Re: [asa] The God hypothesis- a test

I have yet to see a scientific test designed to study the efficacy of prayer
that is able to control all outside factors. I don't think such a test is
possible, which is why I think testing for God's existence from
sociobiologic prayer studies is misguided. There are other, more
reasonable, methods of testing for God's existence.

If you consider the biblical criteria for prayer suggested by the late 19th
century Princeton theologian Charles Hodge, the inadequacy of prayer studies
becomes self evident. Hodge said effective payer must exhibit:

1. Sincerity
2. Reverence
3. Humility
4. Importunity
5. Submission
6. Faith
7. Asking in the name of Christ

Dawkins, Harris and Stenger all cite the same prayer study in their books.
If I recall accurately, that study had people in various cities in the
country pray for people they didn't know, except by first name. Even if
every other factor existed, I submit that it is impossible to pray with
sincerity and importunity under such circumstances. I think many modern
Christians have adopted a more lackadaisical approach to prayer than we
ought, hence we aren't as apt to recognize the importance of importunity in
our prayer life unless we're thrown into the middle of a dire situation and
the target of our prayers is someone dear to us.

Blessings,
RC
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dehler, Bernie" <bernie.dehler@intel.com>
To: <asa@calvin.edu>
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:24 PM
Subject: [asa] The God hypothesis- a test

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)?

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Received on Fri May 16 09:19:26 2008