We used to believe the Earth was flat, until we found out it wasn't. We believed the sun revolved around the Earth until we found out that it didn't. We believed that disease was caused by evil spirits until we discovered that they weren't. Why then, do we still believe the myths, fables and allegories of religious faith? Why do intelligent people not only not require proof but affirmatively reject any discussion of science or logic when it comes to matters of faith. Why will smart people insist that some almighty deity spoke words to man that were written in a book, which must be obeyed lest we burn in the fires of hell. Isn't it bizarre that people will suspend reason to accept this premise, with some even basing their entire lives around it? New Testament, Old Testament, Koran, whatever. Why are people clinging to these books after centuries of progress in thought, culture and science? I don't get it.
2006-07-07 15:26:11 · 12 answers · asked by WonderingWhy 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
People turn to religion to answer questions that seem unanswerable...Religion is often called "the opiate of the masses"...people turn to it to find some calm and reassurance that there is some point to their life, that everything truly does happen for a reason, that someone, somewhere is behind the wheel of their existence.
2006-07-07 15:32:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some would say that it is not rational to be an atheist. I once heard a sermon that made this point well. The preacher told a story about a child who doubted the existence of God. The child's father pointed to the toy that the child was playing with and asked, "Would you believe me if I told you that nobody made that toy, that it simply appeared for you to play with?" The kid did not think that was possible. "Then how can you believe that the earth, with all of its wonders was not created at the hands of an almighty being?" I'm not judging you. Believe what you want to believe. That's just a little story that stuck with me.
2006-07-07 15:41:56 · answer #2 · answered by Amanda H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you care. Religion gives people hope and can do really good things that benefit a lot of people. I could not bear to think about the rotting cesspool the earth would be without religion giving people a reason to live well and have meaningful lives. I do not personally believe in heaven or hell but I certainly support the good things religion does.
2006-07-07 15:32:36 · answer #3 · answered by Simple Man 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason you don't get it is because you assume that to follow God (or believe in religion) requires that you not be able to think. The book Jesus Among Other Gods by Ravi Zacharias is one you should read. Be warned though he is a very intelligent Christian man so you might not even believe he exists.
2006-07-07 15:31:53 · answer #4 · answered by on my way 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For some people suspending rational thought is a way of coping with the gaps. Their faith is something that they rely on, when they themselves and humanity has not provided an answer.
2006-07-07 15:32:52 · answer #5 · answered by Zach 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Faith is an act of will, not necessarily rationality. For many people, faith is an unconscious or conscious need, for any number of reasons. If a person's faith does no harm (to human, animal, or planet), what harm is there?
2006-07-07 17:20:21 · answer #6 · answered by pmackenzoz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably for the same reason that intelligent people suspend rational thought and reason in favor of popular secular beliefs that are not well founded.
2006-07-07 15:30:12 · answer #7 · answered by Troy A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I favor i knew. you'll not believe a number of the back @sswards solutions i'm getting to three of those questions. The funniest section is that in maximum circumstances no 2 christians will ever grant you with a similar answer. inspite of in the experience that they study a similar variations of the bible. try this one....... ask human beings what they believe heaven is like! there is a few similarities, yet i assure you that each individual has their personal theory of what heaven is like. this is their personal own desires, really.... they have deluded themselves to believe contained in the fantasies! this is thoroughly ridiculous & unhappy! they're going to locate any thanks to maintain away from good judgment & teach that their fairytale memories are real.
2016-11-30 20:15:15 · answer #8 · answered by eberline 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The revelation of God is to those who see value others will not recieve revelation it is indeed a mystery to me why they would expect to? This will reamain a mystery to those that have no value in God. Why should it be different? Those who have recieved the revealtion of God know him...those without revelation it is a mystery the bible teachs this yet Athiest keep thinking everyone else is crazy...seek god with all your heart and he will reveal himself to you and the mystery is solved.
2006-07-07 15:42:08 · answer #9 · answered by djmantx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am considered by some to be an intelligent person.
I am also one known for logical thinking.
As far as I'm concerned there is no conflict.
2006-07-07 16:45:08 · answer #10 · answered by drg5609 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