I am currently reading the Bible. Now, I must admit, I haven't even finished Genesis yet. I decided that in order to be comfortable with my beliefs, that I must first gain as much knowledge about God as I could, and where better to turn than to the Bible itself, right? Now, here is my problem, I started reading with an open mind. I have done my best to keep it that way. And honestly it just reads like a fairytale. I am trying to tell myself as I read, "This stuff really happened", but it just seems fake, no matter how much I try to think otherwise. So, here is my question: Do you think some people are born with the ability to believe in God, and some aren't? Cause, it seems no matter how hard I try, I can't. I will finish reading to the end, but I can tell you, so far I am less of a believer than I ever was, if that is at all possible.
2007-01-09 15:48:23 · 16 answers · asked by Amanda D 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Royal Racer: I actually sit down and pray before I read, something I haven't done in YEARS.
2007-01-09 15:54:19 · update #1
Amanda, two of the best people I know, both ministers, went to seminary and both have told me that at times they had major faith crisis as they studied. I think reading the Bible is likely the same.
I do not take everything in the Bible as a literal happening, much is quite symbolic and many things, such as time and space have different meanings than we have today.
I don't think you can force yourself to believe. I think you have to let yourself believe.
As far as are people born with something that allows them to believe...there is actually speculation about that very thing, but of course, no absolute, untestable proof.
GBY
2007-01-09 16:02:30 · answer #1 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, you are reading it with an open mind, and in that case, yes, it will sound very much like a flight of fancy. That's because the bible was written as a literary form known as allegory.
Allegory is a literary method that was much understood at the time, but is rarely understood these days. And it's an excellent way to explain complex and sophisticated concepts to a relatively unsophisticated group of people. WIth that in mind, it should be fairly easy to keep an open mind.
In addition, there is a theory that some people are genetically programmed to believe in god, despite all evidence to the contrary.
2007-01-09 15:57:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know that some scientist are talking about a "God gene", but I think that if God is real (and to me He is) then it makes sense that all of His creation would be drawn to Him. I think that your problem is that you are reading the bible without a proper introduction and reference notes that explains what you are reading. Also some translations are better than others. When I was moving from being an Atheist to a believer I just got a bible and read it cover to cover like you are doing. Because I was grieving a death I found reading it comforting even if I didn't understand it all. Also don't read it with the idea that it all really happened. Fairy tales have their place, an important place, in all religions and societies to covey deep truth. That is why we tell the classic fairy tales to children. Some therapist have their adult clients go back and read some of them to pick up the deep truth that can only be taught in that way to our deep subconscious mind.
2007-01-09 16:07:16 · answer #3 · answered by tonks_op 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that you are too intelligent to have a predisposition for believing in God. Read the Bible because you are curious about it, not to obtain the belief in a god. Because even if you develop a strong faith, you will not know if there is a god during your lifetime. Your faith might make you very happy and content during your lifetime. For a lot of people, that is enough.
2007-01-09 16:09:49 · answer #4 · answered by TarKettle 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. The knowledge of something greater then man is intrinsic which God instilled in man. So it is my understanding that all believe in something but there are also those who God calls as well as those who are predisposed to believe in God. The Bible speaks that there will be those whose hearts will be harden towards God and unable receive Him. So it is possible that you may not have an ear to hear God, however no one can truly know this but you and God.
2007-01-09 15:56:58 · answer #5 · answered by S C 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is good to search. Before you get too disheartened; get a modern version translated in modern English (not middle English). Then; get a copy of the "perennial philosophy" (written by Aldous Huxley). It will explain why you are on this quest for knowledge of God. To answer your question; It has nothing to do with birth right abilities it has to do with perseverance some of us are "unregenerate" meaning; we do not know how to condition our minds in order to be aware of the one reality, or do not want to discipline our minds in such a fashion. So if you are not a saint or shaman then the best you can do is to study those who were, and who by modifying their merely human mode of being, were capable of direct awareness of the divine reality. Just read the introduction to the book I referred you to above. It will answer most of your questions on this subject and aid you in your quest. Good Luck......
2007-01-09 16:34:18 · answer #6 · answered by HeyDude 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Amanda, you're wasting your time reading that book. I'm not telling you that as an Atheist, I'm telling you that as one human being wishing to spare another form unendurable torment. I admire your bravery and nature but I can sense that you haven't been conditioned to believe in the type of concept that most religious people can. Because that's what it is - conditioning. Read about Pavlov and his dogs to understand conditioning and you will have a better understanding of certain peoples predisposition to believe in such ludicrous principles.
2007-01-09 15:58:26 · answer #7 · answered by 2 fast 4 god 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No, I do not believe some people are born with a predisposition for believing in God. As you read you will find that God meant for all of us to have a relationship with Him. I suggest you say a prayer before you read asking God to help you with your unbelief. Just don't give up.
2007-01-09 15:54:35 · answer #8 · answered by tooyoung2bagrannybabe 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
IMO, most people in todays world tend to believe what they were taught to believe.
Also, there isnt proof, only speculation, that anything in the bible really happened. It is just a book.
2007-01-09 15:54:06 · answer #9 · answered by Abby_Normal 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a christian myself i think that if your wanting to believe in God you should read the New Testament first then go back and read the Old Testament. this Will help you to understand the bible more also pray to god and he'll help you
2007-01-09 16:00:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