How many years of such belief must pass before it becomes true? If large numbers of people have believed something written in ancient books for thousands of years, does that make it true?
Is that the same standard you use in all aspects of your life?
2006-10-12 18:09:29 · 8 answers · asked by lenny 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"No amount of belief makes something a fact. " ~James Randi
2006-10-12 18:13:06 · answer #1 · answered by Kathryn™ 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Books that have withstood the test of time should be given respect. However, just because something is written in a book, does not mean it is "true". People have a need to understand the universe, the meaning of life, the afterlife, creation, salvation and many other philosophical questions. These topics are discussed in the religious and philosophical books that have withstood the test of time. That does not mean that the answers are true, but rather that the answers may be the best possible explanation given the facts at hand. Even seeing something with your own eyes does not mean that what you see is true, as any magician knows.
On the other hand, just because no one believes something does not mean that it is not true. For example, if everyone were to become a communist atheist, it would not mean that there is no God. Sometimes it is very difficult for a person to accept truth.
A person may believe in something that is untrue because of the opinions and beliefs of others. An example of this is found in advertising that relies heavily on endorsement to sell its products.
Rather than be convinced of the truth of a matter, sometimes it is best just to agree - to a disagreement.
2006-10-13 21:17:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes zero number of people to believe something for it to be true. However, when there is an unbroken succession of a historical basis of belief with large numbers of eye witnesses to support that belief and that evidence can be documented then something is more likely to be true about the past than if there is just some fragmentary evidence that at one time people believed something was true.
For instance, how do we KNOW that George Washington was the first president of the United States?
2006-10-13 01:14:45 · answer #3 · answered by Martin S 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The books cannot be trusted. I ask myself often why I still think that there may be a God. I can't explain it. Maybe it is because I have always believed. A slight case of brainwashing perhaps. A part of me will hold on to that for the rest of my life, I am sure.
2006-10-13 01:22:17 · answer #4 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Truth is not dependent upon belief....Truth is what it is regardless of if anyone believes it or not.
This is why fixed truths is are absolute.
2006-10-13 01:11:43 · answer #5 · answered by Adyghe Ha'Yapheh-Phiyah 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
y would all of these ppl believe in it if it weren't true? think about it
2006-10-13 01:16:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
it's the bible that i use... even if it's many centuries passed, it is still inspiring for me.
2006-10-13 01:12:02 · answer #7 · answered by danieldenzel2 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
one mouth, one word..
2006-10-13 01:11:47 · answer #8 · answered by Ladeebug71 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