What do we mean by “proof” when testing whether something is true?

The scientific method of proof requires phenomena that are testable by being reproducible in a controlled environment. That is, they are repeatable. Historical events, since they occur only once, do not lend themselves to the scientific method of proof. Neither do definitions of beauty, aesthetic values, etc.

In other words, the scientific method is limited and doesn’t apply to all of reality. Therefore, we cannot use the scientific method to test the claim that God came into history—that is, whether the historical Jesus was the incarnation of God. But, then, neither can we use the scientific method to prove that we went shopping yesterday or to determine who is guilty of crimes.

For these instances, we routinely accept the legal method of proof, such as with our system of courts, judges, and juries. A case of evidence is presented which the court weighs. A judge or jury considers the evidence, then issues a judgment or decision about the matter being tried. The decision depends on whether the court is persuaded beyond a reasonable doubt by the evidence. This rational approach is the method of choice for weighing events in history, including testing the historical validity of the New Testament and the Christian claim that Jesus is God.

The message in presentations given by FaithSearch teachers— we call it the “Gospel with evidence”—asks each attendee to be judge and jury in coming to a decision regarding the adequacy of the evidence presented.