Does god exist? The answer is not complicated. There is no evidence

3. More about complexity and elegance.......

There is a popular idea that the earth, solar system, and universe are perfectly designed for human existence, but the history of the earth, and the universe in general, is a series of violent disruptive events. Human and other life forms have adapted to the conditions that currently exist, but extinctions have occurred in the past and more are likely. The universe is filled mostly by vacuum, deadly radiation, and temperature extremes which are very hostile to life. To surmise from the observed complexity that the earth was designed as a special place for life is like firing an arrow in the air, and drawing a target around wherever it lands, or just because the water puddle fits the hole it is in does not mean the hole was designed for the water puddle. Instead of earth conditions being designed for life, life forms have adapted to the conditions that existed. The earth's geology creates catastrophes that cause wide spread destruction and death. Meteorites and global ice ages lasting millions of years have caused mass extinction of species. Rules of physics dictate these events, but the consequence is often disorder. The survival of many earth inhabitants depends on their ability to kill and devour others. This violence and instability is not what you would desire from deliberate design.

Complexity does not require intelligence. We see that the complex things humans make require some intelligence. Based on this observation, we assume there is a universal rule where object construction requires intelligence. This may be the rule for things produced by intelligent agents (humans), but it is not the rule for all things. Very long running, simple processes can also produce complexity. This is an inversion of how we normally think complex things originate, but is easier to understand if you consider that evolution is not an intelligent process.

Complex life on earth is the results of many cycles of very small changes. Some of these small changes improve the odds for reproduction and some do not. The complexity we perceive is the results of a simple process that keeps characteristics that enhance reproduction and lose those that do not.

Attributing the origin of the universe to an intelligent creator is a reasoning fallacy that explains one complex mystery (the origin of the universe) with another complex mystery (a god).

4. More on faith......

We insist that engineers, financial advisors, physicians, etc. have reason and evidence for what they do, but religious leaders are not held to the same standard. Intelligent people lower their requirements for evidence when pressed about their religious faith. Faith in an idea is not evidence that it is true. If there was sufficient evidence faith would not be necessary.

5. More on billions believe.......

Many still think the earth is just a few thousand years old. Belief in witches was common in parts of Europe from the 15th to 17th century, and thousands of people were executed during periods of witch hysteria. For long periods many believed owning another person as a slave was normal. Most members of each major religion think all the other religions are wrong. Billions of people can harbor a belief that is not true. Education, intelligence, and knowledge of the natural world gradually eliminate superstitious beliefs.

6. More on disproving.......

At some point in the past of many cultures and individuals the idea of a god was introduced. Adequate evidence for the existence of a god was not in supplied at those initial points, and has not appeared since. It is not the responsibility of non-believers to counter a claim that was never substantiated to begin with. Evidence is necessary before a claim, as incredible as a supernatural entity, can be accepted as true. It is not reasonable to just say something exists, and to claim its existence cannot be disproved. This is especially true for something that cannot be seen, touched, heard, tested, or otherwise demonstrated. The words "prove" or "proof" are not suitable for this debate. Proof from either side is unlikely. All we have is the quality and quantity of evidence and reasonable judgment.

7. More about the religious experience.....

There's no evidence that religious experiences are caused by any form of communication or interaction with a god. There is evidence that they are constructs of the human mind. Neurons in specific areas of the brain become excited by ideas, images, names, and words. Practiced meditators can excite neurons in certain brain areas and suppress neuron activity in another area. As in some other religious questions, explaining these events with the presence of a god is unnecessary, and replaces one mystery with a bigger one.