Exploring the Reasons Behind Assuming the Existence of God
Why do people assume that they can know whether there is a God or not? This question has puzzled many thinkers, scholars, and individuals throughout history. As an atheist, I don't claim to have all the answers; I simply note that no one has managed to convince me of the existence of the god or gods they believe in.
It's important to remember that there have historically been thousands of gods that people worshiped, and even today, we have several major religions. This means we're not only questioning whether a god exists, but also which one it might be if they do.
The Certainty of Theists
It's often entertaining to hear the answers theists give for being so certain that their particular god exists. Whether it's the Judeo-Christian God (Yahweh), Allah, or the gods and goddesses worshipped by Hindus, the responses are often compelling, but in my experience, I haven't heard an especially compelling or convincing answer to this question.
Some argue that if you've experienced a supernatural event, you'll be convinced. However, in my life, I've experienced events I can't logically explain, which has made me question even more. If you think I'm not entirely convinced that God has my back, you must be joking. I can prove it, but your mind will get in the way, preventing you from believing me. Why even try?
Intelligent Design and Probability
Ben Carson's argument about the cells in the eye provides an interesting perspective. He suggests that the purpose of the cells in the front of the eye would be meaningless without the cells in the back. This, he argues, supports the idea of intelligent design and provides a compelling reason for believing in God.
According to Carson, the small chance of these two cells finding each other and functioning cohesively makes this event so improbable that it would need to be the result of a divine hand. While this argument is appealing to some, it doesn't necessarily provide irrefutable evidence for the existence of a God.
Gnostic Atheists and Theists
Some gnostic atheists and many gnostic theists base their certainty on dogma or intellectual arrogance. It's logically impossible to be certain that there is no God. An honest and humble atheist must acknowledge that it is possible, however remotely, that God exists. Similarly, an honest and humble theist must admit that it is also possible, however remotely, that God does not exist.
Conclusion
While the presence or absence of a God remains a deeply personal and often contentious issue, it's clear that both sides can find arguments to support their beliefs. Whether you think you can prove God's existence or question the existence of any deity, the conversation is always ongoing. It's crucial to maintain an open mind and keep an eye on emerging evidence and arguments from both sides.