Luke Is An Atheist Who Wants Proof

I am an atheist, which to me only means that I haven't been shown requisite evidence to convince me of an omnipotent, all-knowing deity of any kind. If you would, please bring forth this evidence and deliver me from a fiery afterlife. I have an exceptionally open mind, and will do my absolute best to thoughtfully consider reasonable claims. Thank you in advance.

Dear Luke, No one can give you evidence of God. A person may give you anecdotes from his own personal experience , but you would say that is not cold , hard fact. A person could quote scripture, but you would reject it, saying you do not believe in scripture. Perhaps prayer would help, and that brings me to the crux of the matter. It is up to you to find God for yourself.

Everyone is born with The Light of Christ. It is defined in the scriptures as "The Spirit which giveth light to every man that cometh into the world. (Doctrine and Covenants 84:45)

"Regardless of whether this inner light , this knowledge of right and wrong, is called The Light of Christ, moral sense, or conscience , it can direct us to moderate our actions-unless, that is, we subdue it or silence it.( First Presidency of the LDS Church)

This Spirit of Christ can enlighten the inventor, the scientist, the painter, the sculptor, the composer, the performer, the architect, the author, to produce great, even inspired things for the blessing and good of all mankind.

HE BROUGHT AN EVERLASTING LIGHT. LET IT DAWN ON YOU.(D&C 88 5-17)

You, Luke, have this Light of Christ. How can I say that? It is because you are questioning, wanting proof, desiring more. You have not stifled your Light of Christ.

Also, you have suggested, a little tongue in cheek, that you want to be delivered from a fiery afterlife. This shows that you feel the light inside you and suspect that atheism might not be the right answer.

I would suggest, if you are truly seeking, to begin with prayer. Use that Light of Christ within you to ask God for help. Nevermind that you do not believe in Him. Just ask in case He is there.

A prophet once compared the word of God to a seed. He asked the people to plant the seed in their heart and see what develops. If it makes the person feel good it is a good seed. If the person lets it grow in his heart it will bring forth good fruit. This is what I am asking you to do. Plant the hope of a God in your heart and just see what happens.

What next? Search the scriptures. Find a Bible with a topical guide and look up things you want to know about. You may have noticed I quoted a book you have never heard of. The Doctrine and Covenants is a book of revelation used in my church. We also have the Book of Mormon. If you should be interested, go online and look up "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". There you will find a wealth of information.

I hope I have given you some food for thought. Enough, I hope, to spur you on to some exploration of the things I have mentioned. I know that God wants you on His side. You are His son and He wants you to live with Him again.