I think we can know based on the typical definition of a God that it cannot exist due to contradictions to things we can already know about existence. Even when attempting to define such a Being, we run into contradictions and paradoxes that can't be resolved. That is usually a problem when attempting to define something as "all things", many things cannot be at the same time. You cannot have a square circle, only squares and circles.
When it comes to existence, two things always hold true, complexity "always" comes from simplicity and "all" of existence has "natural limitations", two things that would prevent any Gods from existing. Everything that exists can be traced back to simpler beginnings, but theists want the most complex, nature defying super Being imaginable because they cannot understand how natural formations from simplicity could get us to this complex existence even thought plenty of evidence supports coming from simple beginnings.
This leads to understanding human psychology to explain that thoughts produce our feelings, where theists often mistake their very real feelings from their thoughts of a God to mean that what they are thinking is real. As a result, we also have people who believe in all sorts of far out ideas, such as lucky charms, horoscopes, etc.
We must admit that religions are a jumble of false assertions, with no basis in reality, and the very idea of gods is a product of the human imagination. It is quite understandable why primitive people, who were so much more exposed to the overpowering forces of nature than we are today, should have personified these forces in fear and trembling, will make all the thousand gods...
I usually respond to such questions with: Define God. I don't mean the typical Webster's Dictionary definition, but you can't verify something if you do not have some idea of what you are seeking.
All the evidence for the existence of God is anecdotal. No verifiable, empirical evidence has ever come to light. Therefore, while I can't say that God does not exist, I feel comfortable saying that I don't believe in God.
Same way I know my wife exists. I met both of them many years ago, got to know both of them, made a lifelong commitment to both of them, and now live in daily relationship and communication with both of them. Therefore I would have to be mentally deranged to have the slightest doubt about the existence of either of them.
I know that none of the gods worshipped and described by the major religions with which I am familiar exists. This is because each of them is defined by their religious texts, and those texts contain internal contradictions, factual errors, and logical inconsistencies.
I cannot 'know' that an abstract god that is omnipotent and therefore perfect at hiding doesn't exist. But I also know there is no evidence that one DOES exist, and it makes no logical sense to assume that something exists merely because it cannot be categorically disproven. It would require believing in every possibility...and since many of those are mutually exclusive, that's logically incoherent.
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I know by faith. I have personally experienced healing, both physical and mental, when my difficulties were hopeless to medical knowledge.
I think we can know based on the typical definition of a God that it cannot exist due to contradictions to things we can already know about existence. Even when attempting to define such a Being, we run into contradictions and paradoxes that can't be resolved. That is usually a problem when attempting to define something as "all things", many things cannot be at the same time. You cannot have a square circle, only squares and circles.
When it comes to existence, two things always hold true, complexity "always" comes from simplicity and "all" of existence has "natural limitations", two things that would prevent any Gods from existing. Everything that exists can be traced back to simpler beginnings, but theists want the most complex, nature defying super Being imaginable because they cannot understand how natural formations from simplicity could get us to this complex existence even thought plenty of evidence supports coming from simple beginnings.
This leads to understanding human psychology to explain that thoughts produce our feelings, where theists often mistake their very real feelings from their thoughts of a God to mean that what they are thinking is real. As a result, we also have people who believe in all sorts of far out ideas, such as lucky charms, horoscopes, etc.
We must admit that religions are a jumble of false assertions, with no basis in reality, and the very idea of gods is a product of the human imagination. It is quite understandable why primitive people, who were so much more exposed to the overpowering forces of nature than we are today, should have personified these forces in fear and trembling, will make all the thousand gods...
I usually respond to such questions with: Define God. I don't mean the typical Webster's Dictionary definition, but you can't verify something if you do not have some idea of what you are seeking.
I know he is real because the BIble says the bible is reeal and the bible says god is real. Checkmate atheists
I don't. No one does. Yet, some will believe.
All the evidence for the existence of God is anecdotal. No verifiable, empirical evidence has ever come to light. Therefore, while I can't say that God does not exist, I feel comfortable saying that I don't believe in God.
Same way I know my wife exists. I met both of them many years ago, got to know both of them, made a lifelong commitment to both of them, and now live in daily relationship and communication with both of them. Therefore I would have to be mentally deranged to have the slightest doubt about the existence of either of them.
God certainly DOES exist but all religions are false.
I know that none of the gods worshipped and described by the major religions with which I am familiar exists. This is because each of them is defined by their religious texts, and those texts contain internal contradictions, factual errors, and logical inconsistencies.
I cannot 'know' that an abstract god that is omnipotent and therefore perfect at hiding doesn't exist. But I also know there is no evidence that one DOES exist, and it makes no logical sense to assume that something exists merely because it cannot be categorically disproven. It would require believing in every possibility...and since many of those are mutually exclusive, that's logically incoherent.
God has shown suficient to all.
Those that do not want Him reject and refuse.