Does one need evidence?

There are lots of things a lot of people are willing to believe. Those things could change by the years. As such there was a time that the majority of people, even some people who said they were infallible and presenter of God (the Popes in the Catholic Churches), said the earth was flat and the main element around which everything turned around.

The Catholic Church is one of the greatest religious groups that fooled its members for years, telling them a lot of untruths and even killing others who did not want to agree with their teachings or did not want to be baptised in their church. With the sword and much bloodshed, they managed to increase their membership. Instead of gaining people by reason and honest words they choose another way.

Of the practice of “faith” the noted British philosopher and humanist Bertrand Russell said:

“Where there is evidence, no one speaks of ‘faith’. We do not speak of faith that two and two are four or that the earth is round. We only speak of faith when we wish to substitute emotion for evidence.” {Russell, Bertrand. “Will Religious Faith Cure Our Troubles?”. Human Society in Ethics and Politics. Ch 7. Pt 2. Retrieved 16 August 2009.}

Many centuries earlier, a devout Jew wrote several letters about faith and its fruits. For him it was clear that there is the fundamental fact of existence, using our brain in the right sense, allowing it to be guided by the One Who created us.  To be able to believe in the Truth man has to open his mind and trust in God, and with this faith, there could come the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. To the Hebrews the apostle Paul wrote:

“واما الايمان فهو الثقة بما يرجى والايقان بامور لا ترى.” (عب 11:1 Arabic)

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1 KJBPNV)

The majority of the world looks at the things which they clearly can see. But man should know that there’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the world has to come to know that the things we can’t see now will last forever.

“ونحن غير ناظرين الى الاشياء التي ترى بل الى التي لا ترى.لان التي ترى وقتية واما التي لا ترى فابدية” (2كو 4:18 Arabic)

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2Co 4:18 KJBPNV)

People often also believe a lot of things they just got from hearing. Question is there if they wondered and examined if everything that they hear is really true or did really happen? Though, to get faith one needs to hear and one needs to listen by hearing and reading as well as having a willingness to see.

Often it might take some long time before people come to see. Even the apostle Paul got the victim of his stubbornness, not wanting to see Jesus is the way to God. Also for him it had become clear that by taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. He knew he had done wrong by attacking the followers of that Nazarene teacher. But he knew he also had a good excuse. To the Romans he wrote:

“لان اموره غير المنظورة ترى منذ خلق العالم مدركة بالمصنوعات قدرته السرمدية ولاهوته حتى انهم بلا عذر.” (رو 1:20 Arabic)

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” (Ro 1:20 KJBPNV)

“اذا الايمان بالخبر والخبر بكلمة الله.” (رو 10:17 Arabic)

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Ro 10:17 KJBPNV)

We all should open our ears, not for the human philosophy and many human writings which are not in line with the Bible, but listen to the Words how they are delivered to mankind by Allah. In the Book of books, the Bible, are many examples of people who had blind faith and trusted fully in their Lord. They did not need several gods, like many around them did; They were happy with their One God Who was, is and always shall be.  They also could trust that He would always be the same and would be a God of clarity and not of confusion.

“انا هو الالف والياء البداية والنهاية يقول الرب الكائن والذي كان والذي يأتي القادر على كل شيء” (رؤ 1:8 Arabic)

“ثم قال لي قد تم.انا هو الالف والياء البداية والنهاية.انا اعطي العطشان من ينبوع ماء الحياة مجانا.” (رؤ 21:6 Arabic)

“انا الالف والياء.البداية والنهاية.الاول والآخر.” (رؤ 22:13 Arabic)

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Re 1:8 KJBPNV)

“And he said to me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to him that is thirsty of the fountain of the water of life freely.” (Re 21:6 KJBPNV)

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Re 22:13 KJBPNV)

This is the assurance given to man, that whenever people would want to get closer to God He will be there to listen to them and to give to them (as long as it is in line with His wishes).

