Why not be a Christian?

Question

I don't understand why some people don't wanna be Christians (or Jewish or someone that believes and trusts in God). I mean, do they want to feel hopeless about death? Why would you want to feel like you're screwed in the world with no one more powerful than you there to help you?

it's not only about being afraid of death, it's also about the Christian family, having people there for you when you need them, having God there for you when you need Him. And for those of you who need proof (Christianity is supposed to be a faith without proof, hence the word "faith"), here are some places you can go:

http://www.carm.org/evidence.htm

http://www.godandscience.org/

if you don't feel like going to these sites, just look at the world around you. How could all of this be accidental, the result of a bunch of particles hitting each other in exactly the right way to create this universe? (the chances of them colliding in the right way to create all that is created is less than .001% chance), and where did the particles come from, anyway?

Answer 1

Why SHOULD you be a Christian? Religion is pointless. Man created it to help with their lawlessness and insecurity.
Just a bunch of smart, greedy evangelists manipulating millions of dumb people. That's what religion essentially is: a deception.

Answer 2

I don't feel hopeless at all.

First of all, I have trouble swallowing all the stories in the Bible. WHY are all these outrageous stories accepted? Have you EVER heard of ANY of these kind of things happening and having it printed in the paper or on the news? I've sure never heard of incidences like people parting the seas, talking snakes, or towers creating all the different languages of the world in real life. Stuff like that NEVER happens and is impossible.

But it wasn't just the crazy stories in the bible, it was mainly the hidden "hatred" and ignorance I saw from other Christians that made me denounce it. Christians claim they don't hate anyone but I didn't see much love when I had an argument with my VERY religious uncle who claimed that Jews and "homosexual perverts" will go to hell. He wasn't calm either.. he had a wild look in his eyes and I didn't like it.. I just told him that I was sorry, if God was going to damn Jews or gay people, then I'll just go to hell right along with them because those are some of my best friends.

There are more reasons such as the fact the the bible has been altered and changed over the years and what you read today is not what they wrote back then (for example, it's a fact that reincarnation used to be in the bible but it's hush-hushed by most Christians nowadays)

I just don't believe in a religion that doesn't allow you to question your faith, your god or the bible. There's something suspicious about that, don't you think?

Answer 3

This can go both ways. I have no desire to be a Christian, Jew or any other religion that follows a set of texts and dogmas. I figure if there really is a God why would he or she really care?? There seems to be this fixation on being "hopeless about death". I have a lot of atheist friends and they are not "hopeless" at all. In fact they are good, caring loving people that have the same wants and hopes for life that everyone else does. And as far as someone being an atheist that is their right and we should all respect that. It's when people start questioning a person's beliefs that people get offended and the hate goes on and on and on..............

Answer 4

My that is a tad judgmental. First plenty of people don't want to be a christian and have the choice not to. Yes I believe that death is the end and that is it but I do not feel hopeless about it.. you are a perfect example of a question I asked about constantly focusing on what happens after death and not actually living life here on earth.

I'm certainly not "screwed in the world". I can do things for myself I don't need a non-existent deity to lean on. We each within us have the power to have a good life here on earth with the time given - I've no intent on wasting it by focusing all my energy on something which in the end will bring me no peace or happiness.

Answer 5

Well, no one can be a true Christian unless they completely believe in 1 god, an afterlife, and 100% of the Bible. I cannot be a Christian because I don't believe in the Bible. I think it's horrible if you only say "I'm a Christian" because you want to be 'saved' after you die. I think it's horrible to practice a religion only for the reward. I believe in being a good person, and I think it's wrong just to be a good person so you get a reward. Also, who says people who are not Christians are hopeless about death? I do not feel like I am screwed in the world. You should think about that more.

Answer 6

I can't imagine a life spent believing something simply because you want to believe it, which is the only evidence you give me of the reason that you're a Christian. There are plenty of ideas that would bring me comfort, peace, joy, and all that good stuff, but the fact that the premise is sexy doesn't make it remotely true.

It would be awesome if I took solace in an omnipotent, all-loving father figure, if I felt that my existence wouldn't wink out when my heart stops, and I often envy the religious that. However, there's absolutely no way that I could force that into my head. It's 100% irrational to base your beliefs in your desires. Consider your beliefs often, and when you find a belief you really want to be true, be extra skeptical about it. If you're going to be a Christian, find a real reason for it.... but if you want to live a life of ignorance, go ahead, but please don't evangelize it.

Answer 7

We're all brothers and sisters here on Earth, and we have mortality. We are not screwed because there is no one more powerful than us, it simply means that as a group, working together, that we have tremendous power.

In the current world situation, this might seem frightening, this is why we have to work together and find common ground and resolve our differences peacefully.

You are right that nobody is going to bail us out, but working together, humans have surmounted many obstacles. We can accomplish astonishing things working together!

The fact that we are mortal is something we cannot change, but it makes every life, and every moment of life more precious to us because it is temporary. This is why you will find many non-believers to be strong proponents of peace and human rights and justice.

Finally, there is no reason not to believe that eventually, we will be able to live much, much longer, maybe even for hundreds of years, if we resolve our problems and work together for peace and advancement of mankind.

Answer 8

Because some of us need proof.

It's all about perspective.

"do they want to feel hopeless about death?" - that's your opinion. People without God in their lives feel that one life is gift and that it should be cherished. A promised eternity of life after this life is not necessary for some people to live honestly and morally.

"Why would you want to feel like you're screwed in the world with no one more powerful than you there to help you?" - Well, again, that's your opinion. Many, including myself, are skeptical about a supreme being who sits up there and watch us do whatever.

I don't need divine intervention to feel happy. Happiness is what you find, and if believing in God makes you happy, that's great!

Don't assume that a godless life is a depressing one, just because you think it is.

The real question is... why not be agnostic? :D

Answer 9

You can't just choose what to believe. Wanting to believe someting and being able to believe something are two different things.

Remember when you were a little kid and still believed in Santa? Santa's a good guy, and a source of "real" magic. Now, eventually someone tipped you off that Santa may not be as real as you thought he was, and soon you discovered the presents that "Santa" was going to give you hidden in your parents' closet or saw your dad writing the note that "Santa" left.

Did you still want to believe in Santa? Of course. It's a comforting notion. It's just that you couldn't believe anymore because you now knew better. People who don't believe in God see evidence to the contrary, and "But it's sooo nice to believe in God," is not going to disprove that evidence.

Answer 10

We don't "feel hopeless about death." Reality is what it is, and fantasies aren't going to change it. Should I go around "believing" I'll never get old, or "believing" I'll always be in perfect health?

And haven't you given away the whole essence of the "why" of believing? You are asking me to accept something because it will help me deal with the awful truth. Illusions are illusions.

Answer 11

Just because you might be uncomfortable with the concept of death is no reason to give up your brain and decided to believe in a pack of fairy tales you know aren't true. You're suggesting I should use Christianity as a comfy security blanket. Needing the comfort doesn't necessitate believing in nonsense.