Proof Of God''s Existence-Why Do Atheists Ask This Question ?
By jujunme
@jujunme (2501)
United States
September 29, 2010 8:57pm CST
I'm really very curious about this and have never gotten a logical or reasonable answer to this question. I've read so many discussions on Mylot from atheists asking us Christians for proof that God exists and most of the time they will either dismiss the answer offhand or make some snide remarks , so at the end they go away with the same thing they came in with "disbelief". So, why ask the question to begin with? if i fervently "don't" believe in someone or something, no one can convince me otherwise and i won't even ask questions because my conviction is so sure and dead set. if as an atheist you are so positive that God does not exist, why can't you just live with your belief and have no need to aks anyone for proof that he does?
3 people like this
9 responses
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
30 Sep 10
hi jujunme - i think the atheists who do not have faith are trying to understand or am curious of the Christian belief of the unseen and why Christians have such a conviction.
The reality is right in front of them - the Bible - with all its historial truths that direct them to archaelogical finds also.
1 person likes this
@6precious102 (4043)
• United States
30 Sep 10
Since there were no calenders during the time of Christ, the Biblical writers use noted people or events to indicate when things happened. For example: Herod the Great was king of Judea, Caesar Augustus ruled the entire Roman world, and Quirinius was governor of Syria at the time of Jesus' birth.
As you know, because Herod was killing all the male babies two years old and younger, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus fled to Egypt. Archelaus reigned in Judea when Jesus returned from Egypt to Judea.
The following were the ones in office at the time of Jesus' baptism: In the 1th year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea, Herod Antipas was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene. The high priest were Annas and Caiaphas.
When Jesus was crucified, Pilate was still the Roman governor of Judea, Caiaphas, Annas' son-in-law, was the high priest that year, and Herod Antipas was king of Judea. The crucifixion of Jesus took place during the time of Passover. Fifty days after Passover is the Feast of Pentecost and that's when the church was established. Acts 11:26 tells us that the disciples of Christ were first called Christian at Antioch. Before that title was given to them, they were called "People of the Way." See Acts 9:2.
All of the above can be found in the Gospels and in Acts. The Biblical writers do the best they can to pinpoint the time of these historical events; but if you're determined not to believe the Bible, does any evidence make any difference?
I believe the book of Acts is pretty good historical evidence for Christianity.
1 person likes this
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
30 Sep 10
You need to read the post I made directly above yours. You're quite wrong in thinking that this is why atheists would question someone's beliefs.
There are also no historical truths in the bible that give evidence for Christianity, or any other religion. If you do not believe me, please offer your evidence - I will gladly refute it.
1 person likes this
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
30 Sep 10
I want to make this perfectly clear: You cannot use the bible as evidence that the bible is correct. You cannot use the bible as evidence for Christianity This is no different than the ancient Greeks pointing to the poetry of Homer as evidence for their gods. Both these works reference real historical places and events, but the stories in both are still mythology.
Please understand that no writers at the time of Jesus' life ever mentioned him. Not even those writers who walked through the same cities that Jesus is claimed to and who focused on writing about what was happening to the Jewish people. There is no historical record of Pilate ever crucifying or condemning a man named Jesus, or even a man who was accused of the same crimes as Jesus.
Atheists are not people who are determined not to believe the bible. In most cases, they were people determined to PROVE the bible and/or other religious texts. But they were unable to do so because it is entirely impossible and instead came to realize that all evidence and logic proves religious texts are wrong. Hence, they became atheists.
1 person likes this
@6precious102 (4043)
• United States
30 Sep 10
I have often wondered why atheist are so bothered by people of faith. It's almost as it they're angry that we believe in God. Atheist are not stupid people. I know they have to know that someone superior to man has to have been behind creation. It's just incredible that anyone could believe that the entire animal kingdom began from that one cell. I believe what atheists are is angry with God for some reason. So, instead of dealing with their anger, they say there is no God. Yet they still can't shake that inward feeling and knowledge that God does exist and that makes them even angrier so they try to get the believer to doubt their believes by continually demanding proof of God and laughing or smirking at the believer for his believes. It's an act of desperation on the part of the atheist.