“اسألوا تعطوا.اطلبوا تجدوا.اقرعوا يفتح لكم.” (مت 7:7 Arabic)

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” (Mt 7:7 KJBPNV)

“ولكن ليطلب بايمان غير مرتاب البتة لان المرتاب يشبه موجا من البحر تخبطه الريح وتدفعه.” (يع 1:6 Arabic)

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” (Jas 1:6 KJBPNV)

In the past, lots of wise men and women were not afraid to trust Al-Waahid, believing He was the only One Who could bring a solution for them. Even when everything seemed alright but Allah had given His Voice to someone, that person sometimes felt alone and not heard. In this way there was Noah who built a ship in the middle of dry land, having lots of people laughing with him. By faith, He was warned about something he couldn’t see, and could not imagine. Believing that Voice in his head, he acted on what he was told. This way his family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.

“بالايمان نوح لما أوحي اليه عن امور لم ترى بعد خاف فبنى فلكا لخلاص بيته فبه دان العالم وصار وارثا للبر الذي حسب الايمان.” (عب 11:7 Arabic)

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” (Heb 11:7 KJBPNV)

Also by faith, Moses looked at what His God wanted from him and turned his heel on Egypt, indifferent to the king’s blind rage. He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going.

“بالايمان ترك مصر غير خائف من غضب الملك لانه تشدد كانه يرى من لا يرى.” (عب 11:27 Arabic)

“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” (Heb 11:27 KJBPNV)

To us, today, the same choice has to be taken, either going for the Unseen God, believing and trusting Him, or going like so many do, following human teachings and worshipping false gods.

We should know that we are to make our own choice. We can be part of those who shrink back to destruction, or of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

You do not have to believe just everything that is said or written. You are expected to examine everything. Scripture tells us not to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

“ايها الاحباء لا تصدقوا كل روح بل امتحنوا الارواح هل هي من الله لان انبياء كذبة كثيرين قد خرجوا الى العالم.” (1يو 4:1 Arabic)

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1Jo 4:1 KJBPNV)

There is an abundance of religious groups and churches, but not all of them are pleasing in the eyes of God. We should know that Allah wants us to make the right choice and to worship Him alone as the Only True God above all gods.

ترجمة العالم الجديد للكتاب المقدس

فَأَجَابَ يَسُوعُ وَقَالَ لَهُ:‏ «مَكْتُوبٌ:‏ ‹يَهْوَهَ إِلٰهَكَ  تَعْبُدُ،‏ وَلَهُ وَحْدَهُ تُؤَدِّي خِدْمَةً مُقَدَّسَةً›».‏

“فاجابه يسوع وقال اذهب يا شيطان انه مكتوب للرب الهك تسجد واياه وحده تعبد.” (لو 4:8 Arabic)

8 Jesus answered and said to him: ‏ it is written: ‏ ‘Jehovah your God plus godly devotion, and to him alone must render sacred service’. ‏

“8 In reply Jesus said to him: “It is written, ‘It is Jehovah* your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’”+ (NWT)

Often in times of calamity, people suddenly call unto God.

Every human being will call out to Allah during times of calamity, as it is an innate instinct to turn to the Creator in times of distress. Allah said:

قُلْ مَن يُنَجِّيكُم مِّن ظُلُمَاتِ الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ تَدْعُونَهُ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً لَّئِنْ أَنجَانَا مِنْ هَٰذِهِ لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الشَّاكِرِينَ قُلِ اللَّهُ يُنَجِّيكُم مِّنْهَا وَمِن كُلِّ كَرْبٍ ثُمَّ أَنتُمْ تُشْرِكُونَ

Say: Who rescues you from the darkness of the land and sea when you call upon Him imploring aloud and privately: If He should save us from this crisis, we will surely be among the thankful. Say: It is Allah who saves you from it and from every distress, yet you still associate others with Him.

Surah Al-An’am 6:63-64

And Allah said:

وَإِذَا مَسَّكُمُ الضُّرُّ فِي الْبَحْرِ ضَلَّ مَن تَدْعُونَ إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ۖ فَلَمَّا نَجَّاكُمْ إِلَى الْبَرِّ أَعْرَضْتُمْ ۚ وَكَانَ الْإِنسَانُ كَفُورًا

When adversity touches you at sea, lost are all those you invoke except for Him. But when He delivers you to the land, you turn away from Him. Ever is man ungrateful.

Surah Al-Isra 17:67

And Allah said:

فَإِذَا رَكِبُوا فِي الْفُلْكِ دَعَوُا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ فَلَمَّا نَجَّاهُمْ إِلَى الْبَرِّ إِذَا هُمْ يُشْرِكُونَ

When they board a ship, they supplicate Allah, being sincere to Him in religion. But when He delivers them to the land, at once they associate others with Him.

