March 22, 2015
God’s NOT Dead_Pt_3: God In the
Dock Notes Not Edited
Hebrews 11:1, et. al.
SIS—There is strong and varied
evidence to prove the existence of God.
Before we move forward, let us take a step back. Last week we looked at one of the most
established and popular theories in science—the theory of evolution. We put a “FACE” on evolution to help us frame
the discussion. We spoke of questions
raised about Fossils, Apes becoming men, the improbability of Chance as a modus
for bringing the cosmos into being, and the limitations of Empirical
science. This FACE strongly indicates
that evolution is not sufficient to account for the diversity and design now
much more apparent in creation, much less can evolution answer the most basic
question, “why is there something rather than nothing?” Darwinian evolution, and evolution in
general, has suffered more severe decay as science has advanced, rather than
being more firmly established.
We will begin there with our continuing investigation of the
theme: God’s NOT dead. We will look at the almost staggering amount
of evidence that points to not only a “Creator and Designer,” but a personal
Creator. The evidence for believing in God is both good and varied. We will examine it from three evidentiary
angles: philosophical evidence,
circumstantial evidence, and personal evidence.
It would be helpful to discuss what is meant by “evidence and proof.” I came across this explanation in regard to
“proving anything, especially the existence of some thing.” I’ll share it to provide a launching pad for
our discussion. The writer said, “I should probably observe that to the
scientific sense of the word "proof", the answer is trivial: you go
look at it. In the mathematical sense of the word "proof", you can
easily prove the existence of mathematical things, given axioms and a system.
But mathematics does not yield physics on its own; or if it ever will, we're
not anywhere near there yet, and if we ever get there I think it will look
radically different from anything we have now. So my advice is that this is the
kind of question philosophers like to ponder because it's easier than work. Go
do work instead.” I agree with this
writer that merely offering evidence for one proposition as opposed to another
proposition—that is, God is NOT dead as opposed to God IS dead—leads to a dead
end. As long as God remains nothing more
than the topic of a philosophical discussion, no one will be benefitted and
many will be eternally harmed. My goal
is to provide a bridge between the fact that God exists and the fact that God
will eternally reward those that seek a personal relationship with Him. The writer of Hebrews describes this two-step
process: Now
without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him
must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
Many Christians get all tangled up in “dead-end” discussions with
ideological skeptics and atheists because they suppose that the primary goal of
discussions is to “prove the existence of God.”
To speak in Palinian (see 2008 presidential campaign) terms this results
in building a “bridge to nowhere that
benefits no one.” If merely believing in the existence of God were enough,
the demons of hell would be saved because the Bible says, “Even the demons believe that—and
they shudder” (Jam. 2:19). Our
goal in helping others to see that God’s
NOT dead! is to help them walk across that intellectual bridge to connect
spiritually with Yahweh by faith.
No amount of “evidence or proof” will ever be sufficient in bringing a
person into a saving relationship with God.
In fact, I don’t believe it is possible to “prove” the existence of God
in the sense the word is commonly used in science. I DO, however, believe that one can “prove”
the existence of God as that word is commonly used in a courtroom—beyond a
reasonable doubt and to a moral certainty.
Let us begin our journey today reading about “evidence or proof”
ROMANS 1:18-20; HEBREWS 11:1
One of the sharpest minds of his day—both in academic and religious
circles—was the “atheist-become-Christianity-defender,” C.S. Lewis who was
professor at Oxford University in the 1950’s.
He is popularly known for such great works of art as the Chronicles of
Narnia. He wrote many other books,
including a collection of essays titled, “God in the Dock.” The word, “dock,” refers to the place where
an accused person sat in a British courtroom.
God is NOT dead, but He is indeed on trial in our culture, and around
the world. Does Yahweh, the God of the
Bible, even exists; and, if He does exists, what is He like? The evidence will show today that God does
indeed exists, and He is a God of order, majesty, and shows extreme care and
concern for His creation, especially mankind.