If the atheist really didn't believe in God, he wouldn't care whether or not the rest of us believed in Him. Atheist have a need to bring others down to their level, and Christians have a need to bring people up to theirs.
@6precious102 (4043)
• United States
30 Sep 10
I read your original and I think you gave a very good response. The problem with your position is that you're blaming God for the corruption of religion.
I don't care how often science or atheist claim evolution has been proven, that is simply not the truth. You believe it's true, fine. But allow creationist to present their point of view along with the evolutionist point of view.
Atheist have NEVER given any proof that God doesn't exist, but they take delight in calling our Holy Scriptures mythology. If God doesn't exist either prove that He doesn't or quit insulting the believers.
Regarding homosexuals, the Christian has to follow the teachings of God who has said that homosexuality is unnatural and against God's will. If we accepted homosexual marriage, we would be lining up with the world rather than with God and we cannot do that and still call ourselves Christian.
Regarding abortion, no matter how that baby was planted in the womb, it is still a human being and deserving of a chance in life. An abortion is not going to erase the stigma of the rape; and how cruel to kill that baby, the innocent one, for the sins of the sperm donor.
When "In God We Trust" was put on our currency, we did trust in God, and I believe most of us still do.
You're right, religion can be dangerous and is the cause of many of the wars throughout history. However, following the word of God is not dangerous and God should not be blamed for the corruption of man. In His Holy Word, God has told us exactly what we need to do to live rightly with God and with man. Too many people chose to ignore it.
The problem with atheist is that you blame God for the failings of man.
1 person likes this
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
30 Sep 10
Please read my original response to this discussion a few replies up. It should be truly enlightening for you, to say the least.
@jujunme (2501)
• United States
30 Sep 10
6precious102:"i often wonder why people are so bothered by people of faith, it's almost as if they're angry at people who believe in God." That was the whole point of my discussion,as an example, i don't believe in Santa Claus, haven't for a very long time,so, i don't ask for "proof" that he exists nor can anyone convince me that he does but it seems that atheists( Jupitercrashing) for one, go through "great pains" in trying to convince us Christians and other religions that He does "not" exist. And "Jupitercrashing" , there is no "burden"on Christians or anyone else to prove God's existence to you .my question to you is "why" you even ask for any? Are you so unsure of your convictions that you feel the need to try (and i stress the word try) with all your might to turn believers into non believers , perhaps if you get enough Christians to see it your way, you will feel more secure in your own beliefs,? if you're on the fence about this whole thing why not just admit it?it would give some credence for your constantly questioning ones beliefs and faith.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
4 Oct 10
Hi jujunme, Most atheists don't ask for proof that God does not exist, they have already decided for themselves and feel that others have the right to make up their own mind. I find that many Christians, Muslims, and others are asking atheists why they don't believe in God, just as much as the other way around. No one can prove the existence of God to another, but one can have a "knowing" within himself/herself. Blessings.
@jujunme (2501)
• United States
5 Oct 10
I do agree that many atheists do not ask for proof of God's existence , but my discussion was mostly geared toward the many posts i've read on Mylot of atheists who do ask that question, even though they have no intention of changing their minds or beliefs. and that's fine with me. i am not one who will force my beliefs on anyone, i am not a preacher, just a beleiver. but, i do take exception to those who ask for no other reason, then to ridicule or make light of those of us who do believe.Thank you for your response and Blessings to you as well.
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
30 Sep 10
Like most atheists, I was raised religious (attended Catholic school my entire life) and came to the conclusion that all religions are entirely illogical and false based on a lot of research. In between this move from theist to atheist, one usually must first understand what they don't believe and why. When you are raised with the security that a religious mindset offers, it is not something any intelligent or rational person would give up unless they were quite certain that religion is wrong. This is why reports like the one released two days ago by PEW show that atheists are more knowledgable about religion than those who are religious. This is because theists treat religion like a user license agreement - they simply skip to the end and say, "I agree."
So, to address your question, many atheists pose this question in order to get YOU to try and think about why you believe what you do. Because there is no proof for god's existence, the reasons you give must be dismissed - I personally will address all examples a person considers 'proof' but many people are not as patient as I am.
