Is there virtue in believing something without evidence? If so, why?

Question

For example why is it considered virtuous to believe in God? And why do some Christian people say that it will somehow 'take away people's free will' if God made clear to all that he exists?

Meg F:
I have read Lee Strobels 'The Case for Faith' cover to cover. I was hoping for a good challenge to my disbelief, but I was not impressed.

K_BIZ:
There is also an equal amount of evidence to prove that unicorns do NOT exist. Should I believe in them too?

iikozen:
What does that have to do with anything? Only shows that I've gotten under your skin since you are trying to resort to smearing me instead of answering the question.

BTW, in answer to your question I am faithful to my boyfriend, my family, and my country. And my own mind.

K_BIZ:
Ok then, if there is so much proof of God in science, why are there so many more atheists among scientists than in the general population?

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2843/is_n5_v21/ai_20121068

Answer 1

christians don't really have faith. they just say they do. but if you ask them why they're a christian (and provided that they don't know that you're a skeptic with a sharp brain), they won't say "faith". instead they'll start listing examples of evidence. (actually they'll call it "proof" of god, which is pretty far from faith.) they say stuff like:

- i think a sunset is proof that there's god.
- well 2 billion people believe in christianity, and 2 billion people can't be wrong.
- when i pray, god answers my prayers.
- christians are better people.
- out of all the religious books, the bible is the only one that doesn't contradict itself.

and like tons of other things of this nature. these are not examples of faith. they're examples of evidence. they're just really, really bad evidence is all.

some of the evidence is false (like claiming that the bible is contradiction free).
some of the evidence is irrelevant (like saying that 2 billion people believe in it)
and some of the evidence is just flat out unspecial (like calling sunsets "miracles", or having a prayer to end afternoon boredom answered).

human beings require evidence to believe in things. christians are no exception to this. they just take the same things that the rest of us see, and then mentally process them really badly. this results in bad conclusions. they only use "faith" as a last resort to keep from losing an argument.

Answer 2

I think you are confused. First of all there is no proof that God does NOT exist and the free will thing I never heard. All I know is that God gave us all free will, which is why you don't believe in Him even though He created you.

And to all you Atheists out there, you guys believe MANY MANY things without proof or evidence. You just don't like organized religion because you don't like the idea of feeling like there is some great being that can see all of your wrongdoings.

As for unicorns - people who believe in unicorns do so based on nothing at all. Read the bible and study Physics or Engineering and you will see TONS of evidence of a Creator, and as far as you can discover you will never find proof that God does not exist, (even Einstein believed that to discover The Unified Theory he would have to read the mind of God.)

Answer 3

scientist want to prove all things has an intelligent explanation, they can not except nothing they can not see, evolution they believe in they have faith in because they believe in the fiscal evidence they have, what would happen if all this scientific evidence was found to be faults a spiritual scam to make fools out of mans so called intelligent just because they can't see the unicorn do not mean it doesn't exist some where in the universe man is still sucking on a pacifier compared to those who created the rocks their so call fossil evidence is being discovered, who in their right scientific mind can say there are no such things as gods and goddesses once I heard a saying l "look with eyes wide open" this is what eludes the intelligent man,.

Answer 4

There's been a murder... there is no forsensic evidence linking the suspect to the crime, only the testimony of 10 eye witnesses that place him at the scene and committing the act. The suspect claims to have been home alone watching television. Would he get convicted? Probably... why??? The word of the witnesses is called "testimony evidence".

I don't recall the Bible ever asking us to believe without ANY evidence. There is testimony evidence for starters. There is some confirmation through geological evidence and historical corroborating evidence. When the Bible speaks of faith, (Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen)... the reference is to believing historical and testimony evidence as the basis for what you believe.

In today's society, we have a hard time believing anything we cannot discern with our five senses, however we accept some things are true based on evidence presented by scientists. We don't KNOW what they are saying is true... but we have faith.

