Atheists: If there were proof, real proof that God existed would you believe?

Question

I realize this is a hypothetical, but I was reading a question from Linz and decided to rephrase it.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Am.chJBjacoL1UTq2LDstFvsy6IX?qid=20070905080603AA0L3zL

I am not presuposing who God is for the purpose of this question. Take your pick or comment on as many as you like. I'm also not saying "I have proof", my goal here is just to get your honest answers nothing more...just curious.

Some possible choices to frame your answer with:

1) Jewish God
2) Christian God
3) Muslim God
4) Hindu God (s) (pick any you like)
5) Norse, Greek
6) Deist, cosmic-consciousness
7) Other

Meat Bot: Not saying I could "do" anything to prove this question--this is purely intellectual curiosity.

S.H.: Your answer gets at the crux of my question, "Is it all based on logic?" I take people at their word so with most answers here I would guess it is. With some as you can see for yourself it isn't--but they seem to be in the minority (I am not making a judgment on anyone's reasons though I appreciate the candor).

S.H.: Your answer gets at the crux of my question, "Is it all based on logic?" I take people at their word so with most answers here I would guess it is. With some as you can see for yourself it isn't--but they seem to be in the minority (I am not making a judgment on anyone's reasons though I appreciate the candor).

S.H.: Your answer gets at the crux of my question, "Is it all based on logic?" I take people at their word so with most answers here I would guess it is. With some as you can see for yourself it isn't--but they seem to be in the minority (I am not making a judgment on anyone's reasons though I appreciate the candor).

Sorry for the multiclick there--Internet Tourettes

I appreciate the distinctions that Bluto, Diminati, and (I apologize for not being able to make the symbols) The Great Gazoo make? Certainly this question does not speak to benevolence or intent.

Answer 1

Sure, if you could prove that a god existed, I would have to believe.

My next question would be, what is the nature of this god? Does it know we exist? Does it want us to know that it exists? Does it like to be worshiped (an unlikely possibility)? Does it have anything to offer us? Does it want anything from us? If it becomes aware of our existence would it immediately kill us and sterilize our planet so that it won't become infected again?

Answer 2

As a theist, I already seize the proof. If I tell somebody how to feel God, will they:

1.) Call me an idiot.
2.) Ask for the instructions.
3.) Explain their faith (or lack of) in detail.

And what is the nature of this proof? Can I smell, touch, see or hear it?

These are critical issues. If an omnipotent being materializes in isle 5 of the Piggly Wiggly in Platte City, I think everyone woill slowly get on-board as the stores surveillance cameras show a divine presence from several angles.

However, if it is a voice only I can hear or vapor only I can feel, how it that evidence valuable in the court of public opinion?

What we need is a big miracle, like turning all the explosives into sand in an instant. Sure, life without gasoline and gun powder will be difficult at first, but, by holding the hand of God, we will get through it.

Answer 3

Some gods cannot exist by definition, therefore any proof for their existence is impossible to obtain. However, the the possibilities of some gods and other gods undefined are pretty much endless.

I'll believe in anything given a reasonable amount of proof. Most people would.

Answer 4

"Atheists: If there were proof, real proof that God existed would you believe?"

I think the crux is this, believe what?

If a god decides to land on the White house lawn, what then? I for one, would not automatically feel I need to start groveling on my knees and worshiping this thing.

Answer 5

I really wouldn't need proof. Instead, I'd merely have to have a need to believe. The rest would follow.

Answer 6

We are atheist for the very reason that there is a lot more proof for the notion that there is no god.

If the proof for any god were to ever outweigh the proof for natural origins, then I admit that I would convert.

We base our beliefs on logic... It is illogical to ignore proof.

Answer 7

1) This wouldn't affect my life, since I'm not Jewish and he's not interested in gentiles. I'd be happy for them, and continue my life as scheduled.

2) I'd be really astounded, then realize that he's still not worth my worshipping, if the Bible is true.

3) I'd be really astounded and still not think that he's worth worshiping if the Koran is true.

4) I'd be pretty confused and need to stop by the library to consider my best options.

5) I'd start making offerings and learn to meake mead/wine.

6) No change to my life.

Answer 8

I think proof is the crux of the issue. of course with proof, an atheist would believe, that goes without saying.

Answer 9

If there was real, reliable proof that God existed I'd believe that.

What God is like would require proof too. I wouldn't just assume that since God exists, he must be exactly what x religion says he's like.

Answer 10

Depends, if it was 100% accurate, irrefutable proof of God, I would believe in him (but I would not believe anything else about God's attributes, nature, personality, about the afterlife and judgment unless each of those were absolutley proven as well)