The Burden of Proof: Why God’s Existence is Questioned
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The Quest for Evidence
Religious beliefs assert the presence of a powerful, supernatural entity. However, when skeptics search for evidence of God, they often find nothing. This leads them to demand substantiation for such extraordinary claims.
Here’s a metaphorical scenario for consideration:
Psychiatric Patient (PP): I see a pink elephant in the corner.
Staff Member (SM): Where? I don’t notice anything.
PP: It’s right next to the bookshelf, staring right at us!
SM: I’m sorry, but I can’t see it. My shift is ending now; I’ll see you tomorrow.
In this exchange, the staff member sought tangible proof of the pink elephant's existence. The psychiatric patient could perceive it, yet lacked the means to demonstrate its reality to the staff member.
The Tooth Fairy Experiment
Consider a tale about a child influenced by the concept of the tooth fairy:
A 9-Year-Old's Ingenious Test to Confirm the Tooth Fairy's Existence
Arman had lost a tooth two weeks prior but decided not to inform his parents. Instead, he placed his tooth under the pillow...
www.buzzfeednews.com
The young boy had also learned about the tooth fairy at school but was skeptical. He concluded that the tooth fairy likely didn’t have enough funds to compensate all those who lost teeth. Cleverly, he chose to conduct an experiment. He kept his tooth under his pillow for two weeks, waiting to see if money would replace it. When nothing happened, he finally revealed to his parents that he had lost his tooth.
What unfolded next? As expected, he discovered money beneath his pillow the following morning. Thus, he exposed his parents by demonstrating that the tooth fairy was a myth—his experiment had gone unnoticed for two weeks. Upon finally sharing the news of his lost tooth, the money appeared. His mother conceded, “Well, you got me.”
This experience illustrates that the burden of proof lies with the claimant—in this case, religion asserting God’s existence. Historically, religion has not substantiated this claim, despite the wealth amassed by some individuals promoting it. In fact, certain advocates for God possess enough wealth to rival the tooth fairy.
I have also taken the initiative to argue against the existence of God in various articles on Medium: "Proof that God Does Not Exist" and "God’s Algorithm Box." These are two distinct arguments against God's existence, and I am not alone in this endeavor.
Scientific Perspectives
Victor J. Stenger, a noted particle physicist who passed away in 2014, left behind a wealth of literature. Though some of his works are complex, he also wrote accessible material on science and atheism. His books are a valuable addition to any free thinker’s library. A highly recommended read is "God: The Failed Hypothesis."
Stenger authored several books for general audiences, including:
- Not by Design: The Origin of the Universe
- Physics and Psychics: The Search for a World Beyond the Senses
- God: The Failed Hypothesis: How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist
For more details, you can refer to his full bibliography on his Wikipedia page.
Why Is My Existence Self-Evident?
Now, let’s consider why I don’t have to demonstrate my existence to you. It is because I am currently here—my presence is clear to anyone using their senses. I can be seen, heard, touched, and even smelled. I write these articles on Medium using a physical laptop, which serves as evidence of my existence. This applies universally to all humans. Descartes famously stated, "I think, therefore I am," implying that the mere act of thinking is proof enough of one’s existence.
In summary, we don’t need to exert much effort to validate self-evident truths. However, God does not fall into this category and cannot be proven to exist. Any proof offered would ultimately be flawed. That is as far into this convoluted topic as I wish to delve.
If you found this article engaging, please consider supporting the following initiative:
The Enlightened Atheist Movement, led by Tony Berard
I am striving to establish a new movement for atheism rooted in science and knowledge...
www.gofundme.com
Thank you for reading (and for acknowledging the contributions of Mr. Stenger).
Chapter 2: Exploring the Evidence
This video presents logical arguments supporting the existence of God, challenging viewers to contemplate the implications of belief.
In this video, undeniable evidence is discussed, aiming to persuade skeptics about the existence of a divine being.