Re: [asa] The God hypothesis- a test

From: Jim Armstrong <jarmstro@qwest.net>
Date: Fri May 16 2008 - 01:58:50 EDT

If there is no statistical difference, does that mean that He doesn't care?
JimA [Friend of ASA]

Lynn Walker wrote:

On 5/16/08, Dehler, Bernie <bernie.dehler@intel.com> wrote:

Hi all-

A scientific question about God.  Is it possible to test for the
existence of the Christian God?  Here's a scenario.

Hypothesis: Those who are born-again Christians are born of the Spirit
and have a new relationship with God.  They can pray to God, and God
will sometimes answer their prayers.

Test: Take two groups.  One group has self-identified born-again
Christians, the other are self-described atheists.  Both groups
write-down their goals (career, medical needs, etc.) The Christian prays
for their needs, while the atheist doesn't.  Then see if there is a
statistical difference.  (This is a broad outline; a real test would
have much tighter rules and controls.)

If God exists, wouldn't this "catch Him in the act?"  Is this a valid
test and hypothesis? I'm vaguely aware that some have actually tried
such a hypothesis/test (similar) and saw no statistical difference.  If
there's no difference between the groups, does that mean that either God
doesn't exist, or God doesn't care (as Jesus taught that God our father
cares for us)?

 

If God answers, "no", does that mean he doesn't care?

 

Lynn

 

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