As to why we cannot just 'live with our belief' - well, there are a few reasons I can give. For one, because society does not let us live with ours. Let's consider the fact that evolution - which is, by all accounts that do not resort to pedantic philosophy, an absolute fact - is being pushed aside by those who want to insert their mythology into classrooms. Let's consider that gay people are not allowed to married based on religious beliefs, that victims of rape may not be able to get an abortion, and that American money is emblazoned with "In God we Trust."
Secondly, and certainly more importantly, religion is dangerous. It forces us to ignore the essential aspects that makes us human - the abilities to think, reason, and be rational. Wars and senseless, cruel murders continue to plague the world on the basis of religious doctrine. Religion has already held humanity back from our true potential for thousands of years, and it would appear that there are currently many people out there right now that not only want to stifle further progress, but regress from the progress we have already made. These are the reasons that we can't just let religious people continue to delude humanity.
1 person likes this
@opalina143 (1240)
• Morristown, New Jersey
30 Sep 10
That's right. Many atheists ask religious people for "proof" of God's existence because they want to get YOU to realize how unlikely the existence of God is, not because THEY are truly questioning it. As for dismissing what the religious person says, its usually because what they say is so thin that it is easy to dismiss. There really are no good arguments for religious belief, except that it may fill emotional needs in the believer. We just call it like we see it.
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
1 Oct 10
What possible differences does it make? It could possibly make a huge difference - and that's why we do it. Consider the difference that could have been made if someone had convinced Constantine that god doesn't exist - the human race would probably be overwhelmingly advanced beyond it's current years.
Don't get me wrong, it is quite evident that you are currently too close-minded to change your views. But you are not the only person who reads my responses on mylot, or anywhere else that I discuss religion. I share my opinion in the hopes that someone out there may come across it one day and it will cause them to go on their own journey of discovery, just as I did. Even though it may not happen, the chance alone that I may be able to change the future for the better by preventing the continuation of religious dogma in at least one family line is more than worth it to me.
@jujunme (2501)
• United States
1 Oct 10
"Because they want to get YOU to realize how unlikely the existence of God is."/and once again that is the point of my discssion, why would any atheist want me or any believer to "realize" God does not exist? What possible difference does it make to you and other non believers whether we choose to believe in His existence or not?.If you're so sure in your conviction that He does not exist, why do you feel the need to constantly ask questions of Christians and other religous believers? why are you always asking for proof you are so sure does not exist? do you honestly think that by constantly ridiculing or asking proof of the believer, you will somehow bring them to your side of the debate? if so, you are barking up the wrong tree, true believers are not swayed by the questioning atheist. Maybe as i mentioned in a prior response, you are somewhat unsure and shaky in your own beliefs , you feel that if you can get more believers on your side of the fence, you will feel more secure in your disbelief, if not, i just don't get it.
1 person likes this
@rdramirezC (240)
• Philippines
30 Sep 10
your right.! they keep on asking because of this word "CURIOUSNESS" I believe that they feel GODS EXISTENCE in there life but because they are blinded with the standards of this world and do not submit themselves to GOD they stick to that situation and are still trying to say that GOD ISN'T REAL...
as Christians we are given the task by GOD to preach the gospel til the ends of the earth for everybody to know that "whosoever believe in him should not perish but have an everlasting life.."
the word of GOD is free to those that are willing to accept it in their life...there's nothing wrong if we GO for it because every single law written in it doesn't contradict to any laws of this world///...
@jujunme (2501)
• United States
30 Sep 10
Believing and accepting God into ones life is a very personal belief,his existence can only be proved by the "individual" who knows inwardly that for them he "does" exist, he or she cannot prove it to anyone else and shouldn't even try.but, i am not speaking of atheists who may be just CURIOUS and somehow feel "GOD'S EXISTENCE"in their life,that to me that is a very valid feeling and thoughtif you are curious or do feel his existence, you are not really a hard core atheist, you are just someone who for different reasons, are on the fence.Thank you for your response.
@rdramirezC (240)
• Philippines
2 Oct 10
yes it is individual ..(it is our worship to GOD)
we cannot force them to believe on things that they haven't experience with their ownselves..
Unless if they open their hearts. U are welcome jun.
