To illustrate this problem of knowledge vs opinion or belief, consider one of the great, fundamental controversies of all the ages, the existence (or non-existence) of a God.

One person says, "I know that there is a God" (using the term "God" to mean a personalized, anthropomorphic interventionist in human affairs). Another person says, "I know that there is no God" (using the term in roughly the same sense as the first person).

Both persons are in the same category. Both are expressing opinions. Thus far, all human reflections concerning the existence of an anthropomorphic entity consists of opinion, or unproven hypothesis.

Either opinion may be correct; neither opinion constitutes knowledge. Until substantial evidence can be shown in either direction, all such statements are opinion. We usually say that they are based on "faith".

For example, the individual who says, "I know that there is a God," will seek to substantiate (prove) his opinion on the grounds that apparently miraculous intervention has occurred in certain specific cases. However, he cannot demonstrate that what he interprets as miraculous intervention does not result from causes other than a divine source.

Yet similarly, the individual who says, "I know that there is no God," will seek to substantiate his opinion on the grounds that there is no evidence to sustain the statement that there is a God. However, a lack of evidence does not establish knowledge. You cannot prove a negative.

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