Seeking Truth and Belief

Seeking Truth and Belief

Have we not discussed this before? And yet you purposely evade again, the core premise?

Let's make this more personal, shall we?

Atheism is a position on God. That God does not exist. And it is foolish to play with this definition - we can ask the atheist simply, do you believe there is a God? And the intellectually honest answer is - No.

The key question is - is one seeking Truth.

Since we cannot prove empirically (as within science) whether God or "no God" (since God is beyond time and space (attributes of the universe) whether created or by brute force (just is), we can truly only say "we do not know." Which is more akin to an agnostic position. And yet even the theist cannot say "I know there is a God". Any position on God must be "we simply do not know" - except by faith - in any case.

Which renders us All legitimately as seekers. Unless we merely have become complacent and have chosen not to seek.

Again. To seek Truth. And truths are found through many forms of evidence, empirical and non empirical. And in truth, we must consider all before even arriving at a personal statement of belief. And personally, we should prob need to understand why we believe what we believe, so that we better understand our interpretation of the world around us - as belief formation and beliefs is what we use to navigate within reality. In relationships, what is right and what is wrong, in where we spend our time and resources. Our personal belief systems, our personal worldviews, aid us in our judgement, our decision making.

And so. Yes. These, all of them are interconnected. And on a very personal level. All beliefs influence us. Both what we believe. And what we do not.

So. A man who says "no God" or any nuanced and lively, creative definition that in its essence renders a belief in no God will navigate their reality (life) much differently than a man who concedes, or even the man who says "I do not know" - just as a man who says "no gravity" might jump of a cliff, while others will not or will use a greater caution before proceeding.

But we are not discussing something that cannot be seen, but can be tested.

We are discussing something that cannot be seen nor tested. Though potentially the same or worse consequences for denying the existence of gravity.

In that, we should be that much more cautious in rendering opinion, let alone belief that may (or may not) have consequences beyond the reality of this life.

Atheists possess a worldview. It is unsupportable. And this is why they do not offer it up, for fear of a legitimate criticism"

My argument highlights the Critical importance of intellectual honesty and the necessity of seeking truth rather than simply assuming a position based on preference, cultural conditioning, or presupposed conclusions.

Key Points in My Argument:

1. Atheism is a Belief Position – While some atheists insist they merely "lack belief" in God, the practical reality is that if asked, "Do you believe in God?" the honest atheist must answer "No." This makes atheism, functionally, a position rather than a neutral absence of belief.

2. The Limits of Empirical Proof – Neither theism nor atheism can be empirically proven within the framework of natural science, as God (if He exists) would exist beyond time, space, and material causation. This means that both atheism and theism ultimately require some form of faith or assumption.

3. The Role of Truth-Seeking – If one is intellectually honest, the only reasonable position apart from theism is agnosticism, which admits, "We do not know." Atheism, as a confident assertion that "there is no God," is an absolute claim that lacks empirical justification.

4. The Personal and Practical Consequences of Belief – Our beliefs shape how we interact with reality, determine moral frameworks, influence relationships, and guide decision-making. Just as belief in gravity affects how one behaves, belief in or denial of God influences life choices and worldviews.

5. Caution Before Claiming Certainty – If belief or unbelief in God carries consequences beyond this life, then intellectual humility and caution should compel one to seek truth earnestly rather than settle on an unsupportable belief.

6. Atheism as an Unexamined Worldview – Many atheists avoid defending their position because doing so would expose its lack of foundational support. This is why they often attempt to shift the burden of proof solely onto the theist, despite holding a worldview of their own.

The Core Issue: Is One Genuinely Seeking Truth?

A worldview must be able to sustain itself under scrutiny. If someone holds a position but refuses to defend it, this suggests they either do not truly understand it or recognize its inherent weaknesses. This is why a genuine truth-seeker considers all forms of evidence—empirical, philosophical, experiential, and historical—before forming a belief.

Veritas indeed!

William W Collins cr 2025