why do my really religious friends insist we dont need proof from God that he exists and that we should believ

Question

My roomate has become a very religious Christian all of a sudden, and I too am a Catholic. I just like to as questions about things in the Christian Faith and this angers him. I ask why doesnt God just come down to earth and show us all his presence and power. Then he could bring all of the religions together, show us where we are wrong and what we really should be following? This would cure so many of the evil and hate against muslims and Christians and Jews etc. My friend then gets very angry and attacks me saying I just want to find an easy way out and not search for God through faith and bla bla bla. He really gets upset. I just think God could make the world such a better place if he showed everyone his grace and glory and didnt leave all theses people to wonder and conclude their own ideas and thoughts.

But I was also trying to make the point that maybe people have accidentally interpreted God and his messeges in different ways. Some wrong, some right. God could clear up so much hate and evil by showing the world what he really wants, Mainly between muslims, christians and jews. We all believe we follow the same God, but we all kill each other over it because we believe in differences.

Answer 1

Because they don't have a logical explanation.

Answer 2

Your roommate might be upset because he doesn't have comprehensive answers for all your questions. You are speaking in different languages. A mystical answer will not satisfy a practical question.

The value of mystery, of faith, is that it draws commitments from us that reality might not. The fact is, there is no one perfect solution to any specific problem. And people do not all operate the same was. Some are very logical, some emotional or philosophical. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

But there are consistent ways of operating. Some people are intent only on their own survival, avoiding danger, looking for advantages over others, hoarding resources against anticipated disaster. Others see everyone as in the same boat, so they make sure that everyone is taken care of, even at their own expense. The first attitude is prudent but limited. The second is broader but less certain, and maybe a little counter-intuitive. We may feel admiration for the "rightness" of generosity and self-sacrifice, but to follow it, we'd like some reassurance. God serves that purpose.

For some, God acts as a model and inspiration. For others, he's an enforcer, threatening doom if people don't "behave". The idea of "God" motivates people. If God showed up and became a sense-able reality, he'd become limited in space and time, a sort of super space-alien to fear, outwit and hide from. Too many people already try to play games with God. If it became an actuality, people would stop thinking about ideals and concentrate on pleasing or overthrowing the big guy. If we're going to mess with "God" at all, he has to transcend any understanding we're capable of or he just becomes a bully, and salvation becomes merely a game.

Come to think of it, a lot of believers do treat it as a game, taking "sides" and manipulating other people rather than taking their part in life seriously. To think that God could be tricked into approving or disapproving people based on our machinations gives him little credit. We should do good because it's right, not because God will "like" us. If God doesn't automatically love everyone, he's incredibly petty.

And God is not going to try and trap anyone either. He gives everyone a general idea of what needs to be done. We know from the admiration or disapproval of others (at least the disinterested ones) what is right and wrong. But it needs to be voluntary, our own will. Otherwise, what's the point?

Answer 3

From viewing all the answers on this post, it's really nice to see how much religion brings us all together. All the preaching of love and peace has really paid off. We live in such a peaceful, loving society. I don't think you're friend should have gotten mad; but a lot of religious people tend to get a bit upset when you question their religion, which is ironic considering most religions is about acceptance, unconditional love for everyone and peace. But then again, more wars and more people have died in the name of religion than any other cause - we have the Crusades (which tortured people into converting to Christians; real nice), the Holocaust, the Protestants and Catholics fighting in Ireland, and of course all Muslim extremist killing everyone in the name of Allah. So, in sum, I agree that maybe God should intervene unless it is his divine plan that we all kill each other in his name.

Answer 4

Because we don't generally require proofs for most things in our lives.

You require proof an elevator is safe and has been inspected and can actually hold a full load.

You ask for proof of a Radon test when you move into a house or apartment

Do you ask to see the proof the flu shot the doctor gives you is safe

What if you did and the FDA report showed that there was an acceptable risk and only 1 in 10,000 people died in testing.

Would you still take the shot!

Answer 5

I am sorry.
But that is the most stupidest thing I've heard all day.
Why should God come down here
to show the ignorant people that their is indeed a God?
He is the all powerful. And your friend is right.
We don't need proof. We just believe.
If you dont want to believe then don't.
You dont have to question and provoke others about their religion, whatever their religion is.
Thats just annoying.
And even if God did come to earth and show us his glory and tell us which is the right religion, what would be the point of living? Because if that did happen (which it wont) then from my point of view. Everyone will convert to the right religion and thus go to Heaven. This is why God gave us free will.
To see if we obey him even when were distracted from praying etc.

Answer 6

While I don't agree with hostility, I agree with where he is coming from. I am Catholic, and I think it would be way too easy for Him to simply come down and unite us all. The reason why we go through so much in this world is to grow stronger, and become wiser. God guides us every single day to do the right now, but we often do not follow it. So, I guess now after writing that up, I can tell you that God is here with us, and that he is trying to unite us. Just look out for the signs.

As for your roommate, tell him he should practice what he preachs and try to be tolerance, patience, and maybe an anger management class. :(

Answer 7

He's scared. You are poking holes in something he has wasted his whole life believing in. He probably has the same doubts that you do and is afraid of them as well, either because it proves him wrong, or he fears that if he gives into them, that Hell will be his reward.

I also agree with the first answerer. It shows that religion is often rooted in emotion and not in logical evidence. Never lose that inquisitive mind - it rules like nothing else. ;D

Answer 8

If you don't believe or believe somehow, your friend should not be trying to force anything on you, since your friend became a christian not that long ago, then he does not have the full knowledge of the religion.

His job is to tell you about the word, not to force you in it or criticize your beliefs, it's up to you to follow.

If you really have questions about the religion and everything you have a doubt on, speak to someone who has followed that path their entire life

Answer 9

He is a new believer and does not understand many things as yet. He is also very passionate, so have patience.

However, you, as a Catholic, are not providing any discipleship for him. So you are even in more error. Your questions spark doubt and show a lack of personal relationship with God. You have a religion, not a walk, and your questions and effect on this new believer reveal this. You are what is referred to as a "carnal Christian". Check out this quote from your details...

"I just want to find an easy way out and not search for God through faith and bla bla bla."

This is a quote from a religious person who has a zero personal relationship with Christ, let alone his own roommate. This is why atheist look at your question as a good one (see below). You appeal to their godless logic--and that would give me great pause.

Answer 10

This is the best proof they have:

"It must be true. It says so in the bible."

For your add-on question, read "Misquoting Jesus" by Erhman. He is a graduate of Moody Bible College, the ultimate for bible thumpers. He discusses the errors incurred with the translating and copying of the New Testament.

Answer 11

Christianity and asking questions do not fit well together. Here's the answers you will get all summarized: 1) look in the bible 2) pray and ask god 3) wait until you get to heaven to ask god 4) do not question your maker/creator, and finally my absolute favorite 5) [insert logical fallacy here]