Do you think people really consider all the facts before believing in God or being an atheist?

Question

As an agnostic, I neither believe or disbelieve in the presence of the almighty. However, I think that most people are unlike me in that I have read extensively on religious matters, creation, intelligent design, evolutionary theory, history of religions, history of civilization and politics. The more I read, the more I become skeptical of religion, but being raised catholic, I can never become an atheist. I've also talked to both agnostics, atheists and Christians in these matters. Do you think so called Christians and true atheists really read and consider everything before choosing their religious beliefs?

Answer 1

Considering all the facts? What would it mean to do so? People can argue, and challenge these ideas for countless years. New arguments are constantly being made. Unless one is omnipotent, it is impossible to verify God's existance or abscence. So we can do little else but theorize, and bicker, and make up our own minds. We weren't given "proof", one way or the other.

Answer 2

Just by the responses here you can see how most christians were probably born into christian homes. I have done research on other religions and also on evolution but out of the religions Christianity seems the most logical to me. Atheists are usually firm evolution believers but there are somethings I feel are not explained. Also, Atheists and Agnostics may know the facts about religions of the world but I have seen something that they probably haven't and that is change in a person. My youth leader used to be a drugie and an alcohalic, going know where in his life. then he found Christ and has no addictions, a great wife, and a decent job. I know your probably thinking, o well that just means he got some encoragement to change his life from a christian. When you believe in a religion it makes you feel good to practice that religion. (Its been scientifically proven that there is a part of your brain that gets pleasure from religious beliefs and worships) So just because many christians don't study up on other faiths doesn't mean that there is no God.

Answer 3

No. I also don't think that true understanding is gained in a moment. I think it's an ongoing study. I was an atheist and am now a Christian. I actually started reading the Bible against my better judgment. I think people initially question and make assumptions based on personal "needs" at the moment. I needed, at that time in my life, to seek understanding. I still "need" to understand but along the way have been blessed with what I consider evidence of the truth of Christ. I think this greater understanding comes by the Holy Ghost and by continued study. What more would be revealed to me if I decided that I now know all I need to know, that my study was complete... nothing! When I first read the Bible, I didn't understand much at all. Suppose I had stopped there??? No, I think there's the initial need and direction by the Holy Ghost and then greater revelation by continued study.

Answer 4

People have to see facts as facts before they will even consider them...fear is an extremely powerful emotion, death and the questions which surround death put such fear into people that their fragile psyche just cannot handle not having answers to the questions which would drive some people insane.

Religion provides the "answers" some people need in order to relieve the immense psycological pressure which the unaswerable questions place upon them. They just simply pick up a book, read a few passages, then accept the written words as "truth"....poof!!! The most difficult question ever to be on the mind of man suddenly, like magic, just settles itself in the sub-conscience and life can continue.

Unlike you and I, the worst thing these weaker minded people can do is THINK about their decision. And those few, like many who post here, when those few do "think" deeper about their choice...the thoughts always have an agenda, that agenda being...to build upon and support their currently held belief that they do already have the "answers".

A simple example...take an absolute evil such as the murder of an infant...something all humans with empathy will condemn as an act of evil...ask a christian to explain any one of the many instances in the bible where "god" is murdering infants (first born of egypt) or when "god" is ordering one group of humans to slaughter the infants of another group of humans (1 Sam 15:3).

Then just sit back and watch in amazement as these people not only defend such an evil act, but also will say anything to justify the act of baby murder commited by their all-loving and all-caring supreme being...then press them to think a little, ask if the supreme being, with all of it's power and knowledge, ask if that was the ONLY choice that a god with unlimited choices available to it had as an option...killing infants to teach man a lesson.

Ask them if THEY (a mere human) could conceive of a way to teach man a lesson without killing infants...then watch as the thinking process completely shuts down and these words come out of their mouth before they turn and run away from the issue : "God works in mysterious ways!"...

