By what evidence can God‘s existence be proven?

History knows of no more important question than this. Nor is there one of more far reaching consequences. This is the question of all ages-from the beginning of man‘s existence to this very day. As time goes by, it will remain the question raised by the human heart in its craving for knowledge, hoping to find in its answer light, illumination, happiness and fullness of joy, in a world filled with trouble and sorrow. It is probably the most important question of all to be answered, even before faith itself can be discussed.

The answers people of differing opinions and beliefs might give can be summarised under three headings!

1. The answer of the atheists.

These people say: „God does not exist“. The Bible describes them as ignorant and foolish, when it says: „The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’“ (Psalm 14:1). They are called foolish because they support their denials and unbelief by negatives, without producing any logical proofs. It is rare to find an atheist who tries to justify his lack of faith in God positively or logically.

2. The answer of the agnostics.

The agnostics stand in the middle - between atheism and faith, without conviction of the one or the other. Their misfortune is that the fog of doubt veils their hearts. Their sentiments are fraught with fear and confusion. Their lack of the stimulus of faith brings them nearer to the position of the atheist than to that of the believer.

Some believe that religion, in all its aspects, is an unsolvable riddle, an undiscoverable mystery; and the most that can be gained from a discussion of religion is doubt or uncertainty. Undoubtedly, agnosticism is sterile in its thinking and degrades man to a regrettable state of ignorance. It kills in him many positive attributes and qualities due to his position of uncertainty and hesitation, and brings him into a state of withdrawal in facing matters that he can not do anything about but trust in God and have faith in Him.

3. The answer of believers.

These confess their faith in the existence of God, and do not submit their faith to analysis by materialism, logic or the five senses. That is because God, in whom they believe, is Spirit, and cannot be comprehended by mind or senses. If He could be understood by the five senses, man would become greater than his God. Also, if the senses could comprehend Him, the word „faith“ would not be included in the dictionary; for faith, as Paul described it, is „confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see“ (Hebrews 11:1).

Evidences of the Existence of God

Before presenting the evidences, the first truth to be understood is that we must not expect material proofs regarding the existence of God. God is invisible and all heavenly religions teach this. We have no right to ask the believer to show God to us, so that we might believe in His existence. All we need to know is that faith in God is better than the lack of faith in Him. Long ago a wise Arab poet wrote:

Once, a teacher and a doctor both said to me:

“There‘s no God”

This is what I answered them:

“If what you said was true, then I have nothing to lose, but if I am right then the curse is on you“.

Some of the evidences of the existence of God, gathered from various sources, are:

1. The existence of the universe.

It goes without saying that every „effect“ has a „cause“ sufficient to bring about that effect. The universe is neither eternal nor did it create itself. Therefore, it is an effect, or a result; that is it has a cause outside itself able to bring it about. This naturally necessitates the recognition of a cause having actual and continual existence, because nothing can only bring forth nothing. The indications of the temporal nature of the universe are many, of which we mention two:

a) The world in its present form is changing continually and everything changeable is comparatively recent, that is, it has a beginning.

b) The continuous geological upheavals which have caused great and many changes in the world show that it is temporal, not eternal.

The saying that „the world is self-existent“ is contrary to the judgement of the sound mind. The world is made up of countless elements and everything made, is an effect. The testimony of modern discoveries shows that the world is the workmanship of one hand. All created things in it are constructed and ordered by the power of one mind. It is absolutely certain that there is a great Creator, the Principal Cause of all things.

There are also the statements of geologists which prove that the earth on which we live is comparatively modern:

a) All species of animals and plants known today are recent in comparison to the period of the world‘s total existence.

b) Materials empty of life can neither produce life by themselves, nor in others. Only „life“ can produce „life“. In other words, there is nothing alive in itself.

c) There is no proof, after careful examination, that any living creature was transmuted or transformed into another kind. So, in accordance with this principle, every creature or plant has a beginning and everything having begun is a created thing, and that again demands a creator.

