What Would You Do If You Were Faced With Completely Irrefutable Evidence That Th

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   CrescentSkiesposted 12 years ago

   What Would You Do If You Were Faced With Completely Irrefutable Evidence That There Was No God?
   
   And I mean completely. As irrefutable as 1+1=2. I asked my friend about this and he had a mini-breakdown so I thought I'd ask you guys. Still not certain if I'm just unsatisfied with his answer or I'm just evil. Or both.

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   celafoeposted 12 years ago

   i know there is a God as I have seen more than my share of miracles and i do not deal with supposition.  esp about God and scripture

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      CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      If you aren't meant to question or guess then why would God bother giving you a brain? I have a strange feeling god won't care if you think for about 3 seconds on this kind of question.

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   RTalloniposted 12 years ago

   When writing it's easy to make a mistake and come across snarky or worse.  In no way am I wanting to communicate anything derogatory about your question.  I am taking it simply as an honest question. 
   
   That said, the first answer that came to mind was the difficulty of considering an impossibility.  Because I know that God exists the consideration of your question isn't really possible. 
   
   If you are really wondering, you could ask God to help you understand how He has revealed Himself in creation and in His Word. Because they are easier to read than a KJV and some others,  I recommend an ESV or NAS Bible if you do want to learn more about Him.

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      CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Well thanks for not taking offense at the question (like half these people) but that really doesn't answer my question. If you were to gain omnipotence and know there is no god how would you react? Consider it a test of your imagination.

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   edhanposted 12 years ago

   It is a question about faith and belief. I do believe in the existence of God as Creator where all things began. I do not have any doubt about it.
   
   People tend to question in doubt when bad things happening and prayers are not being answered. I believe in Karma & Merits. We at times have to answer for our doings. Release your spirit and let God's guidance to help pave your way of life. Then you will truly be with Him as you journey in life.

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      celafoeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      sorry but buddha is NOT GOD the creator, He was a FALSE god.   buddhism has nothing to do with God the creator

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      edhanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I am not referring to Buddha. Buddha is a messenger like Jesus. I believe in God as the Creator of mankind. He has different messengers or prophets to spread His Words.

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      Maggie Bennettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      edhan,
      You make some good points.  I believe as you do everyone gets what they deserve.  It has nothing to do with what people believe, and much more to do with how people act and what they bring to the plate in the end.  It is about merit.

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   aravindb1982posted 12 years ago

   Let me answer you by asking back the same question:
   
   What would you do if you were faced with completely irrefutable evidence that there is a GOD. And I mean completely, as irrefutable as 1+1=2. I asked my friend about this and she too had a mini breakdown - it meant a whole life gone waste she said.
   
   So what would you do my friend?

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'd say,"Thank you God. I appreciate this gold medal you placed upon my neck in recognition that my mind actively explored the possibilities of Your existence or non-existence.  And yes, God, I DID understand that that was why you gave us intellect.

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      aravindb1982posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My answer to ur question - It would reset me and again put me back on the road of discovery because I would then have two 'irrefutable' evidences - one in support of God's existence and one in support of God's absence!

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      LaThingposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great comment, Billie!

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      CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'd probably still not worship him. Not because of doubt this time but because I disagree with quite a bit of the bible.

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   nafeelpcposted 11 years ago

   can you say there is no god,nobody can give that kind of evidence.This kind of questions makes no sense.I truly believe in God.

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      ChristinSposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Here's the irony, people can't prove God exists or that God doesn't exist - interesting isn't it?

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      celafoeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      christin -only those that first believe in God will ever be able to see the evidence to confirm He is there.    Scripture says to all the others it is foolishness.    So your foolishness will get you nowhere, except with other scoffers.

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      CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      nafeelpc it's a hypothetical question. How do you think you would react if you were faced with a situation where you could no longer believe in god. If you must consider this a test of your mind and willpower to imagine the situation.

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   X-Conposted 11 years ago

   Then I would deny the existence of God. But since there is no such evidence; and the weight of evidence that exists overwhelming supports the existence of God, I'm a believer!
   
   One of the reasons I know God exists is because He delivered me from a life of drugs, crime, and prison. Which I explain extensively in my hubs.

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      Eunice Stuhlhoferposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Well said and based on personal experience, its irrefutable Truth that God exists. Praise his name!!

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      ChristinSposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Where is the overwhelming evidence? Personal belief is not evidence.  There is neither proof that God exists or doesn't exist - ironic no?