I am sure by now you may have noticed that you are far more knowledgeable about religion than those who practice the religion in question...if everyone could objectively read the bible or the koran as easily as you or I do...well, we probably would not even be here having this discussion. :-)

Answer 5

its not like comparing rates on your car insurance, you dont shop around for the best deal. If you believe we were here by a fluke and just random associations of matter, fine. If that theory fits you best, believe it.

If you believe there is more to life, that the universe itself was created, and that primary forces that govern our every day existence such as good, evil, love, and compassion for humanity are more abstract than what a random chaotic process can create, then more than likely you're spiritual.

If christianity is the first avenue you traverse to explore this theory, and it works, then stick with it. it doesnt cost you anything or limit you in any way. Religion isn't there to make holy rollers out of people and judge and criticize the others, but lots of people do. They're probably not in it for the same reasons anyway.

Dont waste time validating or invalidating theories, especially spiritual ones. The physical forces and dimensions such as space and time, although they are the ones we live in and are confined to, are purely arbitrary, and so the things we hold to be so true and things we think are impossible, may only be so here on this world, right now. later on they may be just as arbitrary as physical constants on this earth, just a number that is fixed.

Answer 6

Good golly miss molly....an "agnostic"? that has ruffled my feathers! I didn't think it could happen! Well, you asked for it...you got it.

Here we go....You neither believe nor disbelieve. Well thank you for defining 'agnostic' to the ignorant masses. It also appears to me that for all your reading and studying you still have no clue. I would think that most christians are unlike you in that they have not studied outside of their religion, but all of the atheists I am priviledged to know are very well versed, in religion and science. I have considered my lack of belief very seriously. I think that it is you who are not considering things seriously. For example, by your own admission you were indoctrinated (brainwashed) as a child and therefore can never become an atheist. In my opinion that disqualifies you from claiming "agnostic" too and completely voids your opening statement of neither belief nor disbelief. A true agnostic would never make a claim that they could not be an 'atheist', as they are simply waiting for proof. However, you are not waiting for proof, you've already decided that there is a god ("I could never be an atheist"), you just don't like religion. You are a theist. You stated that you are skeptical of religion, but not god. Get your labels straight before accusing others of ignorance. Since you are such an avid reader, maybe you should try reading the dictionary sometime.

Answer 7

You are mistaken Kemosabe. I, like you, have done extensive reading on the subject of religion as well. This is what led me away from religion and the Church. You admit yourself that being raised as a Catholic prevents you from being able to be an atheist.... Its too bad that your mind is still shackled by the lies it was taught as a child.

I beleive that 99.99% of Christians do not read or even consider other belief systems. But I disagree with your points about atheists. We are more educated in religion than the typical believer.

Answer 8

Why do non Christians always think they are smarter and open minded because they have "read extensively".

I studied all faiths and no faith for over 20 years and decided to become Catholic. I also have "read extensively" talked with people of all walks of life and faiths, been to College, run my own business etc.

You can call me a "So called Christian" if you want, but don't pretend that just because you left the Catholic faith that you have to be more "enlightened" than anyone else.

Nothing personal, I just got on a roll! I do not mean to offend anyone, or think that I am better than anyone because of my faith.

Peace, and God Bless you!

Answer 9

No. For some people all they need is a feeling. They can feel what is right for them. what fits into their lives and gives them peace of mind. Both Atheist and Christian bang heads about his subject all the time and neither can be satisfied with the others answer because neither believes what the other is saying, about to say whatever. The truth about God lay in the question How much of a free thinker are you? Can you fathom something beyond yourself or are you a Practical person. If i cant see it, touch it, feel it, study it type of person it doesn't exist. The only answer to this question is what do YOU believe in your heart? What ideals can you live with that give you peace?

Answer 10

Even if one could read everything written by man during his entire existence, he would not know all the facts. One must base their belief or unbelief on what they have learned and felt to be true. Those can change with life's experiences, as more information and circumstance become available. Everyone travels a different path through life. In my opinion, the path may wander but the beginning and end are the same.

Aho,
Fenix