@pankajgarg (797)
• India
30 Sep 10
well this is catch 22.but i can give my opinion.
i am a science student and the more i study it i am convinced that something must have created this marvelous world for example our existence that how we are made of cells(such great geometry) and cell are further made by hydrocarbon organic compounds and a molecule(atp) an ultimate source of energy and the cells itself are made atoms which are just an arrangement of charges governed by four types of forces(discovered) until now. how can this beautiful universe be made just by chance it is marvelous creation by the almighty god (but named differently by different ethnic and religious groups)
@jupitercrashing (635)
• Canada
30 Sep 10
We are both atheists, jujunme, I just believe in one fewer god than you do. One does not need science to prove religion doesn't make sense. You reject gods just the same as I do. The simple fact that there are thousands of religions followed in this world today, and thousands more that have come and gone, along with many sects in each, should be enough to tell you that the chances that you belong to the 'right' religion are slim to none.
Are you even familiar with the other systems of belief out there? Perhaps you know a bit about Jews, Muslims, and Hindus, but I doubt you have ever bothered studying their beliefs in the same way that you have studied yours. You simply accepted the religion that was most prevalent in your life while you were growing up. Yet all these believers of other religions, both past and present, feel the exact same way about their god(s) as you do. They feel their god(s) present in their lives, they claim to experience miracles, and they are just as certain as you are that they've chosen the right belief system. It makes far more sense to reject all gods, than to reject all gods except for one.
1 person likes this
@jujunme (2501)
• United States
1 Oct 10
And here is the difference between you and i.I do not "question" or "reject" anyone elses religion or what God they choose to believe in.nor do i feel i have to.i don't go around telling these people who or what "God" to worship and i especially do not attempt to sway them into believing that in my opoinion there is only one true God and i'm sure they believe that their God holds the same respect for them. .What i do reject offhand is the 'futile" attempts some atheists feel the need to make by constantly trying to convince Christians and other religions how "wrong" we are,why can't you simply hold on to your disbelief and feel good about it without questioning the believer.?
1 person likes this
@jujunme (2501)
• United States
30 Sep 10
I think atheists would do well by hearing more scientists and science students expressing their belief in a creator of our universe, since most atheists use science as their number "one"proof that God does not exist.it is very refreshing to learn that you as a student of science can look at the true beauty of this earth and realize it just didn't happen by chance.Thank you for your reponse.
@rogue13xmen13 (14402)
• United States
1 Oct 10
As an Agnostic, I have asked many question regarding "God", and I came up with this conclusion. Is there a "God"? No one really knows. Could there be a "God"? Maybe.
Agnostics keep their options open. There could or there couldn't be a God. No one knows.
@abj163 (1037)
• India
30 Sep 10
hi ...i am a hindu by religion and i am an atheist....but i was not an atheist when i was born....i also used to believe in hindu gods and hindu religion....not too much....just a simple believe or faith on god....but things in my life totally went wrong....everything went wrong in my life even i oftenly used to go to temple with my friends......you can say it was bad luck but everything went wrong and i was screwed even if i worshiped god regularly since then i dont believe in god and religion ...i just believe in myself and my work....
and i have never asked a chritians or hindus about god's proof......
i just dont believe in that and i dont care others believe in it or not...
happy mylotting
@jujunme (2501)
• United States
30 Sep 10
"I have never asked Christians or Hindu's about God's proof I just don't believe in that and i don't care if others believe or not"/// i'm sorry that due to the things that have gone wrong in your life, you have lost your faith in God.i don't think anyone who does believe hasn't at one time or another questioned their faith or have had it terribly shaken. but, the differnce between you and other atheists is , you do not ridicule or ask to have proof that God exists and i respect that.
@stylewaves (1060)
• India
4 Oct 10
I was not interested of making serious conversations of god`s existence , i just ask that why you people are praising the unknown and invisible god and scolding the visible humans
@jujunme (2501)
• United States
5 Oct 10
In the first place, i do not "scold" anyone for their beliefs or disbelief's.In my opoinion , it doesn't matter to me whether you believe in God or not. i can only go with what i believe in my heart and mind.To you and others who do not believe in God's existence he is invisible and unknown but to many, many believers ,although he can not be seen he is as real and familiar as any family member.Thank you for your response