Is believing simply a matter of saying "I believe"?

Question

I believe that our universe as we know it started with the "big bang." Although I of course do not know the intimate details and much is still not understood about it, I still believe in the general theory. That being said, I no longer believe in a supernatural god that created all things, simply based on the scientific evidence I've seen presented.

If I told myself that I wanted to believe in a god to go to heaven just in case, would that be cheating? If I WANTED to be a Christian but deep in my mind the evidence was telling me otherwise, how you do believe god would treat that?

This to me seems to be like taking a cookie and saying "I believe this is a healthy thing to eat." I, of course, know it is not based on evidence. I want it to be healthy though!

I'd like to hear some standpoints on this. Religious or not. Maybe some religious folks have talked to their leaders about this and have their opinions.

Thanks,
Zach

Answer 1

You say you no longer believe in a supernatural god that created all things, yet you worry how this same god will view the fact that you have intellectual curiosity and not blind belief.
If you believed a chocolate chip cookie was healthy, you WOULD be basing that belief in what you want. Right or wrong to believe, it would be false. I personally believe it is "wrong" as in not condusive to personal growth. I believe we have a moral obligation to intellectual curiosity and I believe that leads to personal growth, in all areas. Compassion for others rooted in someone else's rule, rather than your own heart, doesn't lend to true empathy. And avoiding the intellectual process that leads you to true empathy will not lead you to contribute as well in your personal relationships or your role as a human in society and on earth.
As far as Christianity goes, it is rooted in the teachings of what we assume historicaly to be a good man, an independent thinker, a man of intellectual curiosity, who said that the goodness is INSIDE each of us, and I believe that is where you will find it most. No "god" could punish you for that.

Answer 2

I was reading an article once about the Big Bang, which said if it were true, then galaxies, which are like clumps of stars, wouldn't form, bc the stars should be evenly spread out. I don't remember the details.

Anyway, there is some faith to Christianity. However, it isn't an unreasoned faith. There are good reasons to believe it and the Bible. Jesus' resurrection, for instance. It's been said that if the evidence in the Bible were presented in court, they would find that Jesus did rise from the dead, after all of the other possibilities were ruled out. Ppl have said the disciples took it, how did they overpower the Roman guard? They've said the Pharisees took it, why didn't they produce it after ppl said he rose again and squash Christianity right then? Others have said the Romans took it, but this wouldn't make sense when Pilate ordered his men to guard the body, why would they then steal it and disturb the order of the area (which it was Pilate's duty to keep?) Still others have said that Jesus didn't actually die, obviously bc the Romans were so bad at killing ppl.

The objections to the resurrection have all been answered, the reason ppl bring them up, is bc they're unwilling to accept the answers. The crux of the issue is this: Did Jesus rise from the dead?

The answer has, for two thousand years, been "yes", and this in itself means that Jesus was the Messiah and that there is a God who sent Him.

Answer 3

There was I time when I struggled with this very question. The fact is that just because science explains some formerly unexplained phenomenon, doesn't make God any less the author of that phenomenon. I also believe in the Big Bang theory, based simply on the scientific evidence. However, that belief in no way reduces my faith in God.

Don't listen to the extremists who try to create a war between religion and science. It simply does not exist. Science and religion both seek the truth in their respective fields; and truth cannot contradict truth.

God knows what's in your heart. Simply saying, "I believe". doesn't cut it. But, that doesn't mean that you should give up. Admit to yourself and to God that you are struggling with this and pray for discernment. Everybody struggles from time to time; there's nothing wrong with that.

Answer 4

Basically, let go of the religious aspect if you don't believe. Miricales happen everyday that scientifically can't be explained, and ones that science can break down all the way. I feel that you believe that there is a God in Heaven, otherwise this question or debate would be the last thing on your mind

Answer 5

Well, no. Its isn't. To believe you don't have to say "I believe." You don't have to let anybody know you believe. In fact, it's better to do religious acts of kindness for someone anonymously, rather than letting it be known. At least that's how it works in my religion, I don't know about yours. Becoming spiritually connected with God isn't something that happens in a short amount of time. It has to come deep from your heart and it has to stay there. And , of course, you have to be following the right spirituality. Explore more religions. Find true information about them, not just from the Internet, because as I know from personal experience, it gives you false info sometimes. Talk to different preachers, sorry, because I don't know what they are called, but the Jewish equivalent of preacher's (Rabi's?), Islamic leaders, and more. Try to find which religion you think fits the correct slot best. Peace be upon you.

Answer 6

I am in a similar situation and have been looking for answers for a while. I want to believe, but I'm not sure how. I have been a church goer for almost three years now. I have attended the Bible studies. I have read the Bible (not the entire thing). I have a study Bible. And I still don't get it. I'm embarrassed almost to admit that. I'm 32, educated, and perhaps too logical for my own good. I think my biggest source is confusion is a little different than yours though, mine is more that I want to see the signs, know my calling, be able to help others in some way, but I just feel like a normal schmo with nothing to offer. And I want to get it. I haven't been closed minded, just terribly confused. Too me it's like this. I've always wanted to like peppers, but I don't, people always tell me there good and I believe that, but they don't taste good to me...go figure.

Anyway, in a nutshell, this is what I have been consistently told.....

"most things in life you learn to trust over time and then you believe in them, but with God it's the opposite...you believe in him and over time you will trust him because of the awesome things he will do in your life."

Answer 7

It's not enough to believe that God exists, even Satan believes that God exists. You have to believe IN God. Trust in Him, let Him into your life. Having Faith is believing without seeing. I will pray that God guides you....

PLEASE listen to this 15 minute video, it is a fantastic message from the pastor of our church. He is a down to earth surfer and a believer in God and the Bible...God Bless You...

http://www.juststopandthink.com/index.php

Answer 8

Its like this Zach.

Do you want to be a christian or do you want to be a follower of Jesus?

There is a very big difference. Many who profess to be Christians do almost the exact opposite of what Jesus asked us to do.

You need to decide what you want.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 9

Just to say I believe is not enough.....Even Satan believes in God............but he didn't obey...............To be a Christian you must thank God for dieing on the cross for your sins and that He now lives........he rose from the grave ......and then as a Christian you read the bible and pray and help will be on the way to help you live the Christian life................The cross of Jesus is simple...He made it that way....it is so simple many pass by.............Glad you are wanting to know the truth........God Bless You

Answer 10

You need to use logic....in this universe, things go from order to chaos. Is it reasonable then, to try to convince yourself that as things were in their natural state of falling into disprepair, BANG!! Chaos became order??!
Chaos doesn't become order without someone making that happen. Hence, the logical reason to believe that God DOES exist...it couldn't have happened by accident!