Throughout the 2,000-year history of Christianity, many arguments have come about surrounding the content of the Christian faith. Some are related to specific issues, while others on the entirety of the faith stemming from an outright rejection of God. We see this total repudiation of the faith increasingly brought up in many discussions today, but could those who take this stance be mistaken due to their incorrect approach to finding God?
I have seen those of the atheistic mind give numerous reasons for taking this step of rejecting the faith. In my teen years, I found these reasons more valid than those offered by Christians. One of the main themes of the atheistic argument is the lack of scientific evidence for God. Many atheists claim since we cannot materially study God or any part of Him, He can’t exist.
We see through this conclusion that science has become the highest judge of our human reality for modern society. And through this lens, all things immaterial, things that cannot be known or explained by this modern notion of science, like the soul, angels, or God, are thrown out to the roadside as humanity marches on in our progress toward deeper pseudo-enlightenment and technological utopia.
We must admit this understanding of science is increasingly taking over the role God and faith once had in society. Throughout the human era, humanity has made great strides in understanding the world, inventing remarkable technology to produce, develop, and transport ourselves, all while keeping in mind that all of this was under the watchful eye of God. However, it seems these accomplishments have gone to our heads, and we now worship the tools we use to accomplish this instead of the One who gave us the tools. Humanity now worships science and has given it the throne that belongs to God.
In this way, it is easy to understand why more and more souls are losing their faith in God. We can see the sun sending its rays upon the Earth and study the effects this light has on the growth of plants. Still, we cannot see and explore the invisible One who set the sun and Earth in space, establishing the processes of change caused by the relationship between them, the One who sustains it all by merely thinking about it. In a way, we have reverted to the pre-monotheistic days when the pagans worshiped nature instead of the One who created nature.
A lack of faith in the spiritual world causes one only to know the material world. It is this misunderstanding of reality that causes this misuse of science. However, even within this broken understanding of science, we can prove God’s existence, but it must be understood that God is not real because science affirms Him, the science confirms Him because He is real.
Honestly, we could make this case for everything that exists. It exists not because science says so, but science affirms it to be true because it exists. For instance, I am sure that not many people would have believed in the existence of a flying squirrel before it was first discovered. However, once found, we would say that it exists not because science created it but that it had always existed, and science has affirmed its existence.
Now, God has been discovered by many. Although, others have searched for God and come up short. They point to the sky and say, “I see no God there!” and then to the world’s evils and say, “No true God could allow that!” And of these observations, we ask, “what is missing from the eyes of those who cannot see God?”
Something similar happens if two friends are talking about Jupiter’s moons on the street. All day long, one friend can tell the other about the 53 moons that orbit the largest planet, but the friend would not be able to prove it without the proper tools, like a telescope or satellite images. Additionally, if using a telescope, the two friends would need to be in a good location with the right conditions to see the moons properly. Though, if the friend disbelieved the one proclaiming the truth about the moons and refused to use the correct tools to discover the truth, it would be an incorrect conclusion for the friend to say the moons are not there.
Furthermore, we see many theories brought up in the scientific world that would be most difficult to prove without the proper materials and procedures that bring about the desired effect. So too, do we see the Christian faith needs appropriate materials and methods for the truth and light to be discovered.
I see that by following in the footsteps of thousands of holy men and women who have gone before us, thousands of men and women who had genuine and personal relationships with God, and imitating their procedures and using their materials, we can all prove that God exists.
If this is the case, and there are specific procedures and materials needed for us to discover the Eternal Living God, then it would be good to know them. While God is who He is and can make Himself known in any way and at any time He likes, if we are truly about the work of seeking Him, we must have the following tools to do so.
- Humility– Only with humility can we arrive at the knowledge of the One True God. Not because we think less of ourselves, but because we think of ourselves less, as C.S. Lewis would put it. Without humility, we run into the danger of thinking we make reality what it is. This causes difficulties for us to accept God for who He is if He does not fit into the local definition we might force upon Him. We should genuinely set God free to be who He is on His own and recognize He is who He is, and we are not ourselves gods.
- Prayer – We must make an effort to converse with God through prayer. This allows us to show God we are seeking Him. Furthermore, through prayer, we reach out to God spiritually and in the best way to discover anyone by speaking to them. And Jesus promises, “seek, and you will find.”
Finally, if you do not know how to pray, follow the advice of St. Josemaria Escriva, who says, “put yourself in the presence of God, and once you have said, ‘Lord, I don’t know how to pray!’ rest assured that you have begun to do so.”
- Patience– In today’s world of instant gratification, this one might prove complicated. However, it is essential as God is not merely a genie that grants our wishes. He is a living being that freely chooses when and how He will act. Moreover, He knows our innermost self and is aware of everything that is best for us.
God never acts too soon or too late. He never gives us too much or too little. Maybe this tool could also be called trust, but if we seek proof for God, we must patiently understand that He will not just appear at our beck and call.
These are but a few qualities that are needed for one to discover God. He is known to work around them, but I am sure you won’t be disappointed if you use your own search method as well. God is real and wants us to know Him. Therefore, He will help us to gain these tools so that we can be successful in this endeavor.
Do you feel stuck in your efforts to know God more? If you would like assistance with your relationship with God, we can help. At Zenith Ministries, we have seen tremendous results with our one-on-one mentorship, where we offer insight, real-life solutions, inner healing, and spiritual guidance to those who need it. Reach out today to receive a free consultation to see how we can help you overcome your struggles and enter the beautiful life you were meant for.
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