How is it that some people are able to accept 'God' in their lives, while others cannot? Religion vs. Atheism.

Question

To clarify the question, I wanted to know how some people are able to find God's existence credible and verifiable, whereas others are able to completely reject the notion of 'God'. On the otherhand, we have fence sitters known as the agnostic. I'm interested in seeing which category you belong to and why you fit in the category, or have chosen to. Integrity and an objective approach is much appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

My answer is similar to nexusmoons except i was raised catholic. For me, there had to be some kind of credible proof of god but thee simply isnt. All there seems to be is a bunch of fairy tales.

I think many people believe in a god because it comforts the human mind in thinking there is something after death, and as such the fear that drives so many people into religion of all sorts, and the fact that there are so many different types of religion in itself prooves we have no idea.

Answer 2

Belief always demands a certain commitment to be willing to believe. Yes, there are logical arguments proving that G-d exists (argument by design and others), but ultimately a person has to be willing to consider belief in G-d as an option. The “scientific” approach taught in most schools today is probably partly to blame. We have been taught that science has an answer to everything and can explain everything logically or will soon be able to do so. So who needs G-d? G-d is for the stupid, frightened and uneducated - that is the prevailing “scientific” approach. In other words science basically rejects belief in G-d as an option.

The reality is that science also maintains beliefs and axioms that have not and probably cannot be proven. Just one example: We say G-d created the universe from nothing. Science says that the universe was formed by the Big Bang (which by the way does not necessarily contradict Torah). This is what NASA says about the Big Bang: Although the Big Bang Theory is widely accepted, it probably will never be proved; consequentially [sic], leaving a number of tough, unanswered questions. (See http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/academy/universe/b_bang.html for the original).

And what was it exactly that exploded? The popular theory goes like this. In the beginning, all the energy of the Universe was squeezed into a ball the size of a pinhead. The Universe began with a tremendous explosion, creating matter out of pure energy as it expanded. (See http://www.oceansonline.com/universe.htm) And where did this pure energy come from? No answer. So scientists believe in pure energy and I believe in G-d.

I think that the main problem with most people's lack of belief in G-d is that their concept of G-d is still on the 2nd grade level, if not less than that. I don’t believe in such a G-d either. People need to learn metaphysics and theology in depth in order to get a proper understanding. Then they can say they don't believe, if they wish. But for them to say they don't believe in something they know nothing about is plain foolish.

Answer 3

One theory (that hasn't actually been born out) it the so called "god gene" A certain percentage of the population has the need for a spiritual experience, and they see god in everything because of a genetic need to seek a god.

There is some evidence of a "thrill seeker" gene, that may lead to lower brain sensitivity to serotonin and other neurotransmitters, such that those people need much stronger stimuli to feel pleasure.

So its not outlandish, that perhaps there is a god seeker gene too. In Dawkins last few books, he talks about the various evolutionary advantages of moral behaviour, and how religious belief may have been a hitchhiker on the DNA, in much the same way that genes for blond hair and blue eyes are linked together.

If there is such a thing, I clearly don't have it.

Answer 4

I think faith is a reflection of personality. There is no ultimate truth that will ever be known this side of the grave. I find God's existence credible because I can see that evolution exists, but I have not been able to find the factor which causes creatures to evolve. To adapt to an environment requires factoring data and coming to intelligent conclusions. No one has ever explained to me how evolution functions without some kind of reason to guide it, and so I believe that there is some kind of intelligence guiding it.

Answer 5

Good question. I might be considered agnostic. I don't believe in the same God that most people I know believe in. I do believe in a Power or a Force in the Universe which no human can fully understand. There is only one Power. There is no Satan, no "good vs. evil".

Answer 6

I am an agnostic atheist.

Agnosticism is not a "middle ground" between atheism and theism. "A person can believe in a god (theism) without claiming to know for sure if that god exists; the result is agnostic theism. On the other hand, a person can disbelieve in gods (atheism) without claiming to know for sure that no gods can or do exist; the result is agnostic atheism."

Answer 7

We are drawn by the Father if He does not draw us to Him we wouldnt realise the true Father Jesus said the only way to the Father was through Him that if you have seen Him then you would also see the Father (Christ)the annointing and or the annointed gave us the way through Him.I am a Christian though not religious as it is carnel being man-made,in my studies of the word I have never read where Jesus was religious and we are to be made in His image God gave us all the same measure of faith now what we do with it is another thing He said my sheep know my voice














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Answer 8

In my belief,, God does exist & he has made us so that we have a choice. Some choose to,,, some do not.

Those who will believe will find a way....credible and verifiable.
Those who dont believe will find an excuse.... men's logic/ science.

Thats my laymens terms for you. I am not attempting to be rude but I am also not looking for a round the cart fencing match.

Answer 9

Some people can believe because blind faith is their way of handling the unsatisfactoriness of life. Others need proof of a god and they can't get it so they reject god. Others need proof before believing in a god and they wait patiently to see what happens.

Answer 10

I'm an agnostic and who are you to JUDGE me as a fence sitter? I have no proof either way. I was raised a Christian, explored a lot of different religions, never got viable answers to my questions.....