Exercise in mind-boggling makes a good wake-up call ~(;>)

And Greetings to All who care about such things.

What would you consider "proof?" There is no such thing, you know. Or, maybe you don't know. So let me be first to tell you. There is no such thing as "proof."

Proof is not a reality. It is an abstract; it is a conclusion reached from evaluating evidence. As we each evaluate evidence in a different way; and as each of us has to rely on different experiences, background educations, even our inter-relationships, we cannot evaluate evidence exactly the same way.

This is where a concept called "concensus" comes into play. If a greater number of "evidence evaluators" seem to approach one conclusion, over another, if sufficient agreement is reached, we tend to conclude something has been "proved."

Take two possibilities as regards God.
A) Exist; Then - B) not exist.

If A) -then not B); If not A -then B)

If God exists, we have no way of testing the posit. We cannot rely upon empirical evidence, as it does not apply. We cannot measure, nor weigh God, nor can we limit, nor free Him. We can establish no parameters in any capacity whatsoever.

The "Thomistic Reality" fails in that it only leads to an ever wider circle of questions. For, even if you discover "Thomistically" that God is a reality, you still know absolutely nothing about him, except for his "Thomistic" cause. He then becomes an effect of our own logical premise.

But, if God reveals Himself to us, we can then weigh the evidence of what he tells us, against what results, from what He tells us.

Back to "If not God - then ...What?

So, Back to -B) not exist

If God does not exist, we must start with Three basic assumptions;
1) Matter always existed
2) Energy always existed
3) Energy somehow acted upon matter, causing a reaction, which concluded in all that we now "Thomistically" see, and examine, as evidence.

Or "Assume" God. Since we cannot "find out" God, for he tells us he is "past finding out," suppose we simply listen to what he has to say about himself, and put THAT to the test. Remembering, we have no way of testing HIM. But we are told to test his word. "Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good," the Apostle tells us.

Now to our original argument, as relates to "Proving" the existance of God. Can't be done!

I believe I can, however, show enough evidence to believe that what God says about himself, is more reasonable than to assume B) -Not God over A)-God

Or to put it another way.

It is more reasonable (Come let us reason together saith the Lord) to assume God; and then look to God as He reveals to us about Himself; than it is to assume Not-God; and try to find answers in science, or man's reason, or logic, as to where the concepts of Soul, Guilt, Forgiveness, conscience, and such like, come from. They are neither energy, nor matter; Thus could NOT have come about from Energy acting upon Matter. There HAS TO BE another explanation.

And God is much easier to work with than non-existant evidence. We at least have His cooperation in our search for truth.

Often we first become discouraged, then frustrated; finally Futility enters our thoughts, as we seek truth against a barrage of "authorities." Doctors of Theology; men with lists of degrees behind their names. Schools of great reputation making lofty pronouncements; Long Histories of doctrine offered as evidence. Empiricists, galore; And so it goes.

But God said, "Come, let "US" reason together. You and God. not WE and God. God wants you to reason with HIM. God does however, have one ally, who is a constant companion to Him, and dear to his heart. It is Wisdom. Wisdom tells us in Proverbs eight, of her origin. Before God did anything else, He brought forth Wisdom

Wisdom was present when God created, in the beginning. It was to Wisdom God spoke when He said "Let us make man in our image."

We then, are made in the Image of God and Wisdom. Is it any wonder we stand and gaze hungrily towards the heavens, not looking for a big bang to satisfy our soul's longing; But rather, looking to our maker, for comfort in a very hard situation?

No Sir! I cannot "prove" the existance of God. But I sure derive a great deal of comfort in the evidence that has come my way, and in the understanding He has given me.

The strange thing about it is, that you also can find comfort in His word. Just quit looking to the denominational doctrines, and start reading, praying, weeping, whatever it takes, and He will show you. That is the very first thing promised to all men. SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND!

God said it.

I believe it.

That settles it.

And in those rare moments when you begin to falter, look me up, and I will study with you, perhaps to guide you till you get up on your feet, and take me the rest of the way.

I am - Overwhelmed by the evidence for his being -

Theophilus Book