How do YOU know that God exists?

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Please don’t just say “faith” :o. There is a reason behind everything. Why do you personally believe that God, or a god, exists?

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
 
Well here is an excerpt from the Summa on the issue. Aquinas starts out with the objections, taking the role of someone who is doubting. Then he gives the five reasons for God’s existence.
I answer that, The existence of God can be proved in five ways.
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The first and more manifest way is the argument from motion. It is certain, and evident to our senses, that in the world some things are in motion. Now whatever is in motion is put in motion by another, for nothing can be in motion except it is in potentiality to that towards which it is in motion; whereas a thing moves inasmuch as it is in act. For motion is nothing else than the reduction of something from potentiality to actuality. But nothing can be reduced from potentiality to actuality, except by something in a state of actuality. Thus that which is actually hot, as fire, makes wood, which is potentially hot, to be actually hot, and thereby moves and changes it. Now it is not possible that the same thing should be at once in actuality and potentiality in the same respect, but only in different respects. For what is actually hot cannot simultaneously be potentially hot; but it is simultaneously potentially cold. It is therefore impossible that in the same respect and in the same way a thing should be both mover and moved, i.e. that it should move itself. Therefore, whatever is in motion must be put in motion by another. If that by which it is put in motion be itself put in motion, then this also must needs be put in motion by another, and that by another again. But this cannot go on to infinity, because then there would be no first mover, and, consequently, no other mover; seeing that subsequent movers move only inasmuch as they are put in motion by the first mover; as the staff moves only because it is put in motion by the hand. Therefore it is necessary to arrive at a first mover, put in motion by no other; and this everyone understands to be God.
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The second way is from the nature of the efficient cause. In the world of sense we find there is an order of efficient causes. There is no case known (neither is it, indeed, possible) in which a thing is found to be the efficient cause of itself; for so it would be prior to itself, which is impossible. Now in efficient causes it is not possible to go on to infinity, because in all efficient causes following in order, the first is the cause of the intermediate cause, and the intermediate is the cause of the ultimate cause, whether the intermediate cause be several, or only one. Now to take away the cause is to take away the effect. Therefore, if there be no first cause among efficient causes, there will be no ultimate, nor any intermediate cause. But if in efficient causes it is possible to go on to infinity, there will be no first efficient cause, neither will there be an ultimate effect, nor any intermediate efficient causes; all of which is plainly false. Therefore it is necessary to admit a first efficient cause, to which everyone gives the name of God.
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The third way is taken from possibility and necessity, and runs thus. We find in nature things that are possible to be and not to be, since they are found to be generated, and to corrupt, and consequently, they are possible to be and not to be. But it is impossible for these always to exist, for that which is possible not to be at some time is not. Therefore, if everything is possible not to be, then at one time there could have been nothing in existence. Now if this were true, even now there would be nothing in existence, because that which does not exist only begins to exist by something already existing. Therefore, if at one time nothing was in existence, it would have been impossible for anything to have begun to exist; and thus even now nothing would be in existence — which is absurd. Therefore, not all beings are merely possible, but there must exist something the existence of which is necessary. But every necessary thing either has its necessity caused by another, or not. Now it is impossible to go on to infinity in necessary things which have their necessity caused by another, as has been already proved in regard to efficient causes. Therefore we cannot but postulate the existence of some being having of itself its own necessity, and not receiving it from another, but rather causing in others their necessity. This all men speak of as God.
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The fourth way is taken from the gradation to be found in things. Among beings there are some more and some less good, true, noble and the like. But “more” and “less” are predicated of different things, according as they resemble in their different ways something which is the maximum, as a thing is said to be hotter according as it more nearly resembles that which is hottest; so that there is something which is truest, something best, something noblest and, consequently, something which is uttermost being; for those things that are greatest in truth are greatest in being, as it is written in Metaph. ii. Now the maximum in any genus is the cause of all in that genus; as fire, which is the maximum heat, is the cause of all hot things. Therefore there must also be something which is to all beings the cause of their being, goodness, and every other perfection; and this we call God.
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The fifth way is taken from the governance of the world. We see that things which lack intelligence, such as natural bodies, act for an end, and this is evident from their acting always, or nearly always, in the same way, so as to obtain the best result. Hence it is plain that not fortuitously, but designedly, do they achieve their end. Now whatever lacks intelligence cannot move towards an end, unless it be directed by some being endowed with knowledge and intelligence; as the arrow is shot to its mark by the archer. Therefore some intelligent being exists by whom all natural things are directed to their end; and this being we call God.
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Hope this helps!
 
