NationStates Jolt Archive

Why do people who believe in God (or gods) do so. Don't give me some cock and bull answer like because its the truth or something like that. Finally dont try to convince me to come to God because I'm already a Christian. I'm just curious about people's reasons.

Like for me, I belive in God because I can't psychologically handle the notion of just dieing and having that be the end. Therefore I believe in God and an afterlife.

Why do people who believe in God (or gods) do so. Don't give me some cock and bull answer like because its the truth or something like that. Finally dont try to convince me to come to God because I'm already a Christian. I'm just curious about people's reasons.

Like for me, I belive in God because I can't psychologically handle the notion of just dieing and having that be the end. Therefore I believe in God and an afterlife.


What I'm wondering is how you pick which god or afterlife to believe in. Based on which one seems nicer? Please enlighten me on this.

People probably believe in god for a variety of reasons, but I would guess the most common ones are fear (similar to yours), misinformation, or social conformity motivators.

What I'm wondering is how you pick which god or afterlife to believe in. Based on which one seems nicer? Please enlighten me on this.

People probably believe in god for a variety of reasons, but I would guess the most common ones are fear (similar to yours), misinformation, or social conformity motivators.


Ever heard of a feeling? People who open themselfs to it will know the truth.

What I'm wondering is how you pick which god or afterlife to believe in. Based on which one seems nicer? Please enlighten me on this.

People probably believe in god for a variety of reasons, but I would guess the most common ones are fear (similar to yours), misinformation, or social conformity motivators.

I think its usually by childhood influence.

Ever heard of a feeling? People who open themselfs to it will know the truth.
Open themselves to what?

Open themselves to what?


Nevermind. :rolleyes:

Nevermind. :rolleyes:
Open themselves to religion, do you mean?

Open themselves to religion, do you mean?


No. Most religions were created by Governments to oppress their people. But there are other realms of thought that have nothing to do with Allah.

you said Allah. do you mean Allah in the Muslim scence or just as a generic word for God?

No. Most religions were created by Governments to oppress their people. But there are other realms of thought that have nothing to do with Allah.
Okay, then let me rephrase...

You are saying that if people open their mind to the possiblity that there is a higher being, they will probably believe that? I also happen to think that the vice versa is true. If people open their mind to the possiblity that there is no higher being, they could believe that as well. If you open your mind to both possiblities, neither guess has any more evidence than the either.

you said Allah. do you mean Allah in the Muslim scence or just as a generic word for God?


You can't be serious? Allah is the Islamic god.

Okay, then let me rephrase...

You are saying that if people open their mind to the possiblity that there is a higher being, they will probably believe that? I also happen to think that the vice versa is true. If people open their mind to the possiblity that there is no higher being, they could believe that as well. If you open your mind to both possiblities, neither guess has any more evidence than the either.


higher being or other things, Like seeing the future, an afterlife, and other things.

well I think that if you consider both you will end up flip floping between the two such as I did until you find a backbone structure to support one of them. For example, for me it was the Left Behind books.

higher being or other things, Like seeing the future, an afterlife, and other things.
Will you admit that if you open your mind to all possibilities it is hard to stay set on any one because none of them really have much in the way of real proof.

Will you admit that if you open your mind to all possibilities it is hard to stay set on any one because none of them really have much in the way of real proof.


That is what you belief, I do not.

Ever heard of a feeling? People who open themselfs to it will know the truth.

So you are willing to base your life on a feeling? I'm not sure people can always trust their feelings. Also, how do you know that Satan isn't sending you that feeling and leading you to the wrong religion?

I additionally wonder if perhaps I could replicate that feeling in you using the right psychological manipulation techniques (the same ones rudimentarally used by preachers).

The advertising industry today is based on eliciting certain feelings in the viewers and linking those feelings to a "brand" in the viewer's subconscious mind. Ad professionals use very sophisticated techniques to try to manipulate your feelings without you noticing. It's not that hard to do, and religion has been doing it for centuries. Just because Budweiser commercials make me feel good about Bud doesn't mean I should go out and buy Bud.

You can't be serious? Allah is the Islamic god.

no need to be rude or snobby (although it seems from your posts they are your greatest skills), I was just asking a question.