Surah Al-Ankabut 29:65

But the ones who really love God, do not need other gods. They also do not require time after time some proof that He exists or that He is with them. For all people, life is a test involving various influences such as the temptations of those who are against God. It is the ‘Satans‘ and selfish desires which try to lure us away from God. Although human nature inclines toward faith, a person must ultimately choose to pursue faith in the Creator over the influences of unbelief.

Iyad ibn Himar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

وَإِنِّي خَلَقْتُ عِبَادِي حُنَفَاءَ كُلَّهُمْ وَإِنَّهُمْ أَتَتْهُمْ الشَّيَاطِينُ فَاجْتَالَتْهُمْ عَنْ دِينِهِمْ وَحَرَّمَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ مَا أَحْلَلْتُ لَهُمْ وَأَمَرَتْهُمْ أَنْ لَا يُشْرِكُوا بِي مَا لَمْ أُنْزِلْ بِهِ سُلْطَانًا

Allah said: I have created all of My servants naturally inclined to worship one God but it is the devils who turn them away from their religion. They make unlawful for them what has been made lawful for them, and they command them to associate partners with Me, although no authority has been revealed for them.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2865, Grade: Sahih

Each of us has to handle all those temptations and have to think about the words which encircle us.

In conclusion, when demonstrating the existence of the Creator, believers in the One True God, do not need to refer to the arguments of various philosophers, some of which are strong but many of which are flawed. Rather, we should refer to the arguments for the existence of the Creator as found in the Holy Scriptures.

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Dutch version / Nederlandstalige versie: Heeft men bewijs nodig?

Preceding

Looking for answers on the question Is there a God #1 Many gods

Looking for answers on the question Is there a God #3 Transcendence or Surpassing other gods and man

Looking for answers on the question Is there a God #4

Do you want to be considered near to God?

In which God will one believe?

Faith in one or more gods

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Additional reading

1. The Question is this…
2. Reading to grow and to become wise concerning the most important thing in life 4 Words giving us wisdom and encouragement
3. About the Cosmological argument for proving that there is a Creative Deity
4. Consciously or unconsciously forming a world-view and choosing to believe or not to believe in God
5. Scattered, broken, thwarted reflection of God
6. Existence and difficult recognition of the Supreme Deity Being
7. Nature of the Bore according the first books
8. Approachers of ideas around gods, philosophers and theologians
9. May reading the Bible provoke us into action to set our feet on the narrow way
10. To come close to God we have to want to “see” Him
11. Almighty God above all other gods greater than all gods
12. The Almighty Lord God of gods King above all gods
13. A Sound Mind: Theory and practice
14. Nazarene Commentary Matthew 3:13-17 – Jesus Declared God’s Son at His Baptism
15. The habitual misreading of John 1 and the ‘Word being God’ #2
16. God was manifest in the flesh
17. When you believe Jesus is God, do you think he died?
18. Believing in the send one and understanding that one does not live by bread alone
19. Religion and the essence of devotion
20. Today’s thought “… and learn from me” (July 10)
21. Worship
22. Worshipping God
23. Worship and fellowship
24. The Bible: God’s Word or pious myth?
25. Unsure about relevance Bible
26. Appointed to be read
27. Scripture alone Sola Scriptora
28. The Bible is a today book
29. Why believing the Bible
30. Of the many books Only the Bible can transform
31. Chief means by which men are built up
32. Bible for you and for life
33. Bible a guide – Bijbel als gids
34. Bible like puddle of water
35. Old and New Testament not discordant
36. Determined To Stick With Truth.
37. A Bible Falling Apart Belongs to Someone who isn’t
38. Bringing Good News into the world

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Related

1. The Question is this… Do you know God?
2. Faith or No Faith ?
3. Tri-Unity
4. Innocent
5. Unchurched
6. Being Christian Takes Practice
7. Is It Well With Your Soul?
8. Above the voice of men
9. The God that Heals
10. Jesus is Misunderstood- Worship Resources based on Mark 3.20-35
11. Not all worship is accepted by God and a divided church was never His Will.
12. Raat ki Namaz padhna