2. Signs of plan and purpose in the universe.

This proof is one of the most reliable of all proofs of the existence of God. Order, of necessity, demands a promoter of order, and the universe reveals perfection in the order, arrangement and purpose of everything. This points to the existence of an intelligent being who has established its order. This Being is God. Indeed, the signs of purpose in the universe prove the existence of a wise planner, able to design everything. So we must accept the existence of a wise and intelligent creator.

The signs that there is a purpose behind the existence of our world are shown in many ways, such as the precise arrangement of the variety of creatures, each one in harmony with the laws of the nature belonging to it. In addition to that, the progressive development of each creature in a specific system that makes it fulfil the purpose for which it was created; all leading to achieve the moral goals which were in the mind of the Creator, who is glorified by His Handmade. Another plan of His is to teach His intelligent, articulate creatures the moral and spiritual principles. Without this wise planning of the Creator, there would have been general confusion in the whole creation.

3. Evidences of plan and purpose in the formation of the human body.

Nothing of man’s making compares to the parts of the human’s body in perfection, preciseness and ingenuity. The eye, for example, is the most perfect of all instruments of sight in its adjustment to the rules of light. It has a nerve which extends to the brain and is sensitive to light and colour. Light enters the eye through the pupil and this pupil narrows when light is bright, and widens when it is weak. This process is necessary for the adjustment of sight. The pupil works mechanically and is not subject to the will.

However, the mere entrance of light through a hole is not enough to give a clear picture of visible things. It must pass through a convex glass to break up its rays and be collected in the centre. These two conditions are fulfilled in the eye. If the inside of the eye was white it would reflect the rays of light and derange the sight; so, the eye is lined with a black lining.

Moreover, there are special muscles in the eye to control sight for focusing on that which is near or far. This functions with astonishing speed. All this shows the surpassing wisdom of God in preparing the means by which the desired purpose can be obtained, in manner beyond and surpassing anything man can make.

The ear is also a wonderful mechanism of perfection, containing the auditory nerve. It has a wavelike organ which carries the sound waves to a delicate membrane, called the drum. This membrane vibrates with the sound waves. Inside this membrane, there are tiny delicate bones which carry the vibrations to the auditory nerve, which in turn carries them to the centre of hearing in the brain. We all know that most social intercourse depends on this wonderful instrument on which hearing relies and through which speech can be learned.

If we take the parts of the body, one by one, we find that their construction is wonderful, marvellous in perfection, and exactly suited for the functions, revealing the wisdom, power and ability of the Creator.

4. The purpose and plan for the maintenance of life at birth.

The life of man depends on the oxygen he breathes. So the child is born with an organ for breathing, though he does not need it before birth. This is also the organ which serves for purifying the blood before it is distributed to the other organs of the body. In the womb, the fetus does not need food, but the child requires it soon after birth. Therefore, before a child is born, the Creator provides a perfect digestive system. Also, before birth, the child has no need for limbs to move and work, but while the fetus is in the womb the Creator forms the hands and feet for such functions in life. These are constructed with joints and bones for movement in accordance with its needs in the future. All of this tells of a great Creator.

5. Proportion and harmony of parts of the body.

In all animals, the body is in proportion and suited to the peculiar conditions of each species. Hearing, sight, respiration are supplied according to their needs and functions. These vary to meet the particular needs of each type of animal. Wildlife is equipped for its special environment, similarly sea and bird life. From the special characteristics of a single bone, a trained scientist can tell the sex and type of animal to which it belongs. Birds which stand in water to feed on fish are provided with long necks and legs so as to be able to reach their prey below the water‘s surface. On the other hand, birds which live on the surface of the water and swim, are equipped with webbed feet; those which fly, are equipped with wide wings and hollow bones, in proportion to their size, so as to be light in weight. Those which live in trees have claws and sharp beaks and long tongues, so as to be able to get their food from inside tree trunks. There are many such examples of a wise Creator‘s equipping for special needs. Other examples are insects that have the ability to take the form of bird droppings or butterflies that can resemble the shape of a leaf, using this camouflage to defend themselves. All these peculiarities in animals are a provision for their needs, assuring us of the wisdom of God the Creator.