That is what you belief, I do not.
Show me something then..convert me..

no need to be rude or snobby (although it seems from your posts they are your greatest skills), I was just asking a question.


From your posts it seems asking stupid questions is your greatest skill.

People believe in god mostly because they are brought up that way. They are taught the gullibility from inception.

What keeps them religious is fear. Its really sad, but hopefully as atheism rises in children, it will spread and soon people will be brought up in such a way where they are brought up not believing, and having to make the leap of faith.

Show me something then..convert me..


Convert you to what?

nobody can show you anything. it is a descision you must come to on your own.

People believe in god mostly because they are brought up that way. They are taught the gullibility from inception.

What keeps them religious is fear. Its really sad, but hopefully as atheism rises in children, it will spread and soon people will be brought up in such a way where they are brought up not believing, and having to make the leap of faith.


I hope that will never happen, unless you force that on people.

Convert you to what?
Whatever it is you believe has more reason to believe it than anything else...you said that if you open your mind to all possibilities some have more proof than others.

From your posts it seems asking stupid questions is your greatest skill.

Wow, God must be proud of you.

well I think that if you consider both you will end up flip floping between the two such as I did until you find a backbone structure to support one of them. For example, for me it was the Left Behind books.

I read the first few Left Behind books, and found them to be very compelling. They made me want to be religious. However, this was no because they convinced me consciously. They just took advantage of my subconscious emotions and used a combination of age-old and recently recognized psychological and literal tricks to elicit those feelings in me.

I acknowledge that I don't know you and can't say for sure, but it seems that the "backbone structure" explanation is a rationalization, a way of bending logic in order to justify an irrational, emotional decision that you can't really justify to yourself. (EDIT: Either logically justify your religion, or leave logic out of it and admit it is not based on reason. You just can't go half-and-half) Left Behind is an intelligent adaptation of one interpretation of the Book of Revelations, but is still a) a work of fiction and b)based on one man's interpretation of the text (I may have the names reversed, but LaHaye did the interpreting and Jenkins just made it into a dramatic, gripping story). I don't think the books are enough to make me choose a religion, and I don't even think they constitute a backbone or structure for a religion. Can you explain this further? Perhaps I am missing something.

nobody can show you anything. it is a descision you must come to on your own.
SaW, don't question my debate tactics. RN said there was more evidence one way or the other. If he can't show this, his argument is nullified. It's called the set-up/strike-down debate strategy.

Whatever it is you believe has more reason to believe it than anything else...you said that if you open your mind to all possibilities some have more proof than others.


I am not here to convert you, You wouldn't believe me anyway.

I am not here to convert you, You wouldn't believe me anyway.
If what you have to base your beliefs on isn't good enough for me, why is it good enough for you?

SaW, don't question my debate tactics. RN said there was more evidence one way or the other. If he can't show this, his argument is nullified. It's called the set-up/strike-down debate strategy.


You haven't proven your side either, and i never said any of that.

If what you have to base your beliefs on isn't good enough for me, why is it good enough for you?

What part of you wouldn't believe me did you not understand?

What part of you wouldn't believe me did you not understand?
Well, since I don't understand exactly how it is I wouldn't believe (since you won't tell me), then it's hard for me to understand the post...so I'll repeat the question...if it is so farfetched that I wouldn't believe it, what makes it good enough that you'd believe it?

I have to admit that I am disappointed that noone is responding to any of my questions. Everyone seems to be preoccupied with bickering with each other. I would like to think that if it was because my posts were dumb, someone would at least bother to tell me. I would also like to think that fear is not the reason that no one is responding.

You haven't proven your side either, and i never said any of that.
I stated that there is no evidence to prop any ideology concerning supreme beings up over any other. How can you prove there isn't evidence? To prove my side, I disprove anyone who disagrees with me. So far, you're the only one, but you won't give me anything to disprove...so I think I'm winning.

(EDIT: Either logically justify your religion, or leave logic out of it and admit it is not based on reason. You just can't go half-and-half)

I will admit there is no obvious logic behind Christianity, but thats what faith is, a firm belief in something for which there is no proof. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

I will admit there is no obvious logic behind Christianity, but thats what faith is, a firm belief in something for which there is no proof. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Pretty poor thing to build an entire religion around isn't it?

