Hi folks,
I just joined to post my question to all those out there.
What, if any, would constitute an everlasting and conclusive proof of God to all the unbelievers and believers out there?
There seem to be some issues with this goal.
1. An infinite being would have to make a finite manifestation. This alone would cause some people to be unconvinced.
2. Some would say that Jesus already made this manifestation but he is no longer accepted as proof since we only have written records of this. So this being would have to be with us eternally.
3. I'm sure there are even believers who would claim that this being is actually the Devil(or evil spirit) trying to gain believers for himself.
4. What form could this manifestation take since different religions have different concepts of God's form?
5. Would any "miracle" that seemed supernatural be accepted as such or required to to be tested until it fit natural laws when it would no longer be supernatural? Maybe God would be seen as an expert illusionist not explaining his tricks?
6. My guess is that a definite proof such as this would cause the fanatical believer to lash out against the skeptics for their disbelief. Proof of God is like tug-of-war where neither side has definite proof so cannot pull the other over to his side. Would God be willing to be responsible for such activity? Ofcourse, I suppose he could use his omnipotence to protect those at risk.
Other than number 1 or 5, you may note that the majority of problems will happen with believers. I think 5 is critical though re skeptics. However, skeptics out there please feel free to submit any issues you may think will interfere with proving God in this material world. My only requirements for the proof are this:
-It should convince everyone on Earth
-It should be everlasting(so no infinite repetitions)
I personally doubt this could be achieved but am willing to concede I may be wrong.
I just joined to post my question to all those out there.
What, if any, would constitute an everlasting and conclusive proof of God to all the unbelievers and believers out there?
There seem to be some issues with this goal.
1. An infinite being would have to make a finite manifestation. This alone would cause some people to be unconvinced.
2. Some would say that Jesus already made this manifestation but he is no longer accepted as proof since we only have written records of this. So this being would have to be with us eternally.
3. I'm sure there are even believers who would claim that this being is actually the Devil(or evil spirit) trying to gain believers for himself.
4. What form could this manifestation take since different religions have different concepts of God's form?
5. Would any "miracle" that seemed supernatural be accepted as such or required to to be tested until it fit natural laws when it would no longer be supernatural? Maybe God would be seen as an expert illusionist not explaining his tricks?
6. My guess is that a definite proof such as this would cause the fanatical believer to lash out against the skeptics for their disbelief. Proof of God is like tug-of-war where neither side has definite proof so cannot pull the other over to his side. Would God be willing to be responsible for such activity? Ofcourse, I suppose he could use his omnipotence to protect those at risk.
Other than number 1 or 5, you may note that the majority of problems will happen with believers. I think 5 is critical though re skeptics. However, skeptics out there please feel free to submit any issues you may think will interfere with proving God in this material world. My only requirements for the proof are this:
-It should convince everyone on Earth
-It should be everlasting(so no infinite repetitions)
I personally doubt this could be achieved but am willing to concede I may be wrong.