6. Previous provision and preparation.

This is probably one of the strongest proofs in the world of the planning of the Creator. Take for instance the preparation of food for the new-born baby, mother‘s milk. When the baby enters the world this most suitable food is already available for its nourishment. In the case of egg-laying animals, the embryo is surrounded by the yolk and the white of the egg on which it feeds and so grows until at a certain stage it breaks through the shell, equipped to obtain its own food. This provision is from God.

7. The suitability of the elements to the Needs of living creatures.

In the inanimate world we see indications of the Creator’s purpose and planning to protect the life of plants and animals. These two kingdoms cannot live without light, air and heat. Who then has created these elements for them? Who diffused them throughout the world? Who brought into being the Sun, the source of light and heat? Who provided the air with its constituents in the right proportions to suite the living creatures and surrounded our earth with it? Who causes water to be changed into vapour, which gathers in the clouds and is carried by the wind and descends again as rain on the earth‘s surface? Who, other than the Wise and Almighty God?

8. The order of the universe.

Crosley Morrison, a contemporary scientist and the head of the Academy of Science in New York, mentions a number of scientific proofs supporting faith in the existence of God. Some of them are listed below:

a) The earth revolves on its axis at the speed of 1,000 miles an hour. If it revolved at a speed of 100 miles per hour, night and day would be ten times as long as they are at present. As a result, heat would burn up plant life by day and ice would kill living creatures by night.

b) The sun, the source of the heat we need for living, has a surface temperature of 12,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The earth is placed in the right position in relation to this heat. If the sun‘s heat lessened to half we would freeze, yet if it doubled we would be burnt.

c) The slant in the terrestrial globe of 23 degrees has given us the seasons, and if it were not at this angle, the evaporation of the oceans would have moved north and south and huge quantities of ice would have swept over us.

d) If the moon had been only fifty thousand miles away, the world would have been exposed to drowning twice a day and mountains would have fallen into pieces.

e) If the earth‘s crust was thicker by ten feet, oxygen would have been non-existent and life would have disappeared.

f) If the oceans were a few feet deeper, oxygen and carbon dioxide would be absorbed by them and consequently there would be no plants on earth.

g) If the atmosphere surrounding the earth was thinner, the earth would be burnt by the meteors striking its surface daily.

Morrison ends his remarks saying: „These truths, and many others like them, show that this planet on which we live did not come into being merely by chance, but is the work of a Wise, Omnipotent God“.

9. The mystery of life.

The tools by which life meets its needs is a clear proof of the comprehensive wisdom of its Maker. No one can analyse life, as it has no weight or measurement, yet possesses a God-given power to crush the rock, to harness water and air, to rule over the elements and analyse them or constrain them.

Life is the surpassing sculptor that moulds living beings; the creative artist who sketches every leaf of every tree and colours each flower. It is the musician, the connoisseur who teaches the bird its sweet song, and instructs the insects how to communicate with each other in beautiful rhythm. It is the expert chemist who gives the spices and fruit their special taste, who gives scent to the rose, and changes carbonic acid into sugar.

One fact mentioned by scientists is that a drop of protoplasm, the transparent and viscous living matter from which every living being is formed, is not visible to the naked eye. It takes its energy from the sun, and contains the germ of life and has the power to distribute life to the living being, be it great or small. Having this power, it is greater than animals or plants and even human beings, for all life proceeds from it. Nature is unable to produce life, as some claim. Likewise, volcanic rocks and sweet water cannot be produced by nature. Who then is the cause for that? The Great Creator by whose wisdom all things were made.

10. The instinct of animals

The wisdom of animals speaks without dispute of a good Creator who has equipped these dumb creatures with the instincts necessary for their lives. Take the salmon for example. This fish, which spends years in the sea, comes back finally to the place of its birth, to the upper waters of the river. What is it that brings the salmon back to its place of birth and enables it to make the necessary effort? It is the instinct with which God has equipped it so that it can lay eggs and ensure the continuity of its spices.