Pretty poor thing to build an entire religion around isn't it?

Isn't Atheism based on the faith that there is no God?

Yes--I don't choose because I recognize that no matter what, you're basing it on faith.

Isn't Atheism based on the faith that there is no God?

It sure is. Off course, atheism isn't an (organised) religion, so rather irrelevant to my question.

Isn't Atheism based on the faith that there is no God?

No, it's a disbelief in the existence of gods, and the abhorrence of organized religion which punishes those who attempt to think differently/objectively.

Not to sound harsh or anything, but usually these personal reexaminations of ones belief system aren't done on forums, but done with a mentor... or better yet, on ones own.

You can never truly think for yourself unless you try it.

Inner peace and harmony

Thats probably the closest to what i feel when i go to church or pray. Sounds cheesy and i am sane but that feeling more than anything turned me round from agnostic.

You've got your phenomenon on one hand. Concrete and knowable. On the other hand you've got the incomprehensible. You call it God, but to me, God or no, it remains just that, the unknowable.Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess

(I believe just that) that it is the unknowable, no one knows the answers, (the true answers) to the questions like :how did the earth start, or did it even start at all?

I personally think that a lot of people believe in a god or gods, or a goddess/goddesses because they need something to explain the unknowable (at least what is unknowable at this point).

I am against organized religion (because it uses brainwashing, and discourages people from thinking for themselves and doing their own research).

If someone believes in a god/goddess based on their own personal and individual belief great!

if someone doesn't believe in a god/goddess based on their own personal belief, great!

I also do not believe in forcing your children to take the same religious/non religious beliefs as yourself. A Child should be shown a "gateway" to study all religious/non religious beliefs, and choose which one works best for them. not which one works best for their parents.

I've been hesitant to post in any of these religious threads, and it should be obvious by anyone as to why that may be so...but here's my opinion...

I am atheist, which to me means only that I do not believe in God. At one point in my life I did, so it's not that I haven't tried it. But all those feelings of inner peace and harmony? I never felt any of that, so I decided maybe it wasn't for me.

So instead I've tried a bit of mediation, which is akin to prayer I suppose one could argue, but instead of having faith in a "god" it's more like having faith in myself. And, personally, I think that there would be more reason to have faith in myself than in some higher power that I will never know for sure whether they exist or not.

I have lots of different friends, a nice variety, Jehovah's Witness, Christians, Buddhists, other Atheists, people who prefer same gender relationships, and people who abhore them, and others who would just as soon marry their housepets...

Religion is interesting to me, so long as we're only friendly debating and not arguing...So here's a quick overview about why I don't believe in a God (which I hope slightly answer's this main topic).

I have a general distrust in people. This is because I have been hurt by family, friends, and complete strangers. But I know that what they did was because they had their own wants/desires/needs that had to be fulfilled and not everyone can be happy, there will be some good times and bad times for everybody. Now, I believe people follow thos wants/desires/needs because it is survival instinct, to look out for yourself and no one else but your mate and offspring when the time calls for it. The same inner harmony, in my opinion, can be reached through meditation, or just through deep thought.

If I did not make much sense, feel free to question me. If not on here, I'm available via telegram.

You can never fully explain the unknown. Neither with religion, or with science. Claims that a belief system explains "everything" is hubris.

AkenatensHope was posting when I was, so I didn't get to read it until after I'd sent my message...but that pretty much sums it up for me as well, thank you for putting it so simply. Kudos to you, AkenatensHope!

AkenatensHope was posting when I was, so I didn't get to read it until after I'd sent my message...but that pretty much sums it up for me as well, thank you for putting it so simply. Kudos to you, AkenatensHope!


No problem! anytime :)

Perhaps people believe because they are unwilling to accept that we are no different than any other animal on this planet. We try to differentiate ourselves from the rest of the animals by believing that only we have souls, etc.

Such belief is not necessary when you consider that we are the only species which can allow those members of the species with a genetic defect, for want of a better term, to live long lives.

Consider, there are no blind lions or lame gazelles, etc

Then again, I could be wrong.

