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Proof of G-d's Existence



Question:

I feel that I cannot observe a religion if I am not certain that it is true. Is there a proof that could give me a 100% certainty that G-d exists and gave the Torah to the Jewish people?

Answer:

Imagine you could do a blood test to determine who your soulmate is. You would go to a laboratory with a prospective partner and give blood samples, and half an hour later they would tell you yes or no. Sounds amazing? But think about it: Is that an ideal way to start a relationship? How romantic would it be to say, "Listen, the blood test came out positive, so we may as well get engaged"?

The truth is we wouldn't appreciate a laboratory-tested soulmate. What makes a relationship meaningful is that it is a choice coming from within. If we based a commitment on external evidence such as a blood test, we would indeed have certainty, but the sense of freedom would be lost. Freedom is an essential ingredient of true love--certainty is not.

That's why proving G-d is not helpful. G-d wants us to enter into a relationship with Him by choice, not by force. He created us as free beings who can deny Him if we want. There is no outside force or argument or proof that compels us to serve G-d. For that reason, when we do serve Him, it is by choice, it is coming from us, and that is the basis for a real relationship.

There are many logical proofs of G-d's existence and the truth of Torah. But most people are only ready to appreciate these proofs after they have already established a relationship with G-d, just as most people only recognize their soulmate as such after they have already committed to the relationship.

If you wait to know for sure that you have found your soulmate you may forever remain single. And if you wait for proof of G-d's truth you may forever live in a lonely universe. Embrace uncertainty and open yourself up to a real relationship. When you make that choice, you will find proof of G-d within your own soul.


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By Aron Moss   More articles...  |   RSS Listing of Newest Articles by this Author
Rabbi Aron Moss teaches Kabbalah, Talmud and practical Judaism in Sydney, Australia and is a frequent contributor to Chabad.org.

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: July 15, 2009
G-d's Existence - and wherefrom the evil!?
Maybe that history will always "produce" human beings like Amaleq, Agag, Haman and H... and... none of them to be forgot...! Doesn't Parshat Zachor and - with a very few days of distance - Megilat Ester tell us so? I think that Megilat Ester teaches us a great lot, but I am not sure whether I or we can understand that all. However, if this ancient Book about Antisemitism shows us that the morbid signs and symptoms do not change in human history - "Haman" could be a minister of our days - there may be great chances and HOPE (for us and for future Jews) too, because in those days we didn't become victims but were victorious. How to be victorious against this kind of hatred? I, personally, don't know it, have no idea of it. You?
Posted By Silvana Origlia, Vienna, At

Posted: July 15, 2009
Standards of proof
People who want "proof" of G-d's existence should first determine what they would accept as a standard of proof. When they can apply that standard to everyday reality to the satisfaction of logic, then they may be able to more readily accept the "proof" that religious people rely on for their convictions. That is, for generations the "proof" has been continuously passed down, the Torah, and we have no logical reason to discontinue now. Our experience tells us that a taxi driver is a taxi driver and our experience tells us that the recorded history of a communal event is true. Just like the Civil War, just like the fall of the Roman Empire, just like the existence of the Sumerians.
Posted By Devorie, Riverdale , NY

Posted: July 15, 2009
Re: God's Existence
I have head that story as well - of the rabbis in Auschwitz putting God on trial for the atrocities of the holocaust. However, after they found God guilty, what did they do? They went to daven Mincha (the afternoon prayer).

God wants and expects us to question, to struggle, to doubt, and even to stand up and defend Jews against His actions. But at the end of the day, as these rabbis understood, we human beings are extremely limited, while God is infinite. Our limited minds simply cannot comprehend the holocaust. But that's no reason to "abandon" God (though many did, understandably so). It is possible and permissible to see God's actions as unjust and still believe He is infinitely Good.
Posted By Erica, Philadelphia, PA
via jewishcenter.info



 


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What's In It for G-d?
Is G-d an It, an I, or Nothing?
Proof of G-d's Existence
Is G-d Really Running the World?
Getting Personal With G-d
Why Don't I Feel Inspired Anymore?
Did G-d Create Evil?
Why Doesn't G‑d Show Himself Anymore?
Are We Supposed to be Afraid of G‑d? (I)
Are We Supposed to be Afraid of G‑d? (II)
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