Bohm_Bawerk said:
Oh, I see…The “Designer Argument”.

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
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Hope ypou didn’t mean to be sarcastic, Eugen. I think the poster believed you asked an honest question and gave you and honest answer.
 
I can tell from your other post that you’re having some doubts and want reassurance.
You posed a very complex question and I don’t think I can do it justice with a simple response.

I side with protestant theologian Paul Tillich on ONE point; that it seems to do God an injustice to even speak of Him in terms of “existence” (after all, God is eternal and incorporeal). We owe all existence TO God. God IS. And more importantly, He loves you regardless of what you might think. This lenten season might be a good time for you to reflect on God’s love.

The standard arguments (Thomas Aquinas five ways, etc.) for the existence of God coupled with the tremendous consistency of Sacred Scripture and (Vatican approved) private revelation make a very strong case for God’s existence but more importantly we get to know God by loving Him and obeying Him, that really is the best way to grow in faith.
 
JoanREDirector said:
Hope ypou didn’t mean to be sarcastic, Eugen. I think the poster believed you asked an honest question and gave you and honest answer.
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The Designer Argument is another word for the Teleological Argument…that life seems so complex and ordered that it would be impossible for it to have happened spontaneously. I will *never *insult someone who posts on my thread respectfully!

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
 
Bohm_Bawerk said:
Please don’t just say “faith” :o. There is a reason behind everything. Why do you personally believe that God, or a god, exists?

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
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When I read you rtitle, faith did not enter into my mind. The first thing that I thought was, because I feel Him in my heart. But that being a bit subjective (like faith) I will answer thus.
I know God exists in the same way that I know Love exists.

Peace
James
 
JRKH said:
When I read you rtitle, faith did not enter into my mind. The first thing that I thought was, because I feel Him in my heart. But that being a bit subjective (like faith) I will answer thus.
I know God exists in the same way that I know Love exists.

Peace
James
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Yes, that’s satisfactory…hehe 😉

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
 
This is how I know that God exists.

I was about 10 and it was a Sunday morning and we were getting ready for mass. My 19 year old brother had a single statue of Jesus on his dresser surrounded by beer bottles, beer mugs, etc. On this one Sunday morning, the light shined through a crack in his curtains right on the statue of Jesus and nothing else. This was Easter Sunday morning.

For a long time, I kept my radio on scan. It would just go from one station to another and I would stop it when I heard a song I liked. Well one day while I was driving and after I had just resisted a particular temptation to sin, I said out loud, “God I hope you are happy” Right then, on the radio (keep in mind, it was on scan) the line from the Chicago song (Make me Smile), “I’m so happy, when you’re near me”

It had been years since I had been to the sacrament of reconcilliation. I was very nervous and worried and anxious about it. I was dreading going to reconcilliation. Right as the person before me was leaving, the choir started singing “Be not afraid”

I chose not to take these a mere coincidences. I am willing to bet, if you open your mind and look for them similar things will appear in your life.
 
cajun2core said:
This is how I know that God exists.

I was about 10 and it was a Sunday morning and we were getting ready for mass. My 19 year old brother had a single statue of Jesus on his dresser surrounded by beer bottles, beer mugs, etc. On this one Sunday morning, the light shined through a crack in his curtains right on the statue of Jesus and nothing else. This was Easter Sunday morning.

