2006-07-15 12:05:38 · 25 answers · asked by Mr. Mojo Risin 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
LOL
2006-07-16 07:27:03 · answer #1 · answered by Atheist 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Ask yourself the same thing. Do you hold your beliefs because you're afraid of what it would mean if you were wrong?
No, I'm not afraid. What would happen to me if I didn't believe? In some countries, not believing could get you killed for apostasy, but I live in America, and I know my family wouldn't turn on me if I stopped believing. Why should I be afraid to not believe?
All that aside though, the reason one holds a belief has no impact on the truth or falsity of that belief, just as your motivation for speeding doesn't alter whether your were or were not speeding.
2006-07-15 12:12:34 · answer #2 · answered by Tim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people believe because most are taught to believe what they believe in. Most people do not know what they are believing in. If you do not know what you are believing in then what are you afraid of? It is one thing to believe, but it is also another thing to know. That is why so many people are confused about religion because they don't know what to believe. Your belief is something that is supposed to be personal and based on each individual. God is not going to deal with you the same way in which he will deal with me. Religion is man made and is got the whole world confused and in a daze. All that you need has been given to you and is within. The creator instilled in everyone all that is needed to spiritually feed each and every soul. It is up to each and everyone to believe in themselves first before they can believe in something outside of themselves. So go figure
2006-07-15 12:16:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
While I think this is true for some people (I'm pretty sure it was for my Dad) it is certainly not for everyone.
I have never felt fear in relation to religion. I do not fear punishment from God, do not believe in hell or the devil. My faith in God has to do with seeing design in the world around me, which requires a designer. I also believe in the teachings of my faith, which attracted me because they expressed what I had always believed in my heart.
I know that before I found my faith I had recurring dreams of a global war starting, which always had the repetitious thought that my son would never get to grow up and have a life. Once I accepted my faith, the dreams stopped.
Faith has relieved my fears.
2006-07-15 12:29:52 · answer #4 · answered by Rory McRandall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
As a Pagan, I'm quite proud to say this... and kind of am kicking myself for it. The reason is that those things you do not believe in cannot harm you, nor are they perceivable by you.
I see it as the opposite... I believe EVEN THOUGH I'm afraid to believe. If you're confused over this, take a look at my ghost question. I've been under attack by the paranormal. I kind of wish it'd back off. Not completely. Just be nice to me. It's a nice dream, don't you agree?
I do not do things because I am afraid of doing the opposite... I do things because I am afraid of doing the illogical. Err, d'oh, that contradicted itself. Though, on a level, I think you get it.
- 16 yo Pagan
2006-07-15 12:23:32 · answer #5 · answered by Lady Myrkr 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was born and raised in the bible belt as a southern baptist and for years I was terrified of not believing. I am now agnostic and have no fear because I see that there isn't a god. Perhaps a higher power but its just to convenient to wrap up the history of the world (from its beginning to end) in one book such as the bible.
If its too good to be true it probably is.
2006-07-15 12:11:22 · answer #6 · answered by azagothoth78 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I am Wiccan and I have been Atheist and brought up Catholic. I was never afraid not to believe, and I am better off for the seven years I spent Atheist. Sort of set my mind at ease from a lot of the Catholic 'everything is sinful' way I was brought up. I believe because I know it is true. Goddess works through me, inside me, and for me. Honestly.
2006-07-15 12:11:20 · answer #7 · answered by Lauralanthalasa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people do. Some people cling to beliefs because they fear what might happen to them if they didn't believe.
Let's face it: Many religions threaten a lot of scary stuff to non-believers.
It is sad to think that people turn to their religions out of fear. Fear is a tool of the adversary.
A true believer will believe in faith, love and hope.
2006-07-15 12:13:59 · answer #8 · answered by hope03 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never! I believe because in my heart I DO believe in God. We, the human race here on earth, are but a spec in the Divine Scheme. Only God could have created the cosmos and humanity with such deliberation.
2006-07-15 12:37:20 · answer #9 · answered by bellefiore2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope, I believe because I want to believe. If I was afraid, then wouldn't I believe in every religion and not one?
2006-07-15 12:07:58 · answer #10 · answered by Meg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe because without believing in something more than just this world I would be severely depressed. It is the hope of something better that often keeps me going.
2006-07-15 12:09:27 · answer #11 · answered by chris in NC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