1. PHILOSOPHICAL (RATIONAL) EVIDENCE
Last week we touched a bit on the rational necessity of God when we
discussed the philosophical axiom widely held by many philsophers as well as
scientists, “ex niholo nihil fit—from
nothing, nothing becomes.” Why is there
something rather than nothing? It simply
is not reasonable to suggest that if there ever were a time when nothing
existed there could now be anything—much less a vast, almost incomprehensible
universe that demonstrates properties of intricate design. The human mind simply cannot imagine
“nothingness.” Even science tells us
that “nature abhors a vacuum.” Man cannot escape the thought of
God. Man CAN, and DOES, rebel against
the thought of God as Paul describes in Romans 2:14-16:
*(fr.
φύσις, by nature)
14 So, when Gentiles, who do
not have the law, instinctively* do what
the law demands, they are a law to themselves even though they do not have the
law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts.
Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts
will either accuse or excuse them 16 on
the day. . . .
Paul simply states that it is “irrational” to not believe in God. In order to “not” believe in God a person
must “suppress” the truth that is evident in one’s own mind through personal
observation. Romans 1:18-20 says,
18 For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all
godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress
the truth, 19 since what
can be known about God is evident among
them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For
His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have
been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has
made. As a result, people are without
excuse.
A great thinker thought this thought a long time ago and developed one
of the “classical proofs for the existence of God”—a purely “rational”
proof. Anselm, the Archbishop of
Canterbury, offered this purely rational, self-evident proof for the existence
of God: “God is that which nothing greater can be conceived.” This proof relies on nothing more than a
person’s rational thoughts. This proof
does not necessitate a particular name or character for God. It would take something more (as Anselm
argues further in the Proslogion) to
establish the character and qualities of this deity. Man’s mind is incapable of going back further
than God—for, that which is further would be God. The importance of this argument is that “that which nothing greater can be
conceived” must exist or that which is the same thing, but existed, would
be greater.
Other philosophical proofs for the existence of God relate in some way
to a “cause/effect” relationship between what is—the effect—and from what or
whom did it arise—the cause. St. Thomas
Aquinas addressed this philosophical issues in what is called the Quinque Viae, or Five Ways. Space only allows
me to list these five proofs.
The
First Way. Aquinas reasoned that God is the Prime
Mover. If anything has ever moved in the
cosmos, Someone had to move it. There
had to be a “ground or starting point” for all movement, which Aquinas called
the “Unmoved Mover,” who is God.
The
Second Way. Like the “Unmoved
Mover,” this argument is a cosmological argument, arguing from what we observe
in the cosmos. Just as God is the
“Unmoved Mover,” logically God is also the “Uncaused Cause.” Everything in life has a cause (or multiple
causes), and nothing can cause itself, therefore God is the “Uncaused Cause.” An infinite list (regression of causes)
creates a logical absurdity. Every
regression must end in an “Uncaused Cause.”
The
Third Way. This is the way
referred to as “The Argument from Contingency.”
Everything in this world can exist or not exist. If it exists, then something prior to it must
have existed. This argument implies that
contingent things require a “necessary” thing, because a thing cannot create
itself. To do that it would have to “be
and not be” at the same time and in the same way, violating the Logical Rule of
Non-contradiction.
The
Fourth Way. The Quarta Via, or Fourth Way, is a rational
argument from “Degree” (ex gradu). This purely rational, or philosophical
argument, derives from the common perception that things in our world exist in
varying degrees of perfection. For
example some things can be deep or deeper.
This logically postulates, both grammatically and philosophically that
some “one thing” is the deepest.
Likewise with virtue some things are good and some things are better, so
therefore something must be “best.” Like
a mountain has a pinnacle, the degrees of perfection we observe in our world
must have an “ultimate pinnacle,” which according to Aquinas is God.
The
Fifth Way. The Fifth Way has
been one of the most enduring and convincing of Aquinas’ rational arguments for
the existence of God. This way is
referred to as the “Teleological Argument.”
Teleos is the Greek word that
can be translated as “purposeful design,” hence this argument is also called
the “Design Argument.” In our 21st
century discussion it is expressed in science by the Anthropic Principle (which
I will discuss in a minute) and by proponents of Intelligent Design; though,
neither of these postulate anything about the nature or identity of the
“Designer.” Many scientists, including the
atheist, Richard Davies, recognize the unique design features of the
cosmos. The argument is sound and common
sensical. If we see evidence of design
(particularly information), we must rationally infer a “Designer.”
