One could argue that belief is involuntary. If one reads many books and "doesn't believe" a certain proposition, his belief may be irrespective of his personal choice. For instance, if I read several books explaining gravity and then I "grasp the concept" by seeing a falling object; I may not have the ability to "choose not to believe" in gravity. Similarly, one could argue that he is unable to "choose to believe" in Jesus or God because it is outside of his control. Perhaps he's read all he can read and prayed all he can pray -- and he can't choose to believe.
2006-10-04 19:28:20 · 11 answers · asked by doogsdc 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't think it's a choice. Could you 'choose' to change your beliefs right now? I mean, could you make yourself believe the very opposite of your present beliefs? I know I couldn't.
2006-10-04 19:49:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We choose a belief based on human nature's fundamental algorithm: "What belief will best suit me?"
The question is: If I just choose the most beneficial belief for me, is that really a choice? Or is it something that's chosen for us, while we are in the illusion that it's a choice?
2006-10-04 20:19:12 · answer #2 · answered by ken w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
True believers can't find God in any book, he'll come to you when you need him most and are ready for him. If you just say I believe your wasting your time, you'll know because it's not up to the individual. He comes to you when you've lost all hope in the world and don't believe in what the human race has to offer anymore. If you love anything in this world you'll never know God because you don't need or want him.
2006-10-04 19:36:59 · answer #3 · answered by Sean 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Of course you can choose to believe your belief and what you choose is better what you was ascribed to you.
Your parents, say, was christian, but you are unsatisfied with their idea of doing anything you will be saved as far as you believe i that guy on the cross who is paying for you. You will search for something more intelligent (to you) and/or which reflects the way you want to live and your thoughts.
2006-10-04 19:38:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Thats something to think about.
I think it is a choice. You can be raised a certain way and have it driven into (a religeon) and still choose in the end not to believe it.
2006-10-04 19:32:08 · answer #5 · answered by AveGirl 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I "believe" that belief is involuntary. Either something makes sense to you, or it doesn't. You can't make yourself believe.
2006-10-04 19:32:58 · answer #6 · answered by drink_more_powerade 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is still a choice you can see things fall but refuse to beleave it is gravity. if you see some one shoot is it the gun that killed them or the one holding it. God is seeking you all you have to do is accept his love
2006-10-04 19:32:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
the Bible says God chooses, and he says "faith is not of yourselves, it is a gift from God". So when he says that, it means what happens is that someday whomever he chooses will have it in his heart to believe, thus he will become saved.
http://www.chick.com
2006-10-04 19:33:42 · answer #8 · answered by aguyinthewoods 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i've heard many religious people say ... i choose to believe god's word.. not your so-called evidence, fossiles, dna, etc
according to some evangelical websites, SATAN planted fossils and dino bones to create the illusion that man evolved, and thus, doubt god
2006-10-04 19:34:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
yep choice is free.. but most prefer to make it educated as far as possible
2006-10-04 19:32:58 · answer #10 · answered by shishir g 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