6 reasons to believe

This post was originally posted here. Some responses can be found here for those who are interested. We would want to add our two cents worth of commentary to it.

Reason 1

Does God exist? The complexity of our planet points to a deliberate Designer who not only created our universe, but sustains it today.

To claim design, one must know the end or be in a position to know the end to which something has been done. There is no evidence anywhere the universe was designed not that it is sustained by any power other than those inherent in nature. Where is the evidence that the universe needed a creator.

We are given examples why this is the case and I will only deal with one. They write

The Earth…its size is perfect. The Earth’s size and corresponding gravity holds a thin layer of mostly nitrogen and oxygen gases, only extending about 50 miles above the Earth’s surface. If Earth were smaller, an atmosphere would be impossible, like the planet Mercury. If Earth were larger, its atmosphere would contain free hydrogen, like Jupiter. Earth is the only known planet equipped with an atmosphere of the right mixture of gases to sustain plant, animal and human life.

The earth just is.  We have found ourselves on earth, we can speculate about how it would be if things were different, but that doesn’t change the fact that the earth just is. Thinking of how I would act if I were the world dictator doesn’t make me one. We are capable of speculation and most times we are misled by it as we forget to ground our speculative reason on what we know and can verify.

Reason 2

Does God exist? The universe had a start – what caused it?

This assertion is in need of proof. It would be a leap of several magnitude to come from the universe having a beginning to god did it. To rule out the universe always existing in some form or other is a case of special pleading.

Reason 3

Does God exist? The universe operates by uniform laws of nature. Why does it?

We don’t know. All we can infer is that order seems to be inherent in nature.

Reason 4

Does God exist? The DNA code informs, programs a cell’s behavior

Being part of nature and in nature, we wouldn’t expect it to behave other than it does.

Reason 5

Does God exist? We know God exists because he pursues us. He is constantly initiating and seeking for us to come to him

Last I checked it is proselytes knocking people’s doors selling faith. No one I know of has met this supposed god. All those who claim to hear him say they hear a voice in their heads. I don’t know, but how can we tell they are not hallucinating. Why should we take the claims of one over that of another?

Reason 6

Does God exist? Unlike any other revelation of God, Jesus Christ is the clearest, most specific picture of God revealing himself to us

Bunk! Honestly I didn’t see this coming. I don’t think the Jesus figure as claimed in the bible existed. This is wishful thinking and not a reason to believe.

I find this very disappointing. I was hoping to be convinced there is some reason to hold onto belief in the supernatural, and then this is all! How sad.