Now, if you were a skeptic before this short discussion of the
philosophical or rational proofs for the existence of God, I doubt you have
become a “true believer.” However, my
purpose is to merely demonstrate that, contrary to common thinking, there is an
abundance of philosophical evidence supporting a believe in God. There is other evidence also.
2. CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE
Under the heading “circumstantial evidence” I am lumping together a
broad package of proofs from various disciplines, including multiple branches
of science, as well as forensic approaches to history, including literary
criticism, archeology and other disciplines.
I call this circumstantial evidence because there is no “direct”
evidence for Who or What existed before the creation. Many trials, however, do not have such direct
evidence. Circumstantial evidence is
considered as worthy and weighty in a criminal trial as direct evidence. Dozens of T.V. shows have arisen outlining
the work of forensic scientists (Crime Scene Investigators) who collect
evidence to put together a successful circumstantial case. Paul points us to the idea of circumstantial
evidence in Romans 1:18-20:
8 For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all
godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress
the truth, 19 since what
can be known about God is evident among
them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For
His invisible attributes, that is, His
eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of
the world, being understood through what He has made.
Again, I can only list the areas in which science, history, literary
criticism and other disciplines come together to present a convincing case for
the existence of God. Creation bears the
Fingerprints of God.
Let’s take a look at science. In
the area of physics the most
significant evidence (and there are many) of a God who intricately designed the
universe is gravity. One physicists
points out that gravity, necessary for life on our planet, is precisely
calculated to be 1 part in one hundred million billion billion billion billion
billion! This is an accuracy equivalent
to throwing a dart from outerspace and hitting the bulls-eye on a target no
bigger than a trillionth of a trillionth of an inch in diameter on Earth. Scientists have discovered that there are no
less than 30 such cosmological parameters necessary for life on our planet that
are fine-tuned with the same precision.
It is simply mind boggling to consider how precise gravity needs to be
for life to appear, let alone 29 or more other such parameters. Many scientists agree that for these
properties to exist exactly as they are with such unimaginable precision as a
result of chance stretches the mental capacities of even the strongest
skeptics. Consider evidence for a
Creator-Designer in the field of biochemistry. Darwin did not have the advantage of
intricate high-powered microscopes. His
work does not mention bacteria at all.
There were studies on bacteria in the century before Darwin, but Darwin
did not know of the study of microbes, or did not care. With the advancement in the study of
microscopic life with ever increasingly powerful microscopes, scientist realize
how complex are even the tiniest of creatures.
In fact, Michael Behe, a biochemist, introduced the idea of “irreducible
complexity” from his study on the mechanism of bacterial flagellum—the
structure that allow bacteria to move.
His studies show that the biomotors that drive bacteria are as complex
as the engine and drive shaft of a car.
All the parts must come together all at once in order for the flagella
to work. Incremental development, such
as evolution supposes simply could not account for the intricate design of
molecular machines like flagella.
Another area of scientific study pointing to a purposeful Creator is information science. Inside every one of our body’s one
hundred trillion cells is a six-feet coil of DNA. This DNA uses a four-letter code to provide
all the instructions for the precise assembly of every protein from which our
bodies are made. DNA is not just an
intricate arrangement of chemicals, but this arrangement contains
“information.” Even if chance could
account for the arrangement of chemicals forming DNA, chance cannot possibly
account for “information.” A hurricane
can rearrange rocks on a beach to appear to be in an orderly manner, but it
would be something else entirely if the hurricane arranged the rocks to spell
out Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.
Lastly, let’s consider the evidence for a purposeful Creator that comes
from the study of the mind. The mind and its relationship to the body has
puzzled philosophers for centuries. Science has given us an amazing understanding
of the brain and nervous system, and how it relates to muscular action. If I raise your right arm above the head,
science is sufficient to tell you exactly what physical processes came into
play to cause that to happen. What
science cannot explain is: “why did I raise my arm over my head in the first
place?” The brain, nerves, and muscles
can account for how, but not why. The
mind accounts for why. But what is the
mind? The “mind/body” question at this
point, raises huge issues that can only be addressed philosophically or by
reason—science has no answer for the mind, or information.