When a partridge sees an enemy about to attack its young ones, it falls to the ground, flies up a little and then falls back again, as if it has a broken wing. If the enemy follows, it repeats this manoeuvre enticing it away from where the young ones are. Is not this instinct a proof of the wisdom of the Creator who gave it?

Perhaps the most mysterious of all is the habit of the eel. This creature, when fully grown, leaves the rivers and seas to join others of its kind at an appointed deep spot near Bermuda, where it gives birth to its young ones, and then dies. It is astonishing how then each group of young eels travels back to the place where the parents came from. We cannot understand these creatures that act by instinct, but they direct our thoughts to the Creator, who gave them the abilities necessary to maintain life and to protect the continuity of their species.

11. The human mind

God has equipped man with intelligence beyond that of other living creatures. No one but man can count from one to ten. So we must thank God that He has given us minds with which we can comprehend things and analyse them, and with which we can understand that we have a God who is perfect in wisdom and power.

It is obvious that man has the mental power to envisage the invisible, and this is a proof of the existence of God. The consciousness of God is something intrinsic within man, which no other creature on earth has. This awareness in man enables him to comprehend from the universe and what it contains that God exists and that He is omniscient and omnipresent, existing always and everywhere and near to our hearts. This truth was made known to David the King, who praised God saying: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).

12. The testimony of a moral standard.

It is agreed that man is unique among the living creatures, because of the existence of a moral sense within him. This attribute deep within him, speaks continually of the existence of God. However varied the conditions of living, social standards or mental capacities, the moral sense in human beings is part of their nature and it never ceases to exist. Someone has said: „One can find a town without factories, without schools, without theatres, without hotels, but you will never find a town without a place of worship“. This goes along with a saying of Solomon the Wise: „I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end“ (Ecclesiastes 3:10-11).

13. The testimony of con­science.

Conscience is independent in its judgement, because it is not subjected to the mind or the will. It cannot agree that a forbidden thing be permissible or vice versa, even if it attempts to do so. Likewise, conscience cannot call black, white, or white black. Moreover, it must adhere to a moral law, whose authority is from above, and is able to judge what behaviour is right. Without doubt, the existence of the conscience and the moral law, tells us that we are responsible for our standards and behaviour, not to ourselves or to men alone, but also to God, who is the source and founder of conscience in us. God takes pleasure in good, and hates evil, and judges everyone according to their actions. From all this we understand there is one to whom we are responsible, that is God.

14. The testimony of celestial bodies and their order.

The evidences of the orderliness of these, show the existence of a wise, intelligent and almighty Creator, and are so many they cannot all be mentioned within the scope of this booklet. Those who meditate upon the greatness of this universe and upon the countless celestial bodies, their rotation in the heaven in perfect order century after century, their speed - the two great powers of impetus and gravity as well as their astonishing balance, can only rejoice with David, who said: „How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.“ (Psalm 104:24).

The apostle Paul said to the people of Lystra: “The living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them... Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy” (Acts 14:15-17).

15. The economy of nature.

The economy of nature helps us to understand that the divine wisdom foresaw and prepared everything in nature necessary for its continuity. For instance, consider the prickly pear, which was planted in Australia as hedges for fields. When Australia became free from the insects harmful to this type of plant, the prickly pear increased unbelievably, and covered wide areas of farmland. When all measures to stop its speedy growth failed, scientists found no other means than to allow the insects which live on the cactus to breed again. The trouble was overcome and has not recurred. This balance between the plant and the pest which can control it can only have been planned by a wise Creator, who is God.

16. The testimony of the Bible.

The Arabist, Dr. Van Dyck, said: “There is in the world no book like the Bible, possessing in itself this strange vitality, wide influence and powerful conviction. It not only offers to nations a new example of civilisation, high principles and new thoughts concerning moral excellencies, but also inspires the human imagination to develop culture and art. It inspired the marvellous works of Michelangelo, Rafael, Murillo, Davinsky and others, as well as the music of Bach and Beethoven, the literature of Dante and Martin Luther, Victor Hugo and Jubran Khalil Jubran.

