How can an atheist just say eh, I choose to believe in God today? Or a Christian, "ok, no more, I'm done." Isn't there something more to it than that? We say we have free choice, but does belief from the heart require a mental choice? Seems to me you either do or you don't believe, no "choice" involved.
2006-10-19 16:08:56 · 9 answers · asked by ccrider 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
What I'm getting at is that our atheist friend CAN'T just decide to change. It's in his heart. Likewise, Christians CAN'T change to non-belief by choice. They love Jesus. Tell me how free will exists at all!
2006-10-19 16:30:28 · update #1
Good point. Belief isn't about going through the motions or convincing yourself - either you believe or you don't. I don't. I also have philosophical and academic issues with religion in general, but belief in a god simply isn't true for me.
2006-10-19 16:15:49 · answer #1 · answered by Skeff 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe the choice is made in the heart, but it has to be supported by mental choices or you'll be confused. You could believe, but not act in accordance with your beliefs without making the mental choice to act on your feelings. And I believe that what begins as a feeling becomes a commitment to a series of daily choices to act as belief tells one to act. Kind of like marriage: at first, it's falling in love. After a few years it's continually deciding to remain in love. But I think maybe you are suggesting that God places belief in some hearts, but not in others; that belief is fated. I can't say that it isn't true, but I can say that I prefer to think that it is possible for anyone to believe. Of course when you get two more words to the right, just past "believe in..." the world is wide open. I always hope for something love-based.
2006-10-19 16:36:06 · answer #2 · answered by anyone 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suppose if one is demented they would choose to believe the irrational. However this is done all the time in religion. When it comes to religious beliefs folks basically will choose the more popular beliefs, those that adhere to tradition, yet are not scriptural, such as celebrating "holidays" that conflict with God's word. I do believe the Bible is the word of God and I try to live by it, however I found this to be the harder road, so i didn't exactly choose the easy route, and it is not something i adopted out of necessity. However even though it is the harder road, i found it to be the most rewarding. But i did not go into it with the mentality that this is what i am going to believe, no, not at all. But people do this all the time, there is a term called buffet religion. And most people are very apathetic about their religious beliefs. So they basically choose what is convenient for them.
2016-05-22 04:17:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are absolutely correct. Our beliefs are not formedby "choices", they are formed subconsciously beyond the control of "choices". Believers say silly things like "you chose not to believe" to make themselves feel better about the horrific punishment religions teach for nonbelievers. God isn't a monster for mercilessly punishing you if the choice was yours.
2006-10-19 16:16:16 · answer #4 · answered by lenny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't want to have to choose to believe or not believe. I (self-centered being that I am), just want a sign from god or satan or something. Does no sign mean that there is nothing out there?
sorry for answering your question with a question. That happens a lot with me.
2006-10-19 16:21:43 · answer #5 · answered by fardrayt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are a mixed up people. Sometimes we say things that we don't mean. God knows our mind and our heart. He knows if you sincerely accept Him, or if it is just hollow words. You become a better, more caring person. You can't accept God, and keep on living your same lsinful ife. Maybe you could for awhile, but if you are sincere, you will change.
2006-10-19 16:17:01 · answer #6 · answered by Momma Jo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something happened, it is not to believe or not, it is, "Which do you believe?"
Either you can believe the universe just happened or something started it.
You can think things have always been or believe the universe had a beginning.
Everyone who is able to understand the world around them believes SOMETHING about its origin.
2006-10-19 16:19:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus said "No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day." John 6:44
"Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened." Matthew 7: 7
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:30
2006-10-19 16:20:44 · answer #8 · answered by it_was_julie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just become god u don't have to bargain which way it goes
2006-10-19 16:13:19 · answer #9 · answered by george p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