Proofs of God

From a Discussion Board Post for my Class, thoughts?

When it comes to any belief system, many skeptics embrace their skepticism because of uncertainty: how can one really know?  For those who hold dearly to their beliefs, this question seems quite absurd and they might counter: who can one not know?  No matter the argument those who believe present to those who do not, there can always be another side of the argument intelligently presented.  This leaves both parties in a conundrum as there are few deities who have rented television space in Times Square announcing how the world began.  Without an advertising campaign, but the skeptic and the believer are required to look elsewhere for confirmation to their belief system.  No matter the belief system, both seem to look at the world we live in as proof for their position.  For the skeptic, the sheer size, fossil progression and “date” of the earth are revelation enough.  For the believer, the sheer size, complexity and unique nature of the earth are revelation enough.  These are not enough though, as the debate still wages on regardless of the proofs presented from general revelation (revelation through nature).  Therefore, special revelation is then required (revelation through supernatural means).  For the skeptic, Richard Dawkins or Charles Darwin might be the source of this revelation while the Muslim might look to the Quran and the Christian looks to the Holy Bible.  Through these “proof texts,” each party utilizes both forms of revelation to prove their stance.

When it comes to proving that Yahweh is the one true God, there is no ad campaign gracing the screens of Times Square explaining His existence or His purpose.  Therefore, the believer must present their case for belief through both general and special revelation (especially where the special connects to the general) while also holding onto faith.  Personally, this is where I stand.  In my daily encounters, I am able to present what I believe through these proofs, but it is ultimately the faith that I hold so dearly to that affirms my theology.  Paul addresses the heart of this issue when he says: “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” (I Corinthians 2:14, English Standard Version)