It is said that question is the key to knowledge. However, having the right knowledge depends upon getting the right answers to the posed questions. Thus, asking the right questions and finding out the right answers is necessary for gaining true knowledge. Various questions that we ask or have in our mind can be classified into the following two broad categories: 

1. Empirical questions

2. Non-empirical questions

Empirical questions are those questions that can be answered with the help of observations and/or experimentation. For example, the question “Do chickens lay eggs or do they give birth to live young ones?” The answer, of course, is that chickens lay eggs. How did we know this? We know this because human beings have observed chickens laying eggs instead of giving birth to live young ones. In the same way, we can conduct experiments to answer many empirical questions. An experiment is like a controlled test to see cause and effect. It is a scientific method to test a hypothesis by manipulating variables and observing the results in a controlled environment. Questions in the field of science, economics, and history are mostly empirical questions that can be answered by observation and/or experimentation.  

Non-empirical questions are those questions that cannot be answered with the help of observations and/or experimentation. A group of non-empirical questions, however, can be answered by proofs based on some stipulated definitions or axioms. For example, the question “Is 9 a prime number?” is a non-empirical question. We cannot answer this question by observing the number nine as 9 or IX are not actually the number nine but are only numerals that represent the concept of number nine. Number 9 is a concept that we have in our minds. Thus, we cannot observe or experiment with the actual number 9 as it is just a sort of abstraction. However, we can answer this question of whether 9 is a prime number or not by running some mathematical proofs based on some stipulated definitions and axioms. Such mathematical questions that are non-empirical in nature, can be answered by certain proofs from stipulated definitions or axioms. 

There are, however, questions that can neither be answered by observations and/or experimentation nor can be answered by proofs from stipulated definitions and axioms. Such questions are called philosophical questions. There are many philosophical questions on which human beings have pondered throughout history. Many philosophical questions delve into the fundamental nature of existence, knowledge, value, and humanity. The following are examples of some well-known philosophical questions that are related to our topic: 

• Does God exist?

• Who is the creator of the universe?

• Is there any life after death?

• Does my mind continue to exist after my bodily death?

• Do I have free will?

• What is the basis of morality?

• What is good and what is bad?

• What is the meaning of life?

• What is the best way to live?

• What is a fair way to arrange a society?

The human quest for knowledge and truth is an inherent desire that has driven human beings throughout history. This insatiable curiosity manifests in our constant questioning, like: Why are there stars in the sky? How did life begin on this planet? This eagerness to understand various things compels us to explore, experiment, and constantly refine our perception of the world. This has resulted in a vast library of knowledge we possess, encompassing fields like science, philosophy, and art. Nevertheless, the concept of absolute truth remains elusive as new discoveries often challenge previous assumptions, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of knowledge. 

Philosophical questions mentioned in the previous section can be incredibly profound and have been pondered by thinkers for centuries. Many of these questions are of primary importance, not only for virtue and goodness in this world but also for the redemption of our souls in the Hereafter. 

Philosophers and religious leaders are the two groups of people who have formally tried to answer philosophical questions, as these matters are directly related to the field of philosophy and religion. Nevertheless, people from other areas have also tried to answer some of these questions. For example, some scientists have made comments about the existence or non-existence of God, although this matter is not directly related to their field of enquiry. Thus, people have applied various approaches like rational reasoning, esoteric inspiration, science, and religion in an attempt to reach the truth on such matters. It is therefore necessary to understand these approaches and to understand their ability to answer philosophical questions for reaching the truth. 

In this website (and my book), I have introduced all such major approaches along with their strengths and weaknesses in answering questions regarding the existence of God.