. There is no other solid evidence outside the pages of the book of the presence of God. Jesus Christ may very well have walked the Earth changing the lives of others around him with his oustanding insights and also have died for "our sins" but Jesus Christ himself is no evidence of God's presence. He may have been the prophet of Christianity but is there any true proof of that besides the Bible that he was sent by God?

With only best intentions, I truly do not see why God can be real.

To anyone wondering the reason why I did not want "religious fanatics" to answer this question:

The reason I directed this question away from anyone with rather strong religious opinions is because I did not want the answers filled with preaching, not because I am being prejudice against your beliefs. Usually any question like this one would have a good amount of people trying to sway others' beliefs.

So far, everyone has taken this question the right way and I am appreciating that. Thanks everyone.

Answer 1

Using the Bible to prove God's existence does not make rational sense. Consider the following:

Fact: most of the books of the bible were written by people who were never there, as second- or third-hand accounts decades or even centuries after the events they claim to tell about.

Fact: the books of the bible have been heavily edited over the centuries, with passages or even whole books being re-written or omitted to fit the theological and political climates of the time.

Fact: the books of the bible have also been subject to extensive errors, misinterpretations, and differences of opinion in interpretation as they are translated from one language to another and from that to yet another language.

Knowing all this, how can ANY religion be viewed as anything BUT the invention of men? I know this may not be what believers want to hear, and I doubt I'll do much harm to their faith; faith is remarkably impervious to reason.

Answer 2

In the first place the Bible is just a collection of books (Bibliography) that were chosen from numerous manuscripts. A lot of what was included was politically motivated. It is a history of men's interaction or experiences that were spiritual and convinced them that there was a GOD. Miracles were simply something that was not understood or feared. People tend to exaggerate those kinds of experiences especially if others gives credence to it. Whether or not that proves or disprove there is a God is unknowable at this time.

However, I do believe there are intelligences much greater than ours in the Universe. Maybe we are just a colony that is being observed under certain circumstances. Does that make them GODS. Depends on your definition of GOD. Based on our wireless communication, I suspect we could easily contact these entities in prayer. I cannot believe there is no GOD but I am not at all sure what he is like--us? The Bible does say we were made in his image. If that is true, I guess even GOD has some growing up to do. I suppose belief in the here-after is like love/marriage. It has to be a leap of faith.

One time at a church meeting I attended there was a geneticist that was a featured speaker. He said that he could easily see how GOD could resurrect a man. All he would have to do is keep one cell of each individual(each cell has a copy of the genetic code of the person). Then with his resurrect (computer) machine, hit the resurrect button and totally restore the individual physically. Truth? Fiction?

All I know is that when I pass into the great beyond, I want to be wide awake, because I don't want to miss a thing.

These days if someone mystically appeared to you and told you he was GOD, you wouldn't believe it, nor would most anyone else. They would think you were crazy.

On the other hand if that happen to me I would really be put out, because that would mean that he had some big overwhelming job for me to do. Thanks, but no thanks.

I read somewhere, I think it was the dead sea scrolls, that God's wife's name is Sophia (means wisdom). Don't you think that is interesting?

Answer 3

Since the bible was constructed man has always dissected the teachings.
The teachings are ground rules for man to live in harmony with their brothers and sisters.
Some abide, some don't. However at the end of the day we still know the difference between right and wrong. Maybe it's called a conscience.
Maybe we were all constructed with our own inbuilt God to keep us on the straight and narrow.
The bible may be a compilation of guilt trips so that those who came after the writers don't fall into the same traps, rather than proof of an existence.

Answer 4

First of all, I agree with "Mama". If you don't want a religious fanatic to answer then you're just looking for affirmation. Well, I'm answering anyway. Religion is a source of separation and control in a way. But not in a way of a cult. God never forces anyone to believe in him. Even in the Bible, Jesus was never forceful in the ways he led his people. That is the human additive. I am aChristian and religion does control me because I strive to be like Jesus. That means I am accountable for the things I do. Good and bad. That is a good thing because without religion I would be dead or in jail right now. I t is understandable for someone who isn't religious to think the Bible is false. Scientists and Christian Scientists have been testing the Bible for many years, and even though everything has not been proven, nothing has been proven false. Its a matter of faith. Everyone was not meant to go to Heaven. That itself is stated in the Bible.

Answer 5

The Bible is not intended as being "proof" of God's existence. Rather, it is testimony to the revelation of God's existence and involvement in the world. It is the contention of the Bible, that God has made himself known to humanity and then describes the particular occassions and experiences of this revelation. For this revelation to be true is predicated on the belief that God is the source of the revelation that the Bible describes and that God therefore exists. The Bible is offering testimony, not what we might consider to be proof. Whether or not God's existence can be demonstrated by the use of reason, unaided by revelation, is one of the vexing questions of modernity-- both for believers and non-believers. However, it is not the first time in history that such a question has been asked. St. Thomas Aquinas explored the issue, as did Rene Descartes, just to name a few. The state of this question, at this present moment, seems to be at an impasse.

Answer 6

I can understand why somebody would feel that way. It's easier to believe that man with a sword can conquer the world. The Greeks, the Romans, Persians, etc. But have you noticed the one who doesn't get credit? Doesn't use a sword, but the also conquers the world. And there was no decline in his reign. And the trial of his crucifixion was at night, while the masses were asleep. Strange when you think about it. How FAST it was. And this is what I get so far: God, sent J.C., who gave us the word. (Oral Tradition)

Answer 7

To say that the Bible is proof that God exists is like saying that 'The Half-Blood Prince' is proof that Harry Potter exists. Accepting that God exists is a matter of faith, not proof, since the existence of God is not something that can be proven. Some people believe; some do not.

Answer 8

It seems like you're looking to rationalise a way for yourself to find an ineffable Answer to something you need Questioned.

Is there any true proof that James Joyce went to the pub? It doesn't matter if there are proofs of either if you don't want to believe it. That's the point.

And to all readers: Say this out loud: I AM.

No one needs the image of a dying man to chain around your neck, plated in gold.

Answer 9

hey listen, i'm a muslim, and i don't mind u put up questions like this; i'd reccomend u read the quran too. and some Zen book. and keep in mind that the bible was written like 2007+ years ago. Of course, there isn't really any evidence that god is real, but we have to believe what we're SUPPOSED to believe. i mean, if whoever created us wanted us to believe in God, so be it. if he/she regrets it, or tries to make us believe in him/herself instead, he'll at least TRY to notify us of what's real.

Don't judge God by reading a book like the bible; personally i think the Iliad's more holy.

Answer 10

The Bible is just a book, like you said. It was written by Men. Man is fallible, swayed by personal need, conviction, greed, desire, etc. Thus the Bible is flawed, just like Man.

Man can not prove God exists at least not by any method we currently have.

God can only be proved to yourself, anyone who accepts someones version of God is a fool. Anyone who tries to sell you a vision of God, has ulterior motives.

You should try to find God on your own terms, no one should interfere.

I know there is a higher power, because I have felt it, but I do not try to share or explain myself to others, they will find it or not, depending on their own convictions.