So, most say god can't be tested (though they ask people to "prove" he doesn't exist)?

Question

and the biggest response I get from all this is that it is somehow "wrong" to try and test god in the first place.
Why?
I understand that believers don't want tests on their god, and will engage in contradictory thinking to to support that, but what I don't understand is how you know this is true? If god made us, then he made us curious and exploring. Unless you contend that it is sinful to explore?

Answer 1

If you put God to the test it shows immaturity.

Answer 2

While gravity waves or particles are hypothesized, they have not as yet been discovered. They may not exist at all. However, we can measure with amazingly precise accuracy the effects of gravity. We use it to predict the movement of the planets and stars and the Space Station. We can use it to tell you how fast that pen will be moving when it hits the ground. God...if such a thing exists, does not seem to exert his influence in any predictable measurable way. If God is real, and if God can act upon the natural realm from his existence in the supernatural, then SOMETHING should be measurable. It isn't. All the studies on intercessory prayer have been a sorry disappointment to believers. "it shows faith is used in science" ??!! Nothing could be further from the truth. You clearly have no understanding of the difference between faith and reason.

Answer 3

No, it isn't sinful to explore, as long as you aren't exploring sin. Yes, the Bible does say "Do not put the Lord your GOd to the test." It doesn't say not to put people to the test, though, which justifies someone asking to prove that God doesn't exist. But belief is based on truly believing that God is God and he is real, so in that case, there's really no need to test God, because he is who he is, and you know him.

I'm not exactly sure why it's wrong to test God in the first place, but my guess would be that it's because he already told us who he is and he'll always be there for us, so testing him is pointless and an insult to the truth that he stands for.

Answer 4

Not at all. I'm a Deist, so basically I believe in the existence of a Deity. Nevertheless, I don't shove that down people's throats, and if they don't believe in Him/Her then I have no problem with that. Yes, He/She gave us curiosity, and it's not 'sinful' to search & explore. I went through phases of belief in a Deity. When I was a child I was Christian, but thankfully I left that very early, around 11-12, then my belief changed with time. There were sometimes where I thought of the possibility of the non-existence of any deities, but for some reason the sense of having a Supernatural Force was so strong inside me, so I became a Deist. So it's NOT wrong to test, and it's not wrong also to deny a god's existence, just be a good person, and that's all what matters.

Answer 5

Good Point.

It never ceases to amaze me the lengths that people will go to, to try and persuade others not to question their beliefs.

My favorite response is the one that states that I KNOW God exists because I can feel him. The same logic can be applied to those under hypnosis who KNOW they are on fire because they can feel the flames, but in reality the hypnotist is planting the idea in their heads from the start.

Religion and God behaves in the same way. Many people KNOW God exists, because they were convinced by parents, clergy or friends that he does. It is like the worlds most elaborate hypnotism project.

If God does exist and created man to be curious, you would think he would create another path to finding his will, other than the beliefs of other men. A scientist should be able to perform tests that prove without doubt that God is real and has a plan for us. Millions of humans throughout time have tried doing just this, but without luck.

Meanwhile, scientists have found laws that make everyday life better for all of us.

Answer 6

Deuteronomy 6:16-17:
16"(B)You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, (C)as you tested Him at Massah.

17"(D)You should diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and His testimonies and His statutes which He has commanded you.

also New Testament, Luke 4:9-12 (when Jesus is being tempted by Satan in the desert):

9(I)And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here;
10for it is written,
'(J)HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU TO GUARD YOU,'
11and,
'(K)ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP,
SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'"

12And Jesus answered and said to him, "It is said, '(L)YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'"

Thus, it is written in the Bible (perhaps in the Quran or other Holy Writings as well?) that we should not test God...

However, we are also told "Knock and it shall be open; seek and ye shall find; ask and it shall be given"...so the faithful are encouraged to pray for what they truly need, and God will hear our prayers...not that He will necessarily answer them how WE want Him to, though. So we are encouraged to ask for what we need, but NOT to frivolously "test" God, asking for signs and such.

It is not sinful at all to seek and search for Truth. However, interpreting your findings can be difficult. Have you ever looked at all the "info" on the web?? Yes, some of it is true, good info...and some of it is purely made-up crap masquerading as truth...how can you be sure??

We will never (IMO) have scientific PROOF of God; it's just not how it works in this time. We must look at the secondary evidence available, and make informed decisions based on that 2ndary evidence AND what our hearts tell us. Knowing God is MUCH more a matter of Faith than of Physical Science. As a scientist myself, this is sometimes frustrating; but I am at Peace with my beliefs...though I do constantly seek to know more; and if I ever find something concrete to oppose my beliefs, I will concede to the reality presented...but no concreteness has EVER contradicted my beliefs thusfar...

Good luck in your search...

Peace.

Answer 7

There is nothing wrong with testing God to see if He works the way we Christians say He works. It's kind of the old try it you'll like it thing. Try Jesus He works! The Bible says not to "tempt" God. There is a difference. There's nothing wrong with testing the Lord so He can prove His word is true.

Answer 8

I would be very afraid to test God but I do ask Him questions that I am curious about and I always get a response.

Answer 9

How true. And equally amusing is how they will denounce science as a devil's ruse to deceive humanity, and then cite scientific eveidence to support cherished tales like that of the Ark.

Bear in mind that is was the exploration of the "fruit" of the "Tree of Knowledge" that lead to the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden. That implies a lot right there.

Answer 10

Yea, yea, God made us with an inherent desire and curiosity for knowing things. I just don't need to make endless conjectures about whether or not I can enjoy watching Becker or House or Law and Order without saying ten hail Mary's to the inventor of the tv set.

Of course, I really appreciate Edison. If he hadn't invented the light-bulb, we'd all be watching tv by candle light.



That's how absurd you atheists endless and utterly stupid rants are to us believers.

Answer 11

I do not think it is wrong to try and test G-d I just do not think it is possible. I am also not sure what contradictory thinking you are talking about? I also could care less whether you believe or not. while you on the other hand seem rather concerned on what we believe.