Because you do not believe in something does that mean it does not exist?

Answer 1

no, Because I could believe that gravty is not real but in realty if I jump off a five store building, I will go splat.

Answer 2

An excellent question. One may know what is certain based upon adequate documentation and evidence: many of us do not live in Madagascar, but we know lemurs exist because there is much documentation to prove it...and because in most zoos that one can patronize, one will see an actual lemur.

However, what about things for which adequate documentation and evidence are not available? While many people "believe" in Bigfoot, I do not because there is insufficient evidence to convince me. This is not to say absolutely that Bigfoot does not exist. Rather I prefer to consider the probability of a conclusion: in the case of Bigfoot, until there is more convincing evidence, there is a very low probability, in my opinion, that Bigfoot exists. Bigfoot might exist nonetheless: all I am saying is that, as it stands now, it appears highly improbable.

Likewise, one can take a rational approach to religion. Look at the bible...or any other holy book...for example. Based upon the writings in the bible, clearly it was written by primitive men who neither knew the earth was round nor that it was a planet orbiting the sun. These men also, based upon the bible's writings, did not know of the existence of the Western Hemisphere or even of China. The bible is filled with such misunderstandings regarding the natural world. Likewise, it is also filled with many fantastic stories and magical beings, for which there is no credible evidence in our world to prove the veracity of these things. Is it possible somehow that everything in the bible is somehow true, even if there isn't any real evidence to prove it in our modern world? Yes, it is "possible." Unfortunately, it is also highly improbable. Without any evidence, whether that evidence be a burning bush or the fictional character, Jesus, speaking through a cloud, or some other fantastical process to prove that such things really did and still can happen...then it is highly probable that most of the bible is either erroneous or simply fiction.

Answer 3

Good question. In my opinion, if you do not believe in something then to "you" it may not exist, but to those who do believe in that same thing it does. Everyone will have their own beliefs about everything for as long as the earth exist, everyone should be open minded enough to not argue about other people's beliefs, because people are going to believe what ever they want to because that is the way they were brought up. I'll end my comment with a question to think about.......Just because everyone is not prejudice, does that mean it does not exist?

Answer 4

No, it just means that you don't believe it exists. It's the same the other way...Does something definitely exist just because you believe it does?

Answer 5

Absolutely not! I'm sure that there are a lot of things individuals don't believe in that do exist. Some people are even coming up with "evidence" that ghosts/spirits do exist.

Further, I'm sure a lot of things exist that we are not even aware of--to even venture a guess whether or not they exist.

I see that this is the religion category, though, so I assume you are talking about God.. I do believe in Him, but I see how many people don't--just because they need proof--they don't have/believe in "faith"

I am one who will not argue--try to change a person's mind about anything in religion/faith. If and when people with no faith want to check out the Bible or a church--good. If they do not--that is their business. God gave us free-will as individuals--to me that means live and let live.

Answer 6

This is a good question, and one that can be answered simply. Our children are and SHOULD be niave to the sin, crime, selfishness of this world. They are not aware - and they should be perfectly comfortable, loved and protected in their own little world of love by parents. Even my wife is sheltered from a lot of what goes on the world today. Does this mean it doesn't exist?

Answer 7

well no it doesn't mean that it doesn't exist just like the fact that you might believe something does exist doesn't necessarily mean that it does either

Answer 8

Because you believe in it, does that mean it does exist?

Answer 9

Most Christians mean well when they defend their faith. But, too often, many make fundamental errors when dialoguing with atheists. We need to make as few errors as possible, not simply to win an argument, but to help the atheist come to a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus.


Following are common mistakes made by theists when dialoguing with atheists.

Labeling Atheists
Some Christians have labeled atheists as evil, stupid, devil-worshippers, or morally void. Though there may be some atheists who fit these categories (as would many in the general population), atheists are not categorically evil, stupid, devil-worshipping, degenerates with no morals. Many of them are fine citizens, honest, caring, loving, and patient. For a Christian, or anyone for that matter, to make a blanket statement about atheists in a derogatory manner is wrong. It is the same thing atheists sometimes do when they accuse Christians of being irrational, psychotic, or stupid. Such accusations have no place on either side of the argument of truth.

Generally speaking, atheists are not stupid. Many of them have thought through their position over a long period of time and arrive at conclusions after much thought. Some were raised in religious homes, have seen what religion has to offer, and have rejected it. Of course, I think that atheists have drawn incorrect conclusions about God, but it doesn't mean they are dumb. Some atheists have presented very cogent arguments against the existence of God, which need to be addressed.

So, just because someone believes in God and encounters someone who doesn't, that does not mean that either side is stupid. Labeling and name-calling have no place in the discussion.

Ignoring Atheists' Questions
If you were standing on a railroad track and a train was heading your way, closing your eyes and ignoring the locomotive will not make it go away. If an atheist asks a question and you ignore it repeatedly, it would be fair for him to conclude you were incapable of answering the objection. Of course, this does not mean you have to always answer everything because dialogue flows both ways. But, it is important that you face issues. If you don't have an answer, admit it. That's okay. It doesn't mean you are wrong. It means you don't have an answer. Go study and get an answer and get back to him.
Stating that Atheism is a religion
Atheists will repeatedly tell you that they are not in a religion. A religion almost always is defined to include belief in a deity of some sort. Atheism is non-belief in a deity. It isn't necessarily a "belief that there is no God," (though it can be)but is "not believing either way."

To label an atheist as a religious person is to put up a roadblock to effective communication. It would be like someone saying to a Christian, "You believe in a mean, tyrannical being who likes to torture people." The Christian would simply role his eyes and think that the person doesn't know what he's talking about. So, how much effective conversation could there be in either instance? Not much.

Stating unsupportable facts
No one has all documentation for everything they say. It is not reasonable to require proof from an atheist on everything said. Nevertheless, if you are going to state a fact or two, it is good to have the documentation at the tip of your tongue -- at least occasionally, of have access to it. It adds to your credibility. Of course, you don't have to document everything, but if you have some illustrious fact to use, try and have it documented.
Never admitting when you are wrong
Pride is a harmful thing. It caused the fall. It ruins marriages. It leads to anger and self-righteousness. It has no place in the Christian's life. Never admitting you are wrong is being prideful. If an atheist, or anyone, proves you wrong is something, be kind and courteous. Admit you made a mistake and go on. Everyone makes mistakes, even atheists. There is nothing wrong with admitting an error. It no more proves you are wrong about Christianity than being wrong about the color of a boat means boats don't exist. But, if you never admit when you are wrong, you will not be able to convince anyone in a discussion of your position. You will simply loose the respect of the one with whom you are debating.

Answer 10

You mean like how you don't believe Odin exists?

Answer 11

It means that it does not exist for me, and that I won't believe it does exist until there is proof of such.