...
In apologetics, the question of burden of proof often arises when discussing the existence of God. Atheists frequently demand that theists "prove" God's existence, as though belief in God is an extraordinary claim requiring extraordinary evidence. However, this demand assumes the absence of God as the default position, rather than acknowledging the rich tapestry of evidence—creation, morality, reason, and revelation—that points to His reality. To counter this demand, consider the analogy of a blind man denying the sun, particularly one who has blinded himself intentionally.
The Sun as an Analogy for God's Existence
The existence of the sun is self-evident. Its light fills the earth, its warmth sustains life, and its effects are visible to all who can see. Yet, if a blind man denies the sun’s existence, it does not place the burden of proof on others to "prove" the sun. The sun’s existence remains unchanged, regardless of the blind man’s ability—or willingness—to perceive it.
This analogy highlights an important point about the nature of evidence. Evidence for the sun is not absent; it is overwhelming. But the blind man’s capacity to acknowledge it is impaired. Similarly, Christians believe that God’s existence is evident through the natural world, human reason, moral law, and even the abstract realities of logic and mathematics. As Paul writes in Romans 1:19–20:
"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse."
Just as the sun's warmth and light are experienced even by those who cannot see it, God's presence is revealed through the order, beauty, and rationality of creation. Denial of this evidence does not negate its reality but reflects a deeper issue: purposeful blindness.
Purposeful Blindness: Suppressing the Truth
The Bible teaches that the denial of God is not merely intellectual but moral and volitional. People reject God not because of a lack of evidence, but because they suppress the truth. As Paul continues in Romans 1:21:
"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened."
Purposeful blindness is a form of suppression. It is akin to someone gouging out their eyes to avoid seeing the sun and then arguing that the sun doesn’t exist. This self-inflicted blindness does not diminish the reality of the sun but reveals the person’s resistance to it.
Jesus also addressed this kind of willful blindness in John 3:19–20:
"And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed."
The root of spiritual blindness, according to Scripture, is not a lack of evidence but a preference for darkness over light. This aligns with the analogy of the self-blinded man, who chooses to deny the obvious rather than confront its implications.
The Burden of Proof: Where It Truly Lies
When atheists demand proof of God’s existence, they often assume the burden of proof lies solely on the theist. But this assumption is flawed. As with the sun, the evidence for God is abundant and readily available. The real question is not whether God exists, but whether atheists are willing to see the evidence.
Evidence of God’s Existence
- Creation: The universe’s order, complexity, and fine-tuning point to an intelligent Creator. Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
- Morality: The universal sense of right and wrong reflects a moral lawgiver. Without God, moral absolutes lack a coherent foundation.
- Logic and Mathematics: Logic and mathematics provide evidence of a transcendent, rational mind. These immaterial truths are universal, immutable, and immaterial, reflecting the nature of God.
- Revelation: God has revealed Himself in Scripture and supremely in Jesus Christ, the “light of the world” (John 8:12).
The Atheist’s Burden
By denying these evidences, the atheist assumes the burden of explaining:
- How the universe came into existence without a cause.
- Why objective moral values exist in a naturalistic framework.
- How logic and mathematics, as abstract and immaterial truths, are possible in a purely materialistic worldview.
C.S. Lewis captures the essence of these truths in his essay Is Theology Poetry?:
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else."
Just as the sun illuminates all things, so does God provide the foundation for understanding reality. Logic and mathematics are not just useful tools but profound evidence of God’s existence. Their universality, immutability, and immaterial nature defy naturalistic explanations and point to an eternal, rational mind.
Conclusion: By His Light, We See
The sun does not need to be "proven" to a blind man, nor does God need to be proven to those who willfully suppress the truth. The problem is not the absence of evidence but the presence of purposeful blindness. Logic, mathematics, morality, and the beauty of creation all reflect the existence of a rational, eternal, and transcendent God.
C.S. Lewis’s words echo the heart of this argument: God is not just one truth among many but the source of all truth. Just as the sun enables us to see the world around us, God illuminates every aspect of existence. By pointing to these evidences and trusting the Holy Spirit to open blind eyes, Christians can present the truth of God clearly and faithfully. As Jesus said in John 8:32:
"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Comments
Post a Comment