Proof God Exists and the Merits of Anatheism

Proof God Exists

Okay, so let's prove God exists, but before we can dive in, we need to first define what it is we're proving. The first step in proving something exists is to clearly and concisely define what it is we're seeking to prove. For example: Hydrogen is an atomic element consisting of a single proton and a single electron. That's the stripped down, bare bones definition of hydrogen as I understand it (Am I wrong here!?! I'm not a scientist!). Now that we have clearly defined what hydrogen is, our next step would be to go out and find an element that consists of a single proton and a single electron. Once we have successfully identified an element that fits that exact criteria, we have indeed confirmed that hydrogen does exist. So to recap, our process might be something along these lines:

1. Clearly define XYZ.
2. Observe XYZ.
3. Verify that XYZ matches all the criteria listed in the definition.

So to prove that "God" exists, we need to come up with a universally agreed upon definition for the term, "God". Such a task is a challenge because, unlike hydrogen, the interpretation of what "God" is varies from region to region, and from individual to individual... but lets give it a go. When I think of God, the three omnis come to mind: omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient. Some might say that God is the creator of all things... that he is causality... you'll note that I used the pronoun "he" just then... many religions assign a gender to their deity; and it is upon this point that I'd like to introduce a quote that I believe rings true when attempting to define God:

To define is to limit. ~ Oscar Wilde

So how do we go about defining something that is supposedly limitless? How do we confine what appears to be unconfinable? I believe I have an answer to that question, and I found it in a fairly well-known piece of scripture. In the biblical text, when Moses speaks to God in the burning bush and Moses asks God, "Who should I say has sent me to the Israelites to lead them out of Egypt?", God replies:

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' ~ Exodus 3:14

Since I was a young child, I was always a bit confused by this passage. Certainly the text is open to interpretation, but I believe this short passage is a good place to glean the beginnings of a definition for God. Here God refers to Himself as "I AM". What if we used the simple phrase "I AM" as the bare bones definition for God? Considering this, let's now turn our attention to the observable universe. Everything that can be observed, non-verbally says to the observer, "I am." Upon this realization, the definition for God which I have settled on is simply: The sum total of all that exists.

god noun: the sum total of all that exists

I suppose many may balk at the definition, but it's the definition I've settled on. I've gravitated toward this definition for a couple of reasons.

For one, it is unrestrictive. The definition adheres to God's boundless nature. When considering the subject of God, I don't feel a compulsion to place god in a metaphoric "box". For example, there are some who might assign the characteristic, "loving" to the definition of God. Others might rebuke that notion, provide examples to the contrary, and offer their rebukes as not only a refutation of a loving God, but of the existence of God all together. I don't find the "boxing" of God to refute the existence of God very compelling.

Another reason why I gravitate toward this definition is because it provides a clear path towards observation and verification. I don't find ruminating on something that cannot be proven one way or another to be very useful or productive. The contemplation of the existence of a self-conscious, gendered deity might be tempting to some, but I have found the practice to be wholly unfulfilling.

So, having settled on this definition for God, the avenue to proving God exists becomes quite rudimentary. If God is the sum total of all that exists, simply prove that something — anything — exists; and you have, by definition, proven God to exist.

pantheism noun: a doctrine which identifies God with the universe, or regards the universe as a manifestation of God.

Pantheism is the accepted term for what I now believe and simply asserts that God and the universe are one in the same. Everything that exists is a manifestation of the divine.

The Merits of Anatheism

Now we've arrived at the topic of Anatheism. When I first was introduced to the term, I thought it referred to an indifference to God. That sentiment resonated with me, and still does. As it turns out, apatheism is the term used to describe such an an indifference.

apatheism noun: the attitude of apathy toward the existence or non-existence of God(s).

Anatheism, on the other hand, is something a bit different. I've had trouble finding a concise definition for the term, but basically, Anatheism is a return to God after having lost an enamorment with traditional religion, and the traditional God(s) described within those religions.

Having accepted my station in the universe, I'm content to wonder in amazement about the things I not only don't understand, but also — given the feeble, restrictive nature of my own existence — about the things I lack the ability to understand.

There are those who enjoy a magic trick, and then there are those who obsess about how a magic trick is performed. I feel as though I fall into the former category rather than the latter. I do enjoy learning and figuring out how things work, but in regard to the existential reality I currently experience; I consider so much of what I observe to be incomprehensible. Having reasoned much of the reality I encounter to be beyond human thought, I feel obliged to simply experience the wonderment that is human experience.

As such, I believe it a benefit to hold with reverent regard everything with which I come into contact. I don't find fault in attempting to see the divine in everyone and everything.

When I see a rainbow for instance, I don't feel compelled to proselytize the very natural reaction of captivation and amazement into a reasoned, scientific, muted response. In my mind, I know that there's a scientific explanation for rainbows, but rainbows still compel me to smile and delight when I observe the phenomena. The same with sunsets, the smile of a young child, the love a husband has for his wife — even as she fades from the effects of dementia... what a gift to observe and be present for moments like these!

The day I lived today was 13.8 years in the making. What a baffling realization... I cannot help but be brought to tears when considering the very real possibility that these past 13.8 billion years were put in place so that I might — on this day — connect with a cherished friend, enjoy the taste of delicious food, feel the oxygen fill my lungs as I take a deep breath, or look up and appreciate the setting sun.

So to recap, I started out a Christian. I considered atheism and decided it was not for me. I Co-opted my Christian faith and made it my own. I embraced apatheism... which, in turn, led me to a pantheistic anatheism. Considering my beliefs regarding God to be fluid, I wonder what will come next for me.