Proofs for the Existence of God

Question

What’s some proofs for the existence of G-d and the Afterlife- to someone that is an atheist?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    I empathize with your question about proof for God’s existence. I personally find Maimonides’ approach to be the strongest proof for the existence of one God, who created the world, took the Jewish People out of Egyptian slavery and gave the Torah at Mount Sinai. He writes: “Look at the way in which the Torah was given to an entire nation in person (Deuteronomy 5:4) – a Torah that teaches about the Creation along with everything necessary for life in this world and the next.”

    The Sinai experience has been passed down from parent to child, from generation to generation – to this very day. It is the same history and teachings that are transmitted yearly at the Passover Seder, and are transmitted daily in study halls throughout the world. This is the testimony of an entire people to the truth that they experienced thousands of years ago: There is one God who created the world and humanity, gave us the Torah and is Eternal.

    I suggest reading one of the classic books of Jewish philosophy called the Kuzari, written a thousand years ago by Rabbi Yehudah HaLevi – a renowned Torah scholar and poet – in the form of a dialog between a Rabbi and a non-Jewish king. It is theological debate between a Greek philosopher, a Christian, a Muslim and a Jew. It is truly fascinating. There is an excellent new translation (with footnotes) by Feldheim Press, which should be easily available.

    I would also suggest:
    Living Up to the Truth by Rabbi D. Gottlieb (downloadable at: ohr.edu/explore_judaism/living_up_to_the_truth/living_up_to_the_truth/992
    Permission to Receive by Lawrence Keleman
    Anatomy of Search by Rabbi Akiva Tatz

    Please also allow me to also suggest that you try out a Gateways retreat (preferably over a Shabbat, but failing that start with a lecture or two). The classes and the retreats offered by Gateways are excellent and cater to all ages and religious observance, in an appealing and non-threatening. You can try looking at what they have to offer at: www.gatewaysonline.org

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team