This beloved book contains divine announcement and teaching which definitely establish the existence of God. Who would not stand astonished when reading the events of history recorded in the Book of God, which were a fulfilment of prophecies spoken by men of God, centuries before”.

In fact, if we look into our spiritual needs and examine them, we will find out that the content of the Bible is capable of fulfilling each one of them. That is because we will discover that God the Creator is not only the just Judge, but also the loving Father who watches over us and cares for us. And that it was for our own good, that He gave us the Bible with its commandments and warnings, to keep us from doing that which is harmful and degrading to our characters and to that of our great Creator. These commandments lead to our benefit and happiness.

The Bible also contains instruction, guidance and disciplinary tenets, and prepares us for eternal life. Thus we are right in believing that the Bible is the only Book which can guide to the Truth. By means of its guidance, we gain happiness in this world and the next. This great Book originates from a profound Mind and Being who is omniscient, holy and just; from God, Who inspired His holy servants to write for us this glorious Book.

17. The testimony of the Incarnation.

If God appeared in olden times in a visible manner to many people such as Hagar, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Noah and others, then the Incarnation when, according to the Gospel, God appeared in Christ openly and tangibly, is the chief of all proofs of His existence. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1,14).

When we consider the Person of Christ in the Gospel, we realize that He was not making any false claim when He said: “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30), “I am in the Father and the Father is in me” (John 14:11). “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). By His sayings and wonderful works, Christ proved that He was indeed God in the flesh (1Timothy 3:16).

There are also the testimonies of those who lived with Him, heard His teaching, witnessed His miracles and saw His glory. The apostle John wrote: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.” (1 John 1:1-2). The Apostle also said: “We are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). Furthermore, the Apostle Peter wrote: “We did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). The Apostle Paul also wrote: “In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:14-17).

These testimonies and many more speak not only of the Divinity of Christ, but also of the existence of God, Who appeared incarnated in a manner most wonderful and powerful.

18. The testimony of personal experience.

This is the most convincing of all proofs of God’s existence. No one can deny this proof that comes from deep within the heart. The young man, who was blind, said when Christ healed him: “One thing I know. I was blind and now I see”. This is the testimony of all those who have found God to be true and living in their personal experience.

History records for us the testimonies, from every age and generation that lived with God. For them, this was a vital and tangible experience that could not be described as imaginary or as illusion. If it is stupid to deny the testimonies of those who have had a personal experience of God in their lives simply because those denying have not had that same experience, then how much more stupid is it to disregard the testimony of millions who lived before us; or of those who are our contemporaries, who can tell of daily miracles which God does in and for them? This experience has changed the whole course of their lives, and is the result of their faith and truth in God.

The famous scholar Faraday, had no faith in anything until he had studied and examined it with care. When asked on his deathbed if he believed in God and eternity and immortality, he answered with a bright smile lighting up his face, “I am not sleeping on a pillow of guesswork or surmise”. Faraday is but one among eminent scholars who have believed in God, experienced His care, walked with Him and died in the comfort of His Love.

19. The testimony of history.

It has been said that history is but the manifestation of God in the rise and fall of kingdoms. Indeed, it would be good if humans when reading history and considering its events would comprehend that God is in it, and though evil may have won the first battle, it will lose in the end. When you look carefully at bygone civilisations and nations which have risen and fallen from time to time, surely you will rejoice with Daniel, the prophet, who said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning” (Daniel 2:20-21).

Those who reflect on the history of mankind will note that it leads to belief in a Supreme Being who has unlimited power, and controls all the affairs of men and their works in conformity with His Will, for the fulfilment of His excellent purposes. They see that the successive events, the inventions, and the revolutions have contributed from generation to generation in the progress and development of man in the standard of living, civilisation, knowledge and religious understanding. In this, an undeniable proof of the existence of a wise Ruler is seen guiding humanity to prosperity and righteousness.