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   Healthy Mikeposted 11 years ago

   There is such a thing as conviction. It is what separate us from nihilists, atheists and pagans. I have a strong conviction that there is God,otherwise i would be denying the very essence of life and existence. There is no burden of proof to justify a higher deity and i think only pretentious and hypocritical minds would want to challenge this edict.People of weak hearts are easily swayed and would probably believe it, i think it's purely a personal thing.

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      ChristinSposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Ironically, most atheists would feel the same about the religious - easily swayed.  I can assure you I have no weak heart and a deep love for life and humanity, just not a belief in a diety.

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Christin, Love your comment.  It's interesting the assumptions people make about non-religious people . When I was 12, I went ON MY OWN  to Church on Good Friday and knelt from 12 to 3 praying, saying the stations of the cross- one tiny exp.of many

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      CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      This is not a question about whether you would believe the evidence Mike it's what would you do in a situation where you yourself knew for a fact there was no god (say gained temporary omnipotence and knew this without question).

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   MickSposted 11 years ago

   Probably nothing but feel sorry for all those people who have been duped over the centuries by the church.

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      LaThingposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Is church the only way to reach God?

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      CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Depends on who ya talk to.

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    ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

    I would probably first realize that the evidence was as intentionally manufactured as this question is !  Jees - if your a non-believer why bother recruiting or should I say trolling so blatently fromthe masses of  those of faith .?

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Why would you assume the person asking the question was a non-believer? There is NOTHING to indicate that this person is a non-believer.   He or she may be more devout than any one. To NOT question is disrespectful to creation and to our intellect.

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       CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       The problem here is that an assumption is the evidence is irrefutable. Which means that you cannot argue against it, you believe it to be true. Going by that assumption what would you do?

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       CS, I meant, that the person who answered the question is assuming your question was asked by a non-believer.  I don't see why a person can't be a believer and still ask this question.  It's simply a "what if" question.

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       CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I was directing that comment at the person who answered not you I agree with you.

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    peeplesposted 11 years ago

    You know, I wasn't planning on even bothering with answering this. Then I read the answers. Isn't it odd how so many people have an inability to truthfully answer a HYPOTHETICAL question? Instead they simply say "well that's not possible". Upon answering this question only 2-3 people actually answered the question. Why is it so hard for people?
    Now since I am not a believer I will answer the question "What would you do if you were faced with completely irrefutable evidence that there is a GOD. And I mean completely, as irrefutable as 1+1=2. I asked my friend about this and she too had a mini breakdown - it meant a whole life gone waste she said." that another hubber asked because it doesn't bother me to think of hypothetical questions and answers.
    I would acknowledge it's existence and still not worship that god due to seeing what has become of the world.

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       celafoeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       wise people do not answer stupid hypothetical questions

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       peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Actually every person who has ever invented anything of merit has had to first answer many hypothetical questions.

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       celafoeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       but those were not stupid questions, they were necessary. to reach the goal.    SEE my answer under  nafeelpc

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       peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Stupid is a matter of opinion. My opinion of stupid is anyone who refuses to look at all parts of something they choose to believe in.  Or someone who refuses to see views outside their own.

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       celafoeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       peeples- that is good.  PS  I have looked at both extensively/   i dont believe in anything without extensive scriptural proof.  i repeat see my comment above

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       CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       celafoe you obviously have not looked extensively if you cannot even answer this question.

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    IDONOposted 11 years ago

    In my circle, I refer to it as " a power higher than myself, that I choose to call God". This means, things that I can't control, things that I cannot change will happen whether I believe in them or not. Let's call it a conscience. Even a complete atheist can wrap their head around this. I've seen it. Do you think learning right from wrong just happens? Are you telling me there is no such thing as a guilty conscience or a clear conscience? Where does that come from?
         If this could be irrefutably be proven, that would only be in your mind and heart. Not mine. What goes on in mine or your heart, cannot be proven or dis-proven. Except by the actions we display in our everyday lives and relationships. If your a caring, willing person or a selfish, self-seeking person, that's your proof. You can only prove to yourself what is inside of you, to yourself. Same with me. The only way to prove our true beliefs to each other is the way we treat other people. Actions speak louder than words.

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    LaThingposted 11 years ago

    Hahahaha ...... Then I would laugh some more
    Thanks for the Laugh!

