Faith in the Unseen: Believing in a God Beyond Measurement
> Belief in an unseen God has been a defining characteristic of numerous religions and philosophies throughout human history. This belief persists despite the fact that God, as a supreme being or divine force, cannot be directly observed or measured using scientific instruments or empirical methods. The conviction that there is a higher power or transcendent reality beyond the physical universe poses a profound challenge to a strictly materialistic worldview. This article delves into the various ways in which belief in an unseen God is justified and sustained, drawing from natural phenomena, philosophical reasoning, scriptural insight, and the work of influential Christian writer C.S. Lewis.
Natural World: Beyond Empirical Measurement
The natural world offers a compelling starting point for considering the existence of realities that escape empirical measurement. Love, for instance, is a profound human experience that, while not directly observable in a scientific sense, is universally recognized and valued. It influences behavior, shapes societies, and enriches individual lives. Similarly, abstract concepts such as morality, purpose, and beauty are integral to human existence, yet they do not have physical form or measurable properties.
These intangible aspects of life suggest that reality extends beyond what can be seen or measured. If we accept the reality of love, morality, and beauty, we open ourselves to the possibility that other unseen realities, including the existence of God, may also be genuine. The presence of order, harmony, and complexity in the natural world can be seen as pointing toward a transcendent reality that underpins and sustains the material universe.
Reason: The Argument from Design
Philosophical arguments for the existence of God often invoke the apparent design and order found in the universe. The argument from design, or teleological argument, asserts that the intricate complexity and fine-tuning of the universe suggest the handiwork of an intelligent designer. From the laws of physics that govern the cosmos to the elaborate structures within living cells, the universe exhibits a level of organization that some argue is unlikely to have arisen by chance alone.
Advocates of this argument contend that just as a watch implies a watchmaker, the detailed and purposeful arrangement of the universe implies the existence of a divine creator. Although this creator may not be directly visible, the effects of their craftsmanship are evident in the world around us, providing indirect evidence for their existence.
Bible: Faith as Confidence in the Unseen
In the Christian tradition, the concept of faith is central to the belief in an unseen God. The New Testament book of Hebrews offers a definition of faith that encapsulates this idea: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). This passage acknowledges that faith involves a trust in realities that are not accessible to the physical senses.
Throughout the Bible, individuals are commended for their faith in God despite the absence of visible proof. The patriarch Abraham is celebrated for his willingness to follow God’s call without knowing where it would lead. The disciples of Jesus are portrayed as having left everything to follow him, even though they did not fully comprehend his divine mission. These stories emphasize that faith is not about having empirical evidence but about placing trust in God’s character and promises.
Quote/Source: Faith in the Unseen in “Mere Christianity”
C.S. Lewis, in his book “Mere Christianity,” addresses the challenge of believing in something that cannot be seen. He draws an analogy between faith in God and our belief in historical events or the consciousness of other people—realities we accept despite not having direct sensory confirmation. Lewis argues that we believe in these things based on the evidence available to us and the testimony of others.
Lewis suggests that faith in God is not irrational but is a reasoned response to the evidence we observe in the world, our experiences, and the historical claims of Christianity, particularly the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Faith, then, is not a blind leap into the dark but a step into the light of reasoned belief, supported by the clues we find in the natural world, our inner experiences, and the historical record.
Conclusion:
Belief in an unseen God is a complex and multifaceted aspect of human experience. It engages our capacity for love, our search for meaning, and our desire for moral grounding. It is informed by the apparent design in the universe and sustained by the biblical call to faith. Thinkers like C.S. Lewis provide a rational framework for understanding this belief, suggesting that faith is a legitimate response to the evidence of God’s presence in the world.
In a broader sense, believing in a God that cannot be seen or measured is an acknowledgment that reality is not confined to the material and that there are dimensions of existence that transcend our sensory experiences. It is an affirmation that there is more to life than what can be touched, seen, or quantified—a conviction that has inspired countless individuals to explore the deeper mysteries of existence and seek a connection with the divine.
