The Theory of God

We can prove something exists by evidence of its existence. Similarly, we can’t prove something doesn’t exist through a lack of evidence. So, what evidence exists supporting the existence of God? That depends upon what you believe qualifies as evidence I imagine.

Oddly, for a believer, belief itself appears to qualify as evidence. This kind of ‘evidence’ is remarkably foolproof. For example, a believer in God will point to the world around him and say how else could all this be? A believer will see this in itself as evidence. And if that weren’t enough, there is the “Word of God” in the Bible. A believer knows the Bible is the word of God because the Bible says so. It is a failsafe loop. Round and round… it is enough to make me dizzy.

Belief, like eating popcorn, is very compelling. When eating something tastes good, you can’t help but continue eating it. Belief works similarly. If believing in something makes you feel good, you will likely believe it even more. Beliefs, like our soul food preferences, are established in childhood and then reinforced over the years.

Nevertheless, some people drop some of their core beliefs as they age. Why? These simply cease to taste good enough to continue eating. At this point, they are open to a more satisfying belief. This is certainly my story. Around the age of seven, I recall believing in the common, up in Heaven watching over me, kind of God. Soon that belief failed to satisfy my hunger for meaning, which left me open to search for a theory that might quench my spiritual thirst. I eventually found that in the Taoist theory. However, like the theory of God, the Taoist theory has no proof either. Clearly, proof lies in the eye of the beholder. So what is the difference? The recognition of that simple fact is the difference… profoundly so! Believers in God believe their belief is objectively true and not merely true in the eye of the beholder. “Believers” in the way (道 tao, dao) can’t possibly do that because as chapter 1 says…

The way that can be spoken of, Is not the constant way;
The name that can be named, Is not the constant name.

Although, as chapter 21 observes…

As a thing the way is, Shadowy, indistinct.
Indistinct and shadowy, Yet within it is an image;
Shadowy and indistinct, Yet within it is an essence.
This essence is quite genuine,
And within it is something that can be tested.

So, who knows?