BadBadBad

I read a silly argument that went something like this.

Let's propose an entity we'll call the GPB (greatest possible being). Here are some potential properties:

omnipotent
omniscience
omnipresent
exists

If non-existence is one of the properties, then it can't possibly be the GPB. Therefore the GPB exists.

There we have it.

Calzaer

You're shifting the burden of proof. You claim that something exists which does not leave any evidence of its existence; its your job to prove it. My claim is the null hypothesis (that nothing exists without leaving evidence of its existence) that must be accepted until experimental evidence showing otherwise can be found.

It's almost impossible to prove a negative assertion through the scientific method. That's why the burden of proof is on the party that makes the POSITIVE claim, ie "X exists".

**

Magus: What, not taking me up on my 10 trillion dollar offer? I'll even give it to you in writing.

Or maybe you're trying to find God in the Horsehead Nebula. I'll wait.

Just_An_Atheist

"It's almost impossible to prove a negative assertion through the scientific method. "

I'm think that this is false. It's actually much easier in the realm of science to (inductivley) prove the nonexistence of something by pointing out an inconsistent event that is not only not predicted to be true, but predicted to be false. In science, though, it seems rather hard to prove a positive existence claim. The only thing one can do is to construct theories that are coherent with our observations.

Magus55

Apparently your definition of "exist" isn't the same as the dictionary. Now where does physical evidence being left behind come into play in the accepted definition of exist?

Main Entry: ex·ist
Pronunciation: ig-'zist
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: Latin exsistere to come into being, exist, from ex- + sistere to stand, stop; akin to Latin stare to stand -- more at STAND
Date: 1602
1 a : to have real being whether material or spiritual <did unicorns exist> <the largest galaxy known to exist> b : to have being in a specified place or with respect to understood limitations or conditions <strange ideas existed in his mind>
2 : to continue to be <racism still exists in society>
3 a : to have life or the functions of vitality <we cannot exist without oxygen> b : to live at an inferior level or under adverse circumstances <the hungry existing from day to day>

LKS_Blade

Were straying away from the topic.

The question is "Does God have to be living to exist?"

The question is not wether or not he/she exists. In the context of the question it is assumed that God exists,
"if god exists,..."
the question is wether God is 'living'. In order to be living a being must be posses 'life'

Life

The property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the organism.
The characteristic state or condition of a living organism.

Hence, the question is not "does god exist" but "If God exists, dosent he/she have to be alive (ie. living, alive, possesing life)?"

The answer is no. If something exists it does not require the property of life. Rocks exist, but they are not consideder alive because thay are inanimate matter.

Life is not a prerequisite of existance.

mark9950

there is no conclusive proof, I am tending to lead to the possibility that God and jesus is/was/were an alien/aliens.

There is proof from nasa.gov that there was some sort of big bang.

The universe is alive and growing in a sense of it is expanding from the forces of it,and I really doubt that we are the only living creatures in the vast universe.

To these limited ancient peoples, a creature with power and high technology to them might as well be a God

nemesis855

God laughs? Doesn't the physical act of laughter require a biomechanical, "non-spiritual", apparatus.

On a related note, I don't mean to sound "nitpicky", but if we're created in God's image doesn't that imply that God possesses all of mankind's "bad" qualities (hate, anger, etc.) as well as the "good" ones.

- nemesis855

Tristan Scott

How about:

1. Ideas
2. Dreams
3. Mathematics
4. Love
5. Beauty

Even if gods are just ideas thought up by humans, how can you say that gods have left no physical evidence of their existence? They have left temples and churches, purges and inquisitions, and written artifacts.

Webster's primary definition of exist is: to have real being whether material or spiritual.

Mageth

They have left temples and churches, purges and inquisitions, and written artifacts.

Those are all evidences of human existence, not of god's existence.

Tristan Scott

You evidently have missed the point.