Johnny Skeptic

The only kind of test that I am interested in is a test that involves tangible evidence. Spiritual/emotional evidence is subjective, and the followers of most or all religions use the very same argument. Without tangible "evidence," Christianity would not exist, i.e. the empty tomb, the bodily resurrection of Jesus, and the miracles that Jesus performed. In the NIV, John 10:37-38 say "Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." The verses cite "tangible" evidence of Jesus' power.

It is important to note that the texts say that "both sides" were aware that Jesus had supernatural powers. Matthew 12:24 says "But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, 'It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.'" Today, both sides "are not" aware of God's supernatural power. Therefore, we don't have nearly the "evidence" today that people with "varying" world views supposedly had back then.

Clarice O'C

The only thing I need in my life is a lot of money so I can quit my job and have more time to spend at IIDB. Thanks in advance.

Now *this would* scare the hell out of me.

pharoah

I'm sorry, but your answer doesn't address the problem that I pointed out. Let's look at the verse you quoted again.

There is no qualifier there. God didn't say, "If you turn away from other gods, I'll have compassion on you". He flatly stated "I will no longer save you". If he's able to see the future why would he make such a statement? The only reasonable conclusions to draw is that either he lied or that the authors of Judges, Samuel and Kings made all of that stuff up.

Helpmabob

Hi pharaoh - The Bible doesn't claim to answer questions in the same way that a lawyer does.

Stumpjumper

Now Johnny, I know you were once a Protestant. You should remember that God does not want to be tested:

Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test." Luke

And don't forget what happened to Ananias:

Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?"
"Yes," she said, "that is the price." Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also." (Acts)

And then there is Dueteronomy: "Do not test the LORD your God as you did at Massah."

I don't think God wants to be tested so we best just leave him alone or we'll end up like Ananias

achristianbeliever

Do you realize how cruel your request is to many Christians? Jesus said to Doubting Thomas "Blessed are those who haven't seen and yet believe". So Christians who believe in God based on faith have an extra blessing from God. For Christians to have this amazing tangible evidence it would mean eliminating the faith element of Christianity. So this evidence has destroyed the faith blessing many Christians enjoy. But that's exactly what your asking Christians to do. And for what? So you'll believe God exists? So what? The only question I would have is if you knew God existed would you willingly love him and serve him? This same God who sends millions to Hell, condemns homosexuality, approves slavery. Would you willingly love him if I proved to you right now he existed? If the answer is no then you have given no motive for Christians to answer your request. Just believing God exists means nothing the question is will you love him and follow him. And if the answer is no then your request borders on only wanting the evidence for your own personal amusement and I think God would rather you disbelieve in him then tell him what magic tricks he should do for your personal enjoyment.