Five Arguments for the Non-Existence of God

April 07, 2007 by
G. Stolyarov II  
G. Stolyarov II
G. Stolyarov II
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As an atheist, I have often been asked to give my reasons for my fundamental disbelief in God. This is an opportunity to present the essence of some of my ideas on this subject. The reasons I personally reject religion are extremely specific and manifold, and the following list is by no
 means exhaustive. I have recently published an 81-page treatise, A Rational Cosmology, where the fundamentals of my ideas about the universe are thoroughly elaborated on. This essay is an adaptation of some of these ideas to the question of God in particular-- along with some elaborations not present in A Rational Cosmology.

1) The Universe Creation Argument

God is said to be the Creator of the universe and all that exists. There I have my first issue. In A Rational Cosmology, Chapter II, subtitled, "The Universe," I write:

The universe cannot be created.

If the universe is "everything that exists," and it could be created, then, whatever entity could create the universe, would be outside that universe. It follows, then, that such an entity would be outside "everything that exists." An entity "outside" existence does not exist! A non-existent entity cannot do anything. Creation is an action that an entity must perform; it cannot be performed if the entity that would perform it does not exist!

It is instructive to note that this principle automatically refutes both the theory that "God created the universe" and that "the Big Bang created the universe." Even if it were possible that all currently known entities were intelligently designed, they could not have been designed by a being that is somehow "beyond existence." Rather, this being would need to be a delimited entity in its own right, with its own peculiar attributes (qualities) and capacities for action (relationships with other entities). Let the reader recall that everything which is or happens must in some manner involve some entity or entities. There are no such things as "pure" qualities, "pure" relationships, or "pure" creation, apart from the entities that exhibit, relate, and create.

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The things that existed were created by other things that existed before them, and the same can be said of those other things. "Everything that exists" was not created at a single instant in time, but rather different things came into being at different times. This is just what we observe on an everyday basis. Now extrapolate it indefinitely into the past.
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Posted on 04/22/2009 at 10:04:55 AM

If the universe is "everything that exists," and it could be created, then, whatever entity could create the universe, would be outside that universe. It follows, then, that such an entity would be outside "everything that exists." An entity "outside" existence does not exist! A non-existent entity cannot do anything. Creation is an action that an entity must perform; it cannot be performed if the entity that would perform it does not exist! Then how did the things that existed came into being?
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Posted on 04/22/2009 at 10:04:17 AM

It is said that god exists everywhere. So, is it necesasary to creat the universe from outside of it? Who can prove that God have not created the Universe in him?
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Posted on 04/21/2009 at 6:04:03 AM

"If the universe is "everything that exists," and it could be created, then, whatever entity could create the universe, would be outside that universe. It follows, then, that such an entity would be outside "everything that exists." An entity "outside" existence does not exist! A non-existent entity cannot do anything. Creation is an action that an entity must perform; it cannot be performed if the entity that would perform it does not exist!" Isn't the whole first paragraph just syllogistic rhetoric? I think that kind of reasoning is fallacious.
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Posted on 02/21/2009 at 12:02:29 PM

You should have 10 stars. I have posed the same questions to myself and understand entirely with your reasoning. You articulate your points perfectly. I look forward to reading more from you. Thankyou.
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Posted on 12/07/2007 at 12:12:00 AM

great read
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Posted on 12/02/2007 at 5:12:00 PM

Nice article, but ofc there are many arguments. For example. On 5). "If God knows what we will choose in the future, how can we have free will, since our choices are already determined by what God knows them to be?" Sorry to say but this is illogical! If somebody knows something it doesnt' mean he determines it. He just knows...simply as that. If somebody knows what the other will do it doesn't mean the other is not free. The problem is what if the first person told the second "you will move your hand in 3 secs". Would the second be able to move his hand? Assuming he had a free will he could choose. So the first would be wrong. Assume that the first didn't tell the second anything. The second makes a movement he desires. The first tells him "I knew you would do that". That might be true or false. In order to know for sure you have to be able to read his mind. And what is exactly free will isn't that simple. Matter is not free. It obeys material laws. How can a material mind
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Posted on 08/20/2007 at 12:08:00 AM

Though I do not consider myself an atheist per se, I certainly do not believe in an almighty being as defined by modern Christians. Your arguments are astoundingly persuasive and relevant. It amazes me every day that the world is made up of so many people who believe in a deity simply because they are "told" it exists. Fantastic words!
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Posted on 06/02/2007 at 11:06:00 PM

Mr. Berry, thank you for your readership and kind words. I am glad that you enjoyed this article and that you have such a high opinion of it.
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Posted on 05/03/2007 at 12:05:00 PM

I say this should be on the top rated list, rather than the Christian based fanboy articles that have been getting rated up lately. This is a very good read, and you're intellectuality definitly helps in your arguments as well. I love philosophy, especially when it crashes with religion. 5/5.
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Posted on 05/03/2007 at 10:05:00 AM

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