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Religion

2013-03-25 13:55:40

God's existence

A-Looking for God apart from the Bible is a dubious proposition at best. Evidence, or facts as we like to refer to them, must be interpreted. And how one interprets evidence depends upon our worldview, the philosophical foundation from which we make decisions. “ . . . For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. . . .” (Rom 1:19-20 ESV) Even 2000 years ago, the apostle Paul stated that the evidence could be clearly seen. How so? In our modern world, we have insulated ourselves from as much of the created world as possible. We fail to see the structure and order around us not realizing that the order we impose ourselves is evidence of God’s handiwork. However, today with the advancements in science, we have additional evidence to examine. In fact, the evidence is so numerous it is difficult to know where to begin and end. Some limited examples include: * Mathematics – the simple fact that we can have rational rules and logic, consistent in describing the world around us, is a profound evidence that is often overlooked. Our universe would not exist without the rational, mathematical structure it has, nor would we be able to accurately describe it. * Biology & life – When my first child was born, I was utterly amazed at the wonder that a child could enter the world so small yet so complete. The notion that a child could be produced as a result of random selection became blatantly absurd to me. Other subjects for discussion might include: the wonder of the information stored in DNA, complexity of the eye, instincts of animals, symbiotic relationships, etc. . . . * Ecology and Geology—Looking at the systems in place for watering the earth is amazing. One can actually see the water cycle in action in places like Salt Lake City where water can be seen rising from the lake, entering clouds, snowing on the mountains nearby, only to thaw and run-off in the spring. * Astronomy and Sub-Atomic Physics—I have been in awe of God’s power and design for years in this field. * The nuclear forces in the atom are so precise that if constants differed by a fraction of a percent matter would not exist. * The placement of the earth’s orbit around a particular kind of star in a particular place in the galaxy, with its particular rotation and tilt are all necessary for life to exist on our planet. Further, a moon of sufficient, but not too large size to provide necessary tidal action. * Gas giants placed such as to block many incoming threats from the outer solar system. * Food for Thought. Light exists simultaneously as both electromagnetic wave and particle, yet we cannot observe it as both at the same time. These are just a sampling of the evidences of God’s handiwork, if you are willing to interpret them as such. It is not so much in any one example, but the weight of all the examples that is so compelling. Yet, our struggle is in understanding that how we interpret is a matter of faith, faith in God’s word or faith in the fallen-faulty thinking of man. Man’s theories change. God and His Word does not. We need to remember the words surrounding the quote above: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. . . . For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools,. . .” (Rom 1:18-22 ESV) Ultimately, where we spend eternity will be depend upon who we place our hope in. Trust in Jesus as your lord and Savior, today.