I have been following these threads with some interest and mild amusement (living vicariously through the mental gyrations of others). Before I posit my theory about this debate, let me make my position on the whole matter clear: I do believe that there is a God.Now, can I prove this objectively through the manipulation of history, text, or personal experience? No, to attempt to do so would be absurd, as many people a lot smarter than I have tried and have failed. Conversely, can any of my atheist brothers prove the absence of God by the same means? Somehow I think not, although I'd be willing to entertain the idea that they might accomplish it.
What can be proved objectively, however, is the manner in which I live my life. If I can "prove" by the testimony of others that I attempt to live with my fellow humans in a spirit of kindness, tolerance, patience, compassion, humility, and understanding, then I am satisfied that a God is working in my life, as these things are completely contrary to my nature (subjectivism, sorry). The Christianity that I understand teaches me to live in peace with everyone, and to let others be where they need to be. It is entirely possible too that atheists or agnostics could (and probably do) practice these principles much better than I, and contend that God has nothing to do with it. I accept this point of view without any reservation whatsoever.
The only difference as I see it is that I am unable, for whatever reason (weakness, superstition, etc.) to display these attributes by methods of self-will or intellectual self-sufficiency. I have tried and been wholly unsuccessful (this too might be proved objectively, but the effort hardly seems worth the trouble). For me, the truth is the truth, always has been and always will be. That's spiritual as well as material truth, and about as good a description of God as I can offer. It doesn't seem like a mistake to me that Jesus (whether he existed or not) espouses the teachings of others, Pharisees and Buddhists alike. No relativist I.
None.