Remeber all, opinions are like backsides, everyone's got one

Consider, there are no blind lions or lame gazelles, etc

Sure there are!
...
For a short while...

If RaidersNation still expects me to prove my side of the argument, I'll show him this post which explains why I don't have to explain my side of the argument: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6807858&postcount=42

I've been hesitant to post in any of these religious threads, and it should be obvious by anyone as to why that may be so...but here's my opinion...

I am atheist, which to me means only that I do not believe in God. At one point in my life I did, so it's not that I haven't tried it. But all those feelings of inner peace and harmony? I never felt any of that, so I decided maybe it wasn't for me.

So instead I've tried a bit of mediation, which is akin to prayer I suppose one could argue, but instead of having faith in a "god" it's more like having faith in myself. And, personally, I think that there would be more reason to have faith in myself than in some higher power that I will never know for sure whether they exist or not.

I have lots of different friends, a nice variety, Jehovah's Witness, Christians, Buddhists, other Atheists, people who prefer same gender relationships, and people who abhore them, and others who would just as soon marry their housepets...

Religion is interesting to me, so long as we're only friendly debating and not arguing...So here's a quick overview about why I don't believe in a God (which I hope slightly answer's this main topic).

I have a general distrust in people. This is because I have been hurt by family, friends, and complete strangers. But I know that what they did was because they had their own wants/desires/needs that had to be fulfilled and not everyone can be happy, there will be some good times and bad times for everybody. Now, I believe people follow thos wants/desires/needs because it is survival instinct, to look out for yourself and no one else but your mate and offspring when the time calls for it. The same inner harmony, in my opinion, can be reached through meditation, or just through deep thought.

If I did not make much sense, feel free to question me. If not on here, I'm available via telegram.

Actually, that makes a lot of sense. Inner harmory is a very noble goal to have. Nice post!

I know I'm a bit late and the topic has kind of diverged, but here goes.

Although I have a lot of reasons, I can narrow all my feelings down to one "big one". I consider myself religious because I think the world is big. Very big, and very complex. I have a simple belief that there is more to existance than meets the eye. Because, let's face it: our eyes suck. I've been raised Roman Catholic, but Christian Mystic is a better description of my beliefs. I'm mostly Catholic, but I disagree with a lot of the dogma.

For example, no hell. Eternal punishment didn't make sense to me, and I'm aware of several ways (via Catholic lore) that you can free people from hell. So, taking a step back and examining the system as a whole, I've concluded that eternal damnation is just a motivational tool to scare us into being good. Picture God as a parent, with humans being children. The parent knows that the child needs to eat his/her veggies, but no child likes brussel-sprout-kidney-bean surprise with eggplant. (eww)... So the parent establishes a reward/punishment system.
"If you eat that, you'll have desert. If you don't, a one-armed man with a hook will break into our home and gut you." (Inspired by the Far Side)
Obviously the hook man isn't going to come. But you still need to occasionally eat things you don't want to, because it makes you better. Mom knows best. Trust her.

so what happens if even after the threat you still dont eat your veggies?

For me it is what the religion can give to you, how quickly and with as little need for you to return what it's done for you. Which is why I was considering Buddhism and have now switched to seriously considering Satanism.

Why do people who believe in God (or gods) do so. Don't give me some cock and bull answer like because its the truth or something like that. Finally dont try to convince me to come to God because I'm already a Christian. I'm just curious about people's reasons.

Like for me, I belive in God because I can't psychologically handle the notion of just dieing and having that be the end. Therefore I believe in God and an afterlife.

I have a few reasons for being Christian:

1) I grew up Protestant Christian.
2) I believe in God because he has answered my prayers (nothing big like miracles or anything like that).
3) I think that Christianity makes sense and that the Christian church has good morals in mind.

Why do people who believe in God (or gods) do so. Don't give me some cock and bull answer like because its the truth or something like that. Finally dont try to convince me to come to God because I'm already a Christian. I'm just curious about people's reasons.

Like for me, I belive in God because I can't psychologically handle the notion of just dieing and having that be the end. Therefore I believe in God and an afterlife.

Because they are weak-minded and cannot see the beauty in life w/o attributing it to some mythical creature.

Because they are weak-minded and cannot see the beauty in life w/o attributing it to some mythical creature.

A tangent -- Miraldi, if people happen to believe in something you don't, at the end of the day, does it really affect YOUR OWN life all that much?

No?

Why pick at them, then?

A tangent -- Miraldi, if people happen to believe in something you don't, at the end of the day, does it really affect YOUR OWN life all that much?

No?

Why pick at them, then?

It's not really picking. It's my opinion, which was asked for, was it not?

I have spent many, many hours pondering why a person in this day and age would put so much faith into a mythical creature. With all of the scientific knowledge we have today, it truly stumps me.

The only thing that I could come up with is that they need something to believe in, as they evidentally do not feel that they can believe in themselves.

. . .at the end of the day, does it really affect YOUR OWN life all that much?


Further, when the far right in the U.S. is trying to formulate laws that have firm roots in thier religion, yes it does affect me.

I believe in God first because of personal experience. Also, I think that God is the only logical possibility.

I think others believe in Christianity or other religions because for some, it's what they want to hear. Religion tells them that there is something after you die besides nothing. It tells you that there is hope for human kind. It gives them a reason to live.

For me it is what the religion can give to you, how quickly and with as little need for you to return what it's done for you. Which is why I was considering Buddhism and have now switched to seriously considering Satanism.

you can't get something for nothing

you can't get something for nothing
I know that. I said get as much as possible for as little as possible in return, so it's a comparison between religions to find 'the best'.

Why do people who believe in God (or gods) do so. Don't give me some cock and bull answer like because its the truth or something like that. Finally dont try to convince me to come to God because I'm already a Christian. I'm just curious about people's reasons.

Like for me, I belive in God because I can't psychologically handle the notion of just dieing and having that be the end. Therefore I believe in God and an afterlife.

While that's a reason...I also believe in God because of the intricate and beautiful way in which this universe is put together. Science, rather than turning me off of religion, actually affirms my faith...I see intelligent design in it. Yeah, I know humans make some really ugly messes, but if you want to get a look at this grace, try studying calculus and physics. The way everything fits together is beautiful...like reading a well-written book. :)

I am agnostic, but I have a friend who is very firmly Christian, and my feeling is the reason why she has such faith is because that is how she was brought up, but it brings her incredibly happiness, and it is the right thing for her. I wouldn't want to change her mind if I could. I really don't know if she's right or not (although I doubt she is) but I don't see the problem with her belieiving it anyway because makes her feel good. I can't believe, just because you can't force yourself to believe in something just by wanted, or not believe because you don't like it, so I don't really think you can choose what you believe. Once you believe something you either have to have new insight into yourself or new information from outside before you can change. I am happy the way I am, and my friend is happy the way she is, so it works out fine. Also I think that most religions taken in their purest form (by looking at the underlying tenets) are pretty good, they teach to be kind to other people, and it is only human interpretation that messes them up so that you get so much hate. Jesus basically said be nice to everyone, and that is a good message, so it doesn't matter to me if he existed, if he was the son of God, if God exists, because I think the world would be a better place if people listened and tried to live up to the teachings of their religions.

I am agnostic, but I have a friend who is very firmly Christian, and my feeling is the reason why she has such faith is because that is how she was brought up, but it brings her incredibly happiness, and it is the right thing for her. I wouldn't want to change her mind if I could. I really don't know if she's right or not (although I doubt she is) but I don't see the problem with her belieiving it anyway because makes her feel good. I can't believe, just because you can't force yourself to believe in something just by wanted, or not believe because you don't like it, so I don't really think you can choose what you believe. Once you believe something you either have to have new insight into yourself or new information from outside before you can change. I am happy the way I am, and my friend is happy the way she is, so it works out fine. Also I think that most religions taken in their purest form (by looking at the underlying tenets) are pretty good, they teach to be kind to other people, and it is only human interpretation that messes them up so that you get so much hate. Jesus basically said be nice to everyone, and that is a good message, so it doesn't matter to me if he existed, if he was the son of God, if God exists, because I think the world would be a better place if people listened and tried to live up to the teachings of their religions.


This is maybe the best religous post ive seen m8 - Bang on target :)