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    Mike Marksposted 11 years ago

    well, it seems clear if we practice kindness and peace as best as we are able we can only improve our neighborhood that we ourselves have to live in as well, and so its a win win for our neighbor and ourselves, whether there's a god or not or a heaven or not ... and such practice by everyone would certainly make at least a heaven on earth ... man, if we could only devote our smarts to developing our technologies without having it sucked up by war... from my observation I think most people prefer peace and want to be good neighbors, but unfortunately even a small minority of psychopaths is enough to create violence and war worldwide, particularly when psychopaths possess the very traits, traits like selfishness and wanting to control people, that make them want to seize political power and positions of leadership... dawinians theorize we are a warlike race because the pacifists were slaughtered by the vicious so only the vicious survived to reproduce their kind over the generations... anyway, I would think God would want us to want to do good for goodness' sake, not to earn a reward God might give, us, but just for goodness sake... though some philosophies will debate "what is goodness", Buddhists may define "being good" as "being skillful" in this case "skillful" at "being loving"... and let me end this by tagging on a quote from Mother Teresa: "People are often unreasonable and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.  If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.  If you are honest, people may cheat you.  Be honest anyway.  If you find happiness, people may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.  The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.  Do good.  Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.  Give your best anyway."

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       Mike Marksposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       well, since no one else is debating my observation, I'll debate it myself... if we choose to be, and are successful at, being kind and peaceful, doesn't that open the door for the psychopaths to take over unopposed?  Good question, Mike.

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       IDONOposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Better question, Mike. With no deterrent, aren't we all capable of being psychopaths? I mean, right from wrong wouldn't matter anymore, would it?

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       Mike Marksposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       IDONO.not sure you read my full comment when I said "do good for goodness sake". If you're doing good just so you can get some Heaven out of it for yourself, you're already motivated by evil.

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    anancelesteposted 11 years ago

    What if you turn on the T.V. one morning and the reporter blatantly says;   "Absolute proof is found that "God" is an invention of men."- What would be your first reaction? read more

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       Apostle Jackposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       If that is the case,then we all have inventions.Even the ones without the belief that God exist.They invented there own God.They had to get their ideas from somewhere.

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    Apostle Jackposted 11 years ago

    That is impossible,seeing that there is an Almighty God. Through personal experience it have already been proven. I am a witness to that fact.
    It is not meant for everyone to believe nor to be saved.So it is not a wonder how most of the world is without the true knowledge of God,nor believe in His existence.

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       CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You're not thinking of this the right way -.- I'm asking that in the scenario you somehow were faced with evidence that you Can No Refute (can't argue against) how would you react. You have to follow the assumption for the scenario.

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    Maggie Bennettposted 11 years ago

    It would mean I die, and then rot in the ground.  It doesn't mean my life is any less or any more now.  It would be disappointing and disconcerting though, because then all the experiences I've had make no sense.

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    stanwshuraposted 11 years ago

    Just as I would question (or likely successfully rebut) any claim or "evidence" of the proof of God's existance, I'd most probably react identically to said "proof" of his nonexistance, even as I lean toward a hard wrestled inclination to believe - no, to think - that He is absent but for how we humans perpetuate His legend.

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       CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       This question is in the form of a psychological experiment which means the assumption that you must believe the evidence is critical. If I have to word it like this I will, "What would you do if you suddenly discovered there is no god?"

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    Sparkleaposted 11 years ago

    I would STILL not waver with believing in God. 
    
    What is "evidence" anyway? Why are non-believers so adamant to PROVE there is no God?  Why do so many have to be "right?"   What's the point?
    
    Life is a GIFT for ALL.  We choose how to live, we learn (hopefully) from our flaws, mistakes and even little errors. The greatest tragedy is to be in a dark zone and no one to turn to.  But for myself, there is always God.   
    
    That being said, there will never be completely irrefutable evidence that there is no God.  EVER.  The Truth reigns, and God is that truth.
    
    If when I die, nothing happens and I do return to the earth so be it.  I STILL believe in GOD, and I always will.  With all the miracles, answers to prayer, and true stories and testimonies I have read over the years, I know that I know there IS a God, now and forever.
    
    I heard a woman say during a speech years ago: "No one knows for sure...it is an eternal mystery."  So, death is, and does remain a mystery.  I choose to fully believe in the after life...But that's just me.  I love to share my faith through writing, but I REFUSE to argue about it with anyone...ever.
    
    Let people believe what they want, but let's stop arguing about it and just focus on making a positive difference in our world.  BEING who we are with an objective of contributing to the happiness of others.  Period.  Blessings, Sparklea

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       CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       The problem here is that I asked you to objectively consider your reaction if such an event occurred. You respond by taking offense at a hypothetical situation that was obviously not intended for an insult. I pity god.

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       Sparkleaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       CrescentSkies; I sincerely apologize.  However, I was not offended, but my comments DID appear that way.  You are correct.  Thank you for bringing this to my attention.  Blessings, Sparklea

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       Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Sparklea, your comments did not convey that you were offended. Maybe your 2nd paragraph expressed your passion for your beliefs, but you brought it around to quite a balanced and beautiful point of view. It feels sincere. And BEING is a key....

