Believers and non-believers have reached opposite conclusions on the same issue with equal conviction. I find that fascinating and perplexing. Personally, I am a non-believer and don't really understand how people can honestly believe in God(s). And there are believers who don't understand how I can't believe. What is that people to be so far apart on the same issue? What is it about the way believers think that non-believers lack, or vice-versa? It has to be complex than just faith or a lack thereof.
I asked this question in religion & spirituality, but surprisingly only a couple people answered. I also think the psych people will give me a different perspective.
2007-01-16 15:38:43 · 7 answers · asked by Subconsciousless 7 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Some people need to believe in a superior force. For them, it explains the unexplained. Everything happens for a reason, because God wanted it to.
Some others don't think that everything has to have an excuse for happening.
Another important factor is society. I'm born Christian Orthodox. I honestly don't know If I believe or not. I only remember God when I feel very bad and want a miracle to happen (i suppose i'm not what you would call religious). If you ask my family why they believe in God, they probably won't know what to answer. That is just the way they grew up and what they were taught.
Personally I believe religion was created to make humans behave and follow some of the rules we take as granted today. Not harming other people, not lying, not killing etc.
Religions exist because we (human race) want to believe that we are here for a cause; that there must be a purpose to human existence. I doubt that, but who knows.
That's my opinion.
Question:
If someone leads a good life but does not believe in God, say there is God, will he/she be judged for it???? See, that's what I don;t get about religion. It's NOT WHOM you believe or don't believe in, it's HOW you lead your life that matters.
2007-01-16 15:55:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
In my opinion it comes down to upbringing and personal experiences. Even within one of those groups (believers/non-believers) you'll find that seldom do 2 feel exactly the same. I believe in God because my experiences have lead me to that belief. I examined my feelings about it from an early age and accepted it long ago. It has nothing to do with intellect, so you'll find intelligent people on both sides of the fence. That's what makes it more difficult for either side to "win". Personally, I don't try to convince anyone to believe what I believe, and I respect the simple fact that each of us has the right to choose our own path. Good question, thanks. :)
2007-01-16 16:02:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I feel that someone who does not believe in God or a creator has a greater level of faith than someone who does. The odds of things just happening such to create a human, or any other species, even with evolution are astronomical, and then in that beings lifespan, things coming together just right to create an opposite sex, is beyond infinite odds. If you change just one item, there is no continuation of the species. These odds are so great, that I find it easier to believe that there is a creator. Some believe in a dictatorial creator ready to strike us down if we do something wrong, while I chose to believe in a loving God that cares and is willing to help us change and grow to become better humans, and more compasionate towards our fellow man.
One reason I feel that some people want to believe there is not a creator, is so that they do not have to live to a higher moral code, and can then proceed in life without remorse for their actions. If they do not feel they will be held in judgement for what they did on this earth, then the actions or lifestyle they choose does not matter.
I feel that if I live like God does exist, and I am wrong, I will lose some of the hedonist pleasures of this life; but if I live life doing what feels good, and living like there is no God, and I am wrong, I will end up suffering for eternity paying for my misdeeds.
I would rather play it safe. Plus no one can argue with me on the changes that have been made in my life because of my belief in God.
I will not judge someone because they do not believe in God. I just simply tell them that I marvel at the amount of faith they have.
James
2007-01-16 16:02:17 · answer #3 · answered by James 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
For every issue there will be people on each side so it's not just religion. Some people believe everything they are told to believe. Others do a little research and soul searching and come up with their own conclusion.
2007-01-16 15:45:54 · answer #4 · answered by LO! 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
It's like this. God is situated in every ones heart. if one wants to know Him and sincerely seeks Him out they get His mercy and He says "yes I exist." So they get that realizatiaon. And if they don't want to know Him he puts His Maya (illusion) over them. And says "I'm not here." So they can try to enjoy this illusory energy. Only one fourth of the souls come to the material world (the less intelligent ones) that's us- go to harekrishnatemple.c for details on karma, reincarnation, universal truths. Read Bhagavad Gita as it is By Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada for the purpose of human life.
2007-01-16 15:48:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
because some want to go to Heaven and live with God while others choose to want to be a part of the world, this world has nothing to offer me that could even come close to what God has for me and all that are faithful unto him !
2007-01-16 16:16:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
People who do not believe in god are intelligent, and religious people are ignorant, naive, and brain-washed.
2007-01-16 15:46:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 4⤋