For a long time, I kept my radio on scan. It would just go from one station to another and I would stop it when I heard a song I liked. Well one day while I was driving and after I had just resisted a particular temptation to sin, I said out loud, “God I hope you are happy” Right then, on the radio (keep in mind, it was on scan) the line from the Chicago song (Make me Smile), “I’m so happy, when you’re near me”

It had been years since I had been to the sacrament of reconcilliation. I was very nervous and worried and anxious about it. I was dreading going to reconcilliation. Right as the person before me was leaving, the choir started singing “Be not afraid”

I chose not to take these a mere coincidences. I am willing to bet, if you open your mind and look for them similar things will appear in your life.
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Nice 👍

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
 
I know God exists because:
  1. I see God’s “thumbprint” in creation, in things like the very large (the inconceivable vastness of space) and the very small (the microscopic world) and the incredible variety of living things and non-living things here on earth. And not just that all of those things exist, but that they are beautiful. I see God in all that expansiveness and minisculeness and in that endless variety and in that beauty.
  2. I see God in real love that people have for one another.
  3. There were many, many, many martyrs for the faith in the years of early Christianity. What were the apostles giving their lives for if Jesus was not divine? Why did St. Paul spend his life on grueling missionary journies if not for the divine? Why did those many martyrs willingly give their lives if not for the divine? I believe there was a historical Jesus and that He was the Son of God and therefore I believe God exists.
  4. I have had personal spiritual experiences.
 
cajun2core said:
This is how I know that God exists.

I was about 10 and it was a Sunday morning and we were getting ready for mass. My 19 year old brother had a single statue of Jesus on his dresser surrounded by beer bottles, beer mugs, etc. On this one Sunday morning, the light shined through a crack in his curtains right on the statue of Jesus and nothing else. This was Easter Sunday morning.

For a long time, I kept my radio on scan. It would just go from one station to another and I would stop it when I heard a song I liked. Well one day while I was driving and after I had just resisted a particular temptation to sin, I said out loud, “God I hope you are happy” Right then, on the radio (keep in mind, it was on scan) the line from the Chicago song (Make me Smile), “I’m so happy, when you’re near me”

It had been years since I had been to the sacrament of reconcilliation. I was very nervous and worried and anxious about it. I was dreading going to reconcilliation. Right as the person before me was leaving, the choir started singing “Be not afraid”

I chose not to take these a mere coincidences. I am willing to bet, if you open your mind and look for them similar things will appear in your life.
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two word describes this…very cool:thumbsup:
 
I know that God exists for many reasons, but one of my favorite reasons is called the argument from desire. The philosopher Dr. Peter Kreeft lays it out like this:

1.Every natural, innate desire in us corresponds to some real object that can satisfy that desire.
2.But there exists in us a desire which nothing in time, nothing on earth, no creature can satisfy.
3.Therefore there must exist something more than time, earth and creatures, which can satisfy this desire.
4.This something is what people call “God” and “life with God forever.”

Or as C. S. Lewis puts it in Mere Christianity:

‘‘Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for these desires exists. A baby feels hunger; well, there is such a thing as food. A dolphin wants to swim; well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire; well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.’’ (Mere Christianity, Bk. III, chap. 10, “Hope”)
 
hilaretenebris said:
I know that God exists for many reasons, but one of my favorite reasons is called the argument from desire. The philosopher Dr. Peter Kreeft lays it out like this:

1.Every natural, innate desire in us corresponds to some real object that can satisfy that desire.
2.But there exists in us a desire which nothing in time, nothing on earth, no creature can satisfy.
3.Therefore there must exist something more than time, earth and creatures, which can satisfy this desire.
4.This something is what people call “God” and “life with God forever.”