20. The testimony of the assured mind.

A big number of scholars and outstanding philosophers, who excelled in their fields, believed in the existence of God through the evidence of the above proofs. It is true that those proofs are not material and can neither be weighed in human balances nor examined by visible means, but they are logical proofs, built on truths which are clear to man’s eyes and mind; almost like those understood by the five senses. When a sound mind regards the universe and discerns in it the innumerable signs of order and purpose, it naturally judges that it has a cause. This “cause” is intelligent and wise, and able to create the marvels and wonders seen in the universe. Such a wonderful world of nature and living creatures, without a Creator, is unthinkable to a sound mind and contrary to the testimony of nature itself, which cries out that it is created and is not the creator itself. Its existence, its construction, its order, its peculiar characteristics for growth and progress, come from a power outside and independent of it. No doubt, these proofs will find acceptance with all believers for all such are persuaded and sure of God’s existence; firstly, from the universe and its indications of purpose, power and wisdom; secondly, from the moral and spiritual make-up of man, and the witness of conscience, and thirdly, from the Bible and the revelation of the incarnated Divine Person, Jesus Christ.

21. The Testimony of Scholars.

At times in history, people feared that the progress of knowledge and the scientific discoveries would harm religion, and would shake the faith in the existence of God. However, the winds of knowledge have carried the ship of atheism where they did not desire. True knowledge has produced new testimonies and corroboration for the “faith once delivered to the saints”.

The following are some of these statements by scholars confirming the faith in God:

a) In his book “Modern Man Discusses Spirit”, Dr. Carl Young, one of the greatest psychiatrists of our days, says: “During the past 30 years people of all kinds and of many nationalities have consulted me. I have treated hundreds of sick people and have not found amongst the many problems of those who had reached middle age, one which was not due to loss of faith and neglect of religion. It is true to say that each one of these had become a prey to his sickness because he was deprived of the God-inspired peace of mind, which comes through faith in Him. No one was healed until he regained his faith, and was helped by the commandments and directions of God to face life”.

b) Dale Carnegie, Principal of the Carnegie Institute for Human Relations, said in his book “How to Stop Worrying and Begin to Live”, that faith in God strengthens trust, hope and courage, and removes fear, depression and anxiety. It provides one with aims and goals in life, and opens horizons of happiness, that helps to live in a fertile oasis in the midst of the desert of life.

c) In the book “Back to Faith”, written by a famous psychiatrist, we read: “The Society of Help for Workers, in New York, put at my disposal the sum of $200,000 to supervise a study of statistics con­cerning 10,000 individuals. I recorded a complete personal report on each individual, and at that time my understanding of religious belief with regard to man’s life began. I decided to make comparisons between previous tests made on patients, and came out with a brilliant result. The important conclusion derived from these experiments was, that he who believes in God is equipped with a personality stronger and better than he who does not believe or ceases to worship Him.

I, for example, believe the story of the birth of the Lord Jesus not by comparing my belief with others, but by pure faith which came as a consequence of my discovering the true excellencies of my religion, which I had previously discarded when I was incapable of finding any good in it”.

d) Another renowned psychiatrist says: “The modern science of psychiatry welcomes religion. Doctors of psychology recognise that faith in God and prayer are tools to overcome anxiety, fear and nervous strain, and heal half the illnesses we suffer from. I feel that a true believer has the means to beat mental illnesses”.

e) The philosopher Francis Bacon, said: “Few philosophers lean to atheism, but going deep into philosophy is apt to restore a man to faith in God”.

f) Dr. Charles Malek, in his book “Why I believe in Jesus Christ”, says: “In the Old Testament, God creates, chooses, provides, guides, tests and examines. In stages, He reveals Himself and His will. If you listen carefully to this revelation, it will become clear to you that what is revealed is a reality in daily life; it is God the Creator. He is real and living in all things”.

g) A famous astronomer, when asked why he did not mention God in his discussions on astronomy, replied: “It is not necessary because God is behind every discussion I undertake, and any opinion I declare. God is behind everything visible in the universe, in nature and in life”.