The circumstantial evidence for a purposeful Creator from every branch
of science is absolutely astronomical in scope—literally. Add to this studies from history and
archeology, as well as studies showing the extreme accuracy of the Biblical
texts, and the amount of circumstantial evidence point to the existence of God
rises to the level of a “mountain of evidence.”
We are back to the conclusion Paul makes about the evidence for God in
creation:
“the natural world points to a Supernatural
Being” (Rom. 1:18-20)
So, when a skeptic says that there is no proof for the existence of
God, that person either does not know what proof is, or they have closed their
minds before they opened an investigation.
Philosophically, according
to reason alone, there is good evidence that God exists. Likewise, a mountain of circumstantial evidence from science,
history, archeology, and literary studies (among others) points to the
existence of God. The strongest evidence, however, is
3. PERSONAL EVIDENCE
I said earlier that there was no “direct” evidence in regard to the
creation moment, and Who was or was not there at the time. In other words, the creation event had no
eye-witnesses. This is direct evidence
and the kind of evidence every prosecutor dreams about. There is no direct, personal testimony to the
creation event, but there is direct, personal testimony from those who have met
God personally. This is the strongest
evidence for the existence of God—transformed lives. Many Christians discount the power of a
testimony of salvation. Many feel it is
“too subjective” to carry any wait with unbelievers—even skeptics. I believe it is the strongest evidence. Let me go back to something the Lord, Himself
said:
Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good
works and give glory to your Father in heaven (Mt. 5:16)
The most significant truth in this verse comes as much from what the
Lord did NOT say, as what He did say.
The Lord did not say: “Let your ideas be expressed before men.” He did not say, “Let your scientific results be paraded before
man.” He said, “Let others see
the glaring light of your transformed life expressed in outrageous deeds of
love” (my paraphrase). That’s
where the real power in witnessing lays—the proof of the gospel shining forth
in a transformed life. It seems so
simple. Nobody will ever “argued into
heaven.” People are not saved by “evidence.” They are saved by grace. What we try to do through “evidence” is
simply peel away the scales of sin that has encrusted the eyes of a man (or
woman’s) soul.
Philosophical evidence for the existence of God is convincing. Circumstantial evidence through science,
history, archeology, and literary studies is substantial. The most powerful evidence, however, is
personal—the personal testimony of someone who has for himself or herself
experienced the transforming power of God’s grace.
I think of the blind man Jesus healed on one Sabbath day. Jesus spit in the dirt and made a
mudpack. He placed it on the blind man’s
eyes and instructed the man to go wash in the pool of Siloam. The man did as he was told, and “came
home seeing” (Jn. 9:7). First,
the townspeople interrogated the man as to how it was possible he could now
see. Then, the Pharisees questioned the
man as to everything he knew about Jesus, the one that healed him. The man didn’t know much about Jesus but told
them exactly what took place. The
skeptical Jews questioned the man further.
Still, no satisfactory (acceptable) proof was forthcoming. Then, they interrogated the man’s parents
because they knew, “men blind from birth stay blind.” The parents had not scientific explanation suitable
to the skeptics. So, they interrogated
the man yet again. The skeptics believed
only God, or God’s representative could bring about such a miracle, yet they
refused Jesus was God. He did not fit
the parameters of proof that the Jewish skeptics required. Now, the man is frustrated by all this
investigation and seeking for some suitable explanation for his healing. The man lifts up his voice and declares,
““Whether or not He’s a sinner, I don’t
know. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I can see!”” (Jn. 9:25)
There’s the most powerful proof that anyone can offer for the existence
of God—personal proof! Proof that arises
out of a sin-overcoming, life transforming encounter with God, Himself. This is as close to direct, eye-witness
testimony as one can get!
The evidence for the existence of
God is strong and varied. This does
not mean that we can “prove” God exists in the sense that we can prove sodium
and chloride produces salt. What we can
do is provide they strong and varied proof from philosophical, circumstantial,
and personal evidence that God exists beyond any reasonable doubt. Beyond that a person must exercise faith and
accept God’s grace. God’s NOT dead, but
a person’s soul without God is certainly dead and only “grace, through faith” that brings eternal life. The Bibles says (Eph. 2:8-10):
8 For you are saved by grace
through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not
from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are His
creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of
time so that we should walk in them.
Accept the evidence. Begin the
walk of faith. God’s NOT dead.
<<end>>
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