Or as C. S. Lewis puts it in Mere Christianity:

‘‘Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for these desires exists. A baby feels hunger; well, there is such a thing as food. A dolphin wants to swim; well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire; well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.’’ (Mere Christianity, Bk. III, chap. 10, “Hope”)
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Never heard of “Argument from Desire”, so it’s interesting that you brought it up. Thank you.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
 
Well, several reasons, although i can say to myself i “know” God exists, but properly speaking, we believe.

many reasons i believe are personal reasons, such as things i’ve seen or things i’ve learned or realized that i really couldn’t tell to someone else as a “proof” of what i believe, they are just personal reasons,

but as for what reasons i have on an intellectual level, if you want to know why i believe based on reason, then read this - gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=21223005
i wanted to just post it here, but since it was to big i posted it for you there on my own forum.
although it’s not a long read or anything, just far exceeds the 6000 character limit on this forum.

it’s written of course by Saint Thomas Aquinas, and although i believed firmly in God before reading Saint Thomas’ works, since then i believe even more firmly and without even the temptation to question,
so let me know what you think.

but as for my personal reasons, it’s things such as the incorruptibles, hundreds of approved visions, thousands of Eucharistic miracles, millions of cures of body and spirit(if not billions), millions of miracles preformed by the saints throughout history and all of the witnesses to them, etc.
and then personally i have seen, heard, and felt things that were supernatural…although very rarely, but just things i could not explain otherwise.
and then there are many many other reasons on both a personal and intellectual level, but i think what i have written is good enough.

alright, so that’s all, take care.
 
The Cosmological/Teleological/Necessitated/Contingent argument is the best, simply because it is clear. We know that things happen because other things cause them to happen. This causality cannot extend into infinity, because there must have been a first cause which is not dependent on any other thing. It must be necessary, and it must have zero contingency (i.e. it must exist because it exists, and it must rely on nothing else for its existence).

Since causality is a natural law and not a moral law (that is: it exists regardless of sentient beings willing it to exist), we know it’s simply a “dumb process” that happens. Whatever began the causal process must, itself, not be subject to the causal process, right? Since all things have one thing from which they spring (no matter how many links there are in the chain between them), that one thing must have willed causality to exist (since amoral natural processes cannot just spring into existence out of nowhere, being essentially ‘dumb’). As it is impossible to have “two first things”, this one thing must be totally infinite and unchanging, and so it is God.

That is very basic and non-Christian, but it began me on the road. Your question of the O.P. is answered! 🙂
 
Bohm_Bawerk said:
Please don’t just say “faith” :o. There is a reason behind everything. Why do you personally believe that God, or a god, exists?

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
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Eugen, do you just go around planting these questions here and there like land mines?..anyway - be that as it may.

You must realize that to an overwhelming amount of people, proof of God’s existence is a non-issue.

Despite the troubles and pitfalls in my life, I have never been tempted to believe that God doesn’t exist. It’s rediculous.

If you were once a catholic and now you’re an atheist then you wouldn’t understand that I see God’s existence in everything I see and in everyone I meet. Even in you.

You can’t prove that God doesn’t exist and no one that believes in God would give you a second to try.
Yet I could sing the praises of God’s existence in the things He’s created but it would be inconsequential to you.

How sad.
 
I first believed God existed because I was told He did. I really never questioned this and when I was 17 or so, I commited my life to God completely after having what some might call an “emotional experience” where God actually became “real” to me. I know that doesn’t give me much “proof” to “know that God exists”. The “proof” I held on to when I went through college getting a degree in environmental science with athiests all around is the prayers God answered. Multiple times I prayed for confirmation and then people I never met came up to me minutes later and said,“God has called you to …” What they said was EXACTLY what God had already put on my heart. After asking and getting confirmation twice already, I asked God one more time and a man came up minutes later and said,“God has called you to … and He wants you to stop doubting Him. He will do it.” Once I felt God leading me to give the last $3 I had to a ministry so I did. A few days later I needed money to do my laundry so I prayed. A phone next to a pay phone then rang. I picked the phone up and directed the call. The thought to put my finger into the payphone change spot then crossed my mind so I did. In there was just enough money to get all of my laundry done and buy a soda. With all of these and more answered prayers, this Thomas by nature cannot but believe in God.
 
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