h) Jonathan Edwards, considered to be one of the greatest thinkers since Aristotle, said: “The glory of God is seen in everything; in the sun, in the moon, in the stars and in all nature. He created them to show something of His glory and greatness. When we meditate upon the green fields, the gentle breeze, the opening flower, the scented lily, we see His gifts and provision, His love and purity. And what shall I say of the green trees, the outpouring of His great joy and the sparkling rivers, the red dawn, the bright sun and the golden sunset, the rainbow; all shades of His glory?”.

i) Emanuel Kant said: “It is impossible to dwell upon the design of the world without seeing the hand of God in its perfection and harmony. The mind, when it appreciates the grandeur and beauty, cannot but be deeply stirred at the ignorance which dares to attribute all that is in the universe to chance. The wonders of this world are the offspring of divine wisdom, the expression of His thought. Indeed, this mutual harmony among creatures points to a Creator whose wisdom is beyond human conception. Nature does not allow suppositions; it demands the existence of a omnipotent God”.

j) Lord Calvin, who is among the most distinguished savants of his days, said: “The world answers us with absolute certainty of the existence of a Creator. We do not exist from dead matter, but from creative power, which directs our life, and which knowledge demands us to accept as a matter of faith. No doubt, we can know God through His works, but this knowledge obliges us to believe in the existence of a creative and controlling power”.

k) Admiral Byrd knew the meaning of full reliance on the power of God. It was the knowledge of this power which helped him through his severe trial, mentioned in his book “Alone”. He spent five months in a snow hut in the Antarctic. The help needed was 123 miles away, and no one could reach him for many months. Deep darkness and loneliness was round about him. He felt he was slowly being poisoned by the fumes from his small fire so he tried, without success, to improve ventilation. Because of weakness, he was not able to move nor eat food, and every day he thought he reached his end! What then saved his life? He himself tells us, that when he was in the depths of discouragement, he took his diary and tried to write down his philosophy of life. This is what he wrote: “Mankind is not alone in this life”, and while he was writing, he began thinking of the stars spread all over the heavens and of the planets and celestial bodies orbiting in precise order; of the sun sending its light and warmth to every far and lonely spot on earth. This sense of not being alone saved his life, and his God, in whose care he had perfect rest, sent the beans of the sun to that spot, which made it possible for the rescue team to arrive before it was too late.

l) Scholar William James was asked: “Why does faith and trust in God bring safety, peace and rest of mind?”. He replied, “The waves of the ocean which are roaring and boisterous, do not disturb the depths. So man, if his faith in God is deep, is not upset by temporary or surface troubles. The believer refuses anxiety and holds his balance, always ready to face whatever comes”. Then why do we not come to God if we are in trouble? Why do we not believe in God when we are in such need of faith? Why don’t we trust ourselves to Him Who controls this world?

To sum up what has been said about God’s existence, let us remember that we find ourselves in a great universe and are a part of it. Our minds ask continually: “What is the origin of the universe? What is its purpose? How is it kept? Where did we come from? And where are we going?”. The answers to these questions are impossible without the acceptance of the existence of a supreme Being, all-powerful, the cause and effect, intelligent, wise, possessing will and moral attributes. We can find the answers in the Bible, which says: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:1-3, read till 1:24).

Now, my dear friend, I pray with all my heart that you will find these proofs sufficient to banish the clouds of doubt from your friends’ minds. It may be that their excuse is that God cannot be seen, but they believe in many things they do not understand, such as electricity, gravity, magnetic force and life. When Bertrand Russell was asked if he believed in Einstein’s theory of relativity, he answered, “I do not understand it, but that does not stop me from believing in it”. This can also be said of faith in God, the depths of which cannot be plumbed.

I will conclude with this story: “A group of young men decided not to believe in God if they did not find material proofs of His existence. One day an old man, known for his wisdom, spoke to them, he said: ‘Today I saw in the field a goose, a sheep, and a camel eating from the same grass. Can you explain to me how the same grass changes in the goose to feathers, in the sheep to wool and in the camel to hair? But, he continued, before you explain to me the differences, can you tell me whether this is true?’ They replied: ‘Yes it is true, but we do not understand how it happens.’ Then wise old man answered: ‘Then why is it not so with the secrets of God?’”