Why is it someone's fault if faith isn't really a conscious choice?

Question

It's not like they can just choose to flip a switch and magically believe in Christianity, especially when all they see is a human preaching to them. Everyones' minds work differently, and some people just need more proof than others, just as you're not going to start believing in aliens just because someone claims they've been visited by aliens.

Answer 1

You are so right. I was baptized Catholic as an infant, brought up in Catholic school, was made to go to church everyday. When I was about 14, I stopped going. It was boring. I only attended for weddings and funerals. That lasted almost 40 years. In that time, I was totally turned against the Catholic church. I was horrified of the terrible guilt they made you feel at childhood "sins", when they were covering up the scandal of the century AND moving those molesting, child raping priests from parish to parish. Then in the last couple of years, I felt I needed something in my life. People suggested church, but it was just like you said, there was no button to push to make me believe what I wasn't sure of. So, I guess that is my long answer. My short answer is that it is not your fault if you don't believe in God. It's something you will decide in time, on your own.
About a year ago I was in a hopeless situation (to me). I began praying to God for patience and acceptance and things got a little better. Six months ago my daughter suggested her Dad and I attend a Christian church service with her and we have been going ever since. My life is better (not perfect). I have focus and faith.

Answer 2

What are you talking about? Faith is the ultimate choice.....its one of the few pure choices a person can make. Nobody is born with their faith. Of course, you can just "flip the switch" and change. If you feel that you can't change then you are a very informed person.

Faith is not a strict adherence to religious doctrine or to a set of scientific and logical principles. Faith is the notion you get that something seems to be right until something more right comes along. For some people, Christianity seems to be the most right, but for others it may be something else. No one is wrong and no one is any more right than anyone else as long as they believe that it is better to be kind than it is to be harmful.

Answer 3

Faith in God, is up to you..it is a conscious choice, but don't measure faith in cups that man made, you have your own, each man has what he needs, inside. A little bit of faith goes a long way...when you want for something, do you not, beg the heavens. Somewhat childish, and selfish, but faith lies even in this. I think you should have faith in yourself and in mankind, for God or Nature made you, and will be pleased by your accomplishments, just as a father is to a child, He does not need to know about the childs whole life, He just wants to know that she is doing well, and doing good things.
take care.

Answer 4

it is never somebody elses fault in the first place, if there is something wrong or you want to change something with your believes, faith, convictions etc. its always entirely and exclusively up to YOU to do it,

and thats the beauty of God and faith, he gave us free will so YOU can decide,

he just gives us opportunity and cause not force,

and yes, becoming a christian can be a conscious choice and that's good too,

remember, free will, it's all up to you

it helps a lot however to have friends and people you can talk with about God and faith, exchange views and share problems or doubts, a good church might help ...

God already works through and in you so you can become part of his plan, thats why you are asking your question ...

God Bless you

Answer 5

You're missing the point. Faith is NOT a matter of evidence. If there were perfect evidence, there would be no need for faith at all! Faith is believing in something WITHOUT evidence.

Whether that means that people with faith are doing so simply because they want to, or because they have emotional problems, or because they are really in contact with a higher power is up for debate. Personally, I believe in my theology because it makes me happier to... that's all the reason I need. ( :

Answer 6

Its a cop out to blame things on your religion. It means they don't morally know the difference choices of their actions without outside influences such as religion, social pressures and economic pressures. Some people get pressured into their religions and have been subjected to it for so long they believe. As far as the switch there is obviously something mentally wrong with them to be so gullible as to take the words of long dead people to heart. Its not right to push their religions on to people. I believe that if it sounds good then do your research and learn more. You cant just say it sound cool without knowing exactly what its about.

Answer 7

Faith is confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.

Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.

Loyalty to a person or thing; allegiance: keeping faith with one's supporters.

The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.

A set of principles or beliefs.

Answer 8

You are right and it definitely doesnt work like that at all.
I suppose you might decide to be a christian because maybe you felt like being called.
If you answered that calling then you done your part in it and its just time for you to enjoy.
You dont need to worry anymore.
Everything happening to you from that point on is serving a higher purpose.
You wont realize it right away, that things grows like a tree grows from a seed. Just be patient and wait till harvest time. It will happen to you because its like a law of nature.

Answer 9

You were created with a conscience which tells you when you are doing wrong. "Con" = "with"; "science" = "knowledge," so when you sin, most of the time you sin with knowledge of that. God says breaking His law is an offense against Him, and the punishment for sin is death and hell. He has in His mercy made a way of escape. You only get one chance at life, and belief in Christianity shouldn't me "magical." You should simply be asking yourself why is sin sin, and what do I need to do about it?

Answer 10

It says in the Bible that God gives us faith. I think we make a conscious decision to believe and He gives us the faith. I wondered about that a little too, I worried I didn't have enough faith. Since learning more about Jesus, I have discovered a lot more "everyday" faith. I think you have to grow in your faith.