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       Sparkleaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Emanate Presence: Thank you from my heart for your kind words!  So much appreciated.  You are correct, I was not offended at all.  And I was sincere.  Yes, BEING is the key.  Thanks again...Sparklea

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    CrescentSkiesposted 11 years ago

    You guys are not being very helpful I'm asking what you would do if you could not refute the evidence. In other words something like you gained temporary omnipotence and knew without a doubt there was no god what would you do afterwards? Go crazy? Live life like normal? Etc.?
    
    This isn't a question of whether or not you believe in the evidence because the assumption for this scenario is that you do. And please do not argue with the assumption, that's why it's called an assumption.

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    M. T. Dremerposted 11 years ago

    I admire you for trying to get an answer to this question. I can't tell you how many posts there are in the Atheist section of the Q&A with the exact opposite wording. Unfortunately, you won't get very many people who will actually consider the hypothetical. The very basis of a deity's survival is unwavering belief. If they were to consider, even for a moment, that he isn't real, the flaws in the structure would become visible and the whole thing would come crashing down. Therefore, the only way it can survive is if the believers turn a blind eye to the subject and refuse, at every juncture, to seriously look at it. Atheists, by contrast, want answers. They seek out the shadows and examine them with all the information they have, and form conclusions based on what they found (or didn't find). That is why we can answer a hypothetical question and most of them (not all) can't.

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I like your explanation M.T. Dreamer - very astute observation

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    lone77starposted 11 years ago

    Silly question. Why?
    
    I would question such "proof" just as much as you should question any proof that YOU don't exist.
    
    I would have to deny too much of my own experience, logic and reasoning to deny God. But there's something more that a skeptic and a denier will never understand (unless they are hit by lightning, or something else to seriously knock them out of their dependence upon physicality). That additional thing is spiritual certainty -- perfect confidence -- the true meaning of "faith." Miracles won't happen unless you have it. And I have experienced dozens of miracles. Such things are not possible unless there is spirit and God behind the creation of these things which seem so "real."
    
    I have already proved God exists. So, why should I even listen to someone who is delusional try to prove that He doesn't?
    
    The universe exists, therefore He IS. Simple.
    
    Some people look at the state of the world and say there cannot be a God. That makes a certain amount of sense, but only in a limited way. If you think that all there is to us are these Homo sapiens bodies, then sure, there must not be a God. But God's children were created in His image and likeness, and something the skeptic doesn't seem to be able to understand is that God is not Homo sapiens. And they seem oblivious to the implications of this fact about the real us.

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       CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Part of the assumption is that you can't question it, that's what irrefutable means. It's so completely convincing that even you yourself cannot reject the logic and evidence. It's a question of how you would respond in that scenario.

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    Dame Scribeposted 11 years ago

    My own beliefs are that God is life and we are surrounded with life! therefore, refuting is personal choice of which, I don't.

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       CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       It's not a personal choice -.- the assumption for the hypothetical scenario is something that has to be followed or your answer is just gibberish. Just assume that you were suddenly faced with some weird epiphany that there was no god if that helps.

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    Emanate Presenceposted 11 years ago

    CresentSkies, I have considered how to answer this honestly within the confines of your intention.
    
    Before answering your question directly I would have to ask, what do you mean by God?
    
    If you mean the word God as used by religions, my answer is I would do no differently than I do now.
    
    But of course people do sometimes form their own versions of popular terms.
    
    In my version, God is not something or someone separate from me. Whether the word God is applied to the design or its unproven designer, or both, would also mean no difference to me.
    
    I might have to adjust my conceptual understanding, and that is okay. There are no attachments to fixed ideas of how things have to be.
    
    Nothing that I know by knowing would have to change. And science is growing closer to proving, through quantum mechanics, what ancient wisdom has known for thousands of years.
    
    You wrote, it seems out of some frustration, 'This question is in the form of a psychological experiment which means the assumption that you must believe the evidence is critical. If I have to word it like this I will, "What would you do if you suddenly discovered there is no god?"'
    
    I am not an atheist or agnostic but can honestly say it would not be a big deal. Just a minor adjustment to my worldview. Not even that, it would just mean removing the word from my vocabulary. The universe is still intact. Nothing real has changed.

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       Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I'm reminded, by your comment, EP, of a concept Alan Watts put forth in the 70s in "The Book".  My best interpretation of that idea is that the WHOLE  is God. That intrigues me. I know that's not exactly what you you meant, but it reminded me of it.

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       Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you for the insight expressing it well, in a nutshell. Separation from God is an illusion rigidly framed in the constructs of the mind and strongly reinforced by human society incl. religion. God can be experienced in moments of letting go....

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