Recap: God -- Prove It!

• There are many kinds of evidence. Though "evidence" may suggest scientific proof, much of the world lies outside the scope of science. That is, many things cannot be measured empirically (number, logic, beauty, justice, etc), yet that doesn't mean they aren't real. To insist on scientific evidence for God is misguided, since God is Spirit (John 4:24), not flesh.
• Although nobody can "prove" God scientifically, abundant evidence points to God. The universe displays profound complexity: everything that is has come about through processes following natural laws that can be reduced to elegant mathematical formulas. In addition to intelligence, the world also displays personality. Surely it is more likely that such a universe -- one exhibiting intelligence and personality -- originated in an intelligent personal being than in impersonal matter and energy!
• God has given us a moderate amount of evidence for his existence. Had he given us much more, we might well feel coerced to believe; had he given us much less, we might walk away and feel justified doing so. As with Goldilocks' porridge, it's the middle value that best meets the need.

• The Force: Some people deride the notion of a personal God. They imagine it more sensible to believe in some kind of "force." This energy field, that courses through the universe, has a light side and a dark side. (Allusion: the Star War films, 1977+.) The problem with this notion is that in the real world, forces don't create. Imagine a tornado creating a town, or a flood creating life; that's not going to happen. Nor are forces good or evil; they just are. So "the Force" has significantly less explanatory power than the biblical notion of a moral God who creates, loves, and empowers.
• Idols: Sometimes idols are the human gods we have already dismissed. Other times in human history these divinities have been animals, or surreal hybrids of human and animal or monster. Biblically speaking, even a fallacious concept of Christ is an "idol" (1 John 5:21; see 2 Cor 11:1-4). Our "ultimate concern" (as one theologian out it) -- is whatever is most important to us, and around which our life is structured. This "god" isn't necessarily "religious," but we "worship" (prioritize) it, thinking about it all the time and making enormous sacrifices to get more of it. We may be controlled by the god of wealth (Mammon), the sex goddess, or a thousand other objects or activities or experiences that dominate our lives. But all idols fall short of the biblical god, and it is not without reason that they are frequently the targets of sarcastic critique (Isa 44:6-20).
• I Am God: Under the influence of Eastern Religions and the New Age Movement, many people have been flattered into believing they are divine. In this view, our fundamental problem is not sin, but ignorance. Once we're enlightened about our true divine nature, the world will bend to our wishes. Yet if we are all God, then why do we disagree and fight (James 4:1-3)? Isn't there a better explanation (the biblical one) -- that ego and self and sin are the problem, and repentance the solution? We get ourselves into a mess not because we are gods unaware of our powers, but because we're headstrong humans who want to be gods (Gen 3:1-5).
• The state (totalitarianism): Even in secular or atheist states, quasi-religious systems have resulted. The state, or its leadership, takes the place of God. Yet no person or institution or system has the right to demand our total loyalty -- even if, and especially if, the institution is religious in nature. For whenever governments have made exclusive claims over the minds and hearts of their citizens, the natural results have been duplicity, injustice, violence, and a culture of fear. (Think Cambodia, Cuba, or the Soviet Union.)