The question of whether it is possible to prove the absence of a god is a topic that has been debated in philosophical, scientific, and religious circles for a long time. There are several reasons why people might insist that it is impossible to prove the absence of a god rather than simply stating the lack of compelling evidence:
Nature of the concept of God: The concept of God, as described in various religious and philosophical traditions, often involves a being that is beyond the bounds of empirical observation or physical evidence. Some argue that God is inherently metaphysical and transcendent, making it difficult or impossible to subject the idea of God to scientific investigation or empirical evidence.
Burden of proof: In debates about the existence of God, some individuals might contend that the burden of proof should rest with those making the positive claim (i.e., the existence of God). They argue that since the existence of God is a positive assertion, it is up to those making the claim to provide compelling evidence to support it. In their view, the absence of evidence for God's existence doesn't necessarily prove that God does not exist but rather shifts the responsibility to those making the claim to provide evidence.
Philosophical arguments: Some philosophical arguments, such as agnosticism, hold that the existence of God is inherently unknowable or beyond the scope of human understanding. They argue that the question of God's existence lies beyond the realm of empirical evidence and scientific inquiry, making it impossible to prove or disprove God's existence through traditional means of investigation.
Respect for diverse beliefs: Many people recognize that beliefs about the existence of God are deeply personal and often tied to cultural, historical, and religious traditions. Insisting on the impossibility of proving God's absence might be a way of respecting the diversity of beliefs and acknowledging the limitations of human knowledge in understanding complex metaphysical questions.
It's important to note that the question of God's existence is complex and multifaceted, and people may hold a wide range of beliefs and perspectives on the matter. Some individuals assert the existence of God based on faith or personal experiences, while others maintain a skeptical or atheistic stance due to the absence of empirical evidence. The topic continues to be a subject of ongoing discussion and exploration across various fields of study.