GCSE Philosophy and Ethics Practice Exam

Why does lack of evidence suggest that religious experiences may not prove the existence of God?

1. There is no historical documentation

2. The events are often long and detailed

3. There is no testable evidence to prove religious experiences

4. The testimony is universally accepted

The correct answer is: There is no historical documentation

The reasoning behind the assertion that a lack of evidence suggests religious experiences may not prove the existence of God is centered on the notion of testability and empirical verification. Specifically, without testable evidence to substantiate these experiences, one cannot draw definitive conclusions about their validity or the existence of God based solely on personal accounts or subjective experiences. In this context, while historical documentation may contribute to the understanding of certain events or experiences, it is the absence of universally accepted, empirical evidence that raises skepticism about the ability of religious experiences to demonstrate the existence of a deity. Religious experiences often rely on individual perceptions, which can vary greatly, thus challenging their status as solid proof of God's existence.