If god is god, then why don't I believe?

Question

And don't give me the old cop-out about "free will." If god exists, then the only will that matters is his and it's sheer lunacy to think that any of his creations could thwart it. DUH.

@ bettierage: I've actually been told that "you don't believe because you're not meant to be one of god's people." !!!!

@ Jerry: Your answer contradicts itself. If I can't believe in god then how can I hate him? (BTW, I don't hate the Easter Bunny, but I also don't believe in him. See how that works?)

Answer 1

Intelligence and inquisitiveness - the bane of religion.

Answer 2

And it is extremely niave to believe that any supreme being, no matter what you might call them, would put us here for whatever reason and not give us some say in the matter. Esoterics teach we are all part of the ONE great existence, therefore God is part of that, part of us.
I look at it like this. If we are all offshoots of the original matter of the universe then we have a purpose. I see that purpose as the getting of knowledge and the understanding which would turn that knowledge to wisdom. If this is the case any omnipotent being which chose to thwart free-will would be completely negating the point of our existence in the first place.
We are essentially God's classroom, Uni whatever, we provide the experience which allows the Universe (God) to grow and develop.
I could get into the mechanics of how it's possible for us to be submitting information and stimuli to an omnipotent being in the here and now and yet that omnipotent being is aware of that stimuli before it has occurred to us. It's a little complex and is based in a theory called Simultaneous Time.
Essentially you're asking a question that's answered for you, if you need to ask why you don't believe then part of you more than likely does, or wants to.

Answer 3

Actually your whole concern about the will of God and human will is very far from a "duh" issue; it's something that theologians and philosophers have been wrestling with since antiquity. In fact, free will isn't a cop out at all. The sticking point is whether God "permits" free will to operate by willingly suspending his own potential omnidetermination of events, or if finite actualities do indeed possess a power of self-determination which God *cannot* override. In my opinion, this latter position -- which is held by process theists such as A.N. Whitehead -- offers the only tenable theodicy. In other words, on some level, "freedom" and "being" coincide; to override a being's freedom at this fundamental level is to annihiliate it. Whitehead sees the roots of freedom extending into the most fundamental levels of reality, manifesting (for example) at the quantum level as quantum indeterminacy.

See, there's a whole universe of discourse with which you have to familiarize yourself if you're going to make intelligent judgments about these issues. So get reading.

Answer 4

I`m not really sure why you don`t believe,because I don`t know you,or the experiences that you have had in your life to harden your heart against God.I do know that if He wants you,He will find you.I also know that faith is a gift from God.Certain people have been chosen (the predestine ones)and certain people are not chosen.I do know that the Bible sais we can only get to Heaven through Jesus Christ.Believing He is the Son of God,going to Him on our hands and knees and confessing every sin we have ever committed and vowing before the thrown of Christ to put off our old self and follow him.Once you do this,then you are a child of God.Then God will never forsake you,and there will be a place for you in the kingdome of Heaven!

Answer 5

I don't know why some believe and some don't. I do know that God is the one to draw you to Him. Perhaps some people just don't want to be accountable to God. Free will is not a cop out. Is God twisting your arm to believe in Him.? Does He stop you from going to a bar and getting plastered, or having sex in the back seat of a car? No, you chose what you do or don't do.

Answer 6

Maybe it is your job to say why you don't believe. You'd not likely accept any answer I gave you about yourself. But I will, anyway. Your cognitive faculties aren't attuned properly. Thus, you have consistent and rational thoughts, but their aim and reception is off. Much of what you think is knowledge is only feedback.

Palomnick: The problem with Process Theology is that it states God does not know future events. This, when taken to its logical conclusion, changes the nature of God so drastically that it is difficult to relate such a deity to the Christian one weemaryann asks about.

I think you would be more impressed with "middle knowledge" than process thought, if you are interested in theodicies.

Answer 7

believe it or not he created you and decided to allow you to live your life as you please. No, that is not His will for you, but that's not what you want to hear is it....I thing you don't believe because you are afraid to believe in an ever lasting God who loves you and what you to follