Just because you believe in the Bible, why does that mean I have to?

Question

Why is it that many of the people who believe in the Bible think that everyone has to? Why do they make it a standard for my life, not just theirs? Not everyone has the same beliefs, so why can't some Bible-lovers just let those who don't believe in it have their own thoughts and life?

Answer 1

I could not agree with you more!!!

But to try to answer this question...I think you and I have to be realistic about how faith and belief work.

If I knew apples were real and anyone who looked at them could see it...it wouldn't be very "special," would it? It doesn't inspire much fervor to have to believe in something we can see.

As I am not one of the "believers" I can not speak directly for them. However, belief in the organized religions who are at war for people's soul's seems to allude to a darker time. The religions have a sordid and bloodied past, and anyone who tries to pretend that they are far from those times is deluded.

Just at it would not be right to say the days of racist oppression or sexism are absolutely a thing of the past...instead we have to occasionally remember the social context.

Enter the religious and their need for you to join them in the act of faith. These are invisible apples. Some want us all to be a part of the same group. To belong and believe. If I believe in the apples and you don't...what does that say about my invisible apples? That maybe they are not there?

Does that put my belief in question....and how would I respond to that...I would try to convince you and I would become even more fervent...

Its like when some people feel they have to prove themselves...

I am not a rambler...I hope I am making sense.

I am glad I found your question!

You do not have to tolerate others projecting their need for proof onto you...yet in certain social circles it can be a challenge!