As for the "free-will" thing... God has made abundantly clear to all that He exists... but if you start out refusing to believe, who is to say that you would believe even if he walked into your living room and said "Here I am"

Funny joke I heard once... an atheist was walking through the woods admiring all of nature and it's accidental occurence... when suddenly a very large - very hungry bear jumped out and started chasing him (probably because he started running when he saw the bear). The bear caught up with him quickly, knocked him down and was just about to kill him when the atheist cried out "OH GOD SAVE ME"... suddenly all of nature grew quiet and perfectly still and a bright light shined all around... a voice from the light said "after all these years of trying to convince people I don't exists, now you want me to save you???" The atheist thought for a moment and said "yes, I do suppose it would be hypocritical of me to ask you to treat me like a Christian after all this time... so how about you make the bear act like a Christian"... The voice replied "Let it be as you have said"... and slowly time resumed and the bear who had been about to devour the man suddenly stopped and blinked... then....



He put one big paw down to hold the man in place while he bowed his head and said "Dear Lord, for this meal I am about to receive, I am truly thankful"

Answer 5

Well, if you haven't seen the evidence, maybe you will.

It can be considered virtuous to believe in God because you'll live a more purer and moral life knowing there is a higher source to look to. One that can see you every step in life. Yes, there can be Atheist that live a good life with values, but it is to an end of a short life, if their beliefs are correct. Wow, will they be surprised when the time comes.
As far as a Christian's free will being taken away, you have to keep in mind God give us free will. Adam and Eve used their free will in their decision. God didn't stop them. The Jews used their free will in deciding to erect the golden calf.

But Young Lady, if it's not clear to you that God exists, you might should reconsider the church you are going to. Or the shepherd that is leading the flock you are in.

Answer 6

It's considered virtuous to believe in god because the people who do like to think they are virtuous. It's so much easier than actually having to do anything. It also depends on how you define what being virtuous is. Some people think there is no virtue without religion, but I don't agree with that.
In reading some of these answers, it seems some people are mixing up virtue with faith. They're not the same thing.
As for your other question, I can't quite understand what it is you're asking.

Answer 7

Think about it this way...what do you do when your parents are around verses say..when they leave the house for the weekend and you siblings have free riegn? Now ya know your parents exist cuz you live, you live in the home they provide and you eat the food they give ya, etc, etc and so forth...but when they are out of sight do you keep thier rules and show them respect, love and all that because of what they do for ya. (now this is metaphorical..er..alligoracal..or one of those type illistrative point making things..it doesn't apply to everyone..I had sucky parents but thats another post) so anyhoo. A loving child that honors their parents and recognizes what Good Ol' Mom and Dad are about can and will be trusted. A child that is rebelious and self-seeking don't appreciate much or recognize anything. Its the same situation sorta. A believer doesn't see God, but he sees evidence in Gods creation, the miracles in his life, children, family, his soul, his mind...If there were imperical evidence...such as God made house calls sorta like or at least produced Angelic beings then we would all be on our best behavior because of fear, inducement, coersion..all that. If you had Jesus or an Angel in your house everyday, how would you then live your life? Yet, in your heart..would you do it because you love Him and honor Him or because you felt you had no choice. It would be the same if we had morality police...we have laws that keep us from hurting others, they are somewhat effective..but we have few laws that keep us from hurting ourselves. God provided both and if everyone kept them, because they love Him, trust Him and love each other then everything would be just peachy. That people don't and that everything on this earth is going Southward to Hell in a Gucci bag is proof enough for me that there is a God..He is patient, merciful and gracious and because everything is still on an even keel in spite of our constant screw-ups means that God is very conspicuous by His "apparent" absence. You don't see Him with your eyes..but He's there...Love in Christ, ~J~ <><

Answer 8

No, that is stupid. Are you going to believe that I can fly just because I say I can. Or that I can walk through walls. No you are not. And knowing if God existed would not influence free will. Everyone in the old testament knew that God existed yet they still sinned. People know that the police exist and laws, but still to bad. That is just another lame excuse Christians have to explain the lack of evidence that God exists.

Answer 9

No there is not. That's why faith is the evidence of things unseen. And I believe the argument goes, if God made everyone believe in Him then they wouldn't have free will. God has made it quite logically clear that He exists. These people just choose not to believe.

Answer 10

There is plenty of evidence or God...but that is not the problem for you, i think. Most evidence is selectively given by God to those that are willing to believe in Him. You sound like you have been seaching for the truth. Just give Him a chance to reveal Himself to you in a personal way through Jesus.It is a 2 way thing..... If you decide to disbelieve, He will not do anything. He only manifests His presence to those that are willing to accept Him. Just give in a little and be patient. You will start to "see" the evidence that you are looking for.