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Can Science Prove God?

The topic here is that some claim that that science and religion are two separate non-overlapping magisteria. They are different areas of inquiry: Science can deal only with the natural, while religion can deal only with the spiritual.

In this section I argue that if the spiritual has any effect on the material world, then that effect can be measured by science in principle.

Key Takeaway

If the spiritual realm can have an effect on the material world, then that effect can be measured by science, and demonstrated as existing. A spiritual realm that has no effect on the material world is indistinguishable from not existing.

Example​

Let's say that there is a god with the ability to affect reality. For example, he is able to divert a tornado from hitting one house, to hitting another.

Tornados are made out of real matter. to move real matter, you have to apply real force. If there is a real force, it is measurable by science.

If god has any effect on the real world, then that effect must be measurable. If an atom is moved by god from A to B, then it is possible for science to measure the movement of that atom, and in doing so measure the force applied by god.

Thus,

  • IF god has ANY effect on reality, it is measurable.
  • If god has no effect on reality, then that is exactly the same as not existing.

Miracles​

The miracles included in bible stories are the type that could in principle be measured.

Jesus walks on water: Clearly such an event is observable. A photograph can be taken. The water can be tested to make sure there is no platform just below the surface. Jesus can be weighed to assure he weighs like a normal person. There would have to be some force pushing against gravity to hold Jesus above the water. This force could be measured.

Water into Wine: Wine is an organic mixture, and thus include many carbon molecules. If there wsa already carbon in some form in the water, energy would be needed to form the alcohol and sugars, and that energy/force could be measured. If the carbon atoms were created from the lighter elements, there would be a release of energy in the form of heat or photons, and those could be measured.