Can Reason Prove the Existence of a Creator?

Sagiv asked: "Hello. I read previous answers and I must ask: Even if the conclusion of a creator's existence is very logical, and even if everything points to the creation of the world and the meaning of life, how can we truly be sure of anything? And what if I am wrong? Thank you for addressing this."

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First of all, we must understand that the conclusion of the existence of a creator has been around for more than 4000 years, and it shows no signs of fading. As science progresses, it only discovers more complexity in existing structures. This logic is as eternal as human existence itself. It is impossible for science to discover that there is no Hashem, after the great complexity has already been observed, just as it is impossible for science to discover there is no sun after it has been observed. To deny creation, one would have to deny all the scientific knowledge we have, all the complexity, and all the findings that indicate a very high intelligence. This is impossible from a realistic standpoint.       

A logical person should live their life according to the knowledge they have. You have the fact that the world is designed, the fact that the world was created, and from here comes the logical conclusion that there is a creator of the world. You have the history of the Jewish people, and from this, you have the fact of the divine revelation of Hashem. These are facts, and even if it were possible to doubt facts, we must adhere to them and believe in them, because this is what makes us rational people.

You ask, what if we are wrong? In the same way, we could ask, what if we are wrong and the world is indeed flat? What if we are wrong and dwarves live on the moon? The answer is, if we have no reason to doubt our knowledge, then we will not doubt it. Do you doubt that your parents are indeed your parents, just because of the technical possibility that you might be adopted? Of course not, so why would you doubt the existence of a creator of the world, when the facts scream that there is a creator?

Furthermore, your very ability to conclude about the divinity beyond material is itself proof of the divine power given to you, demonstrating your importance in the eyes of Hashem, who gave you the ability to connect with Him. You are able to deduce the existence of Hashem because Hashem Himself has given you the ability to do so.

Straight logic provides self-confidence in life, which obviously cannot be said about the atheist who denies the existence of Hashem. Imagine an atheist arriving at the afterlife, and Hashem asks him: "Was the world I created not complex enough for you to conclude my existence? Great scientists are considered geniuses when they understand even a little of my wisdom, and yet you thought all my creation was the result of a blind coincidence? I gave you straight logic, so why didn't you conclude what was apparent? Why did you believe that this world was created by chance, from nothing? Why did you reject your own reasoning?"

The atheist, of course, will have no answer, because no philosophy or cunning in the world can stand against such straightforward and simple logic (search on Google for "A Fatal Conversation" and enjoy a similar dialogue between an atheist and Hashem).

I can live with a calm and confident heart, because I know I did the right thing and was honest with myself and my reasoning until the end. That is what provides self-confidence in any situation - internal honesty. This is all that is required of you in this world, to be honest and true to yourself, and thus you will achieve the truth.

Of course, seeing with your own eyes is not the same as hearing with your ears. Therefore, you must seek the personal religious experience in life, which will also provide you with emotional confidence. Even after hearing all the world's studies on the benefits of sports, until you try sports yourself, you won't know how much vitality and health it adds to your life. The Torah leads you to the truth, but the mitzvot and prayers draw you closer to Hashem, allowing you to experience His guidance personally.

The Torah begins with logic, but then offers devotion of the heart: "And you shall know today and take to your heart that Hashem is the God" (Deuteronomy 30:39).

Once it has been proven to you in your mind how true the Torah is, continue and strengthen now in the belief of the heart. Invest more in prayers to the Creator of the world, occasionally isolate yourself and speak to Him in your words, fulfill mitzvot for Heaven's sake with love, and of course - read daily in moral books. Only in this way will you strengthen your emotional connection to the truth, and experience Hashem through your soul. Good luck!

Search on Google for the booklet "A Fatal Conversation" which logically explains how to reach the conclusion that there is a creator of the world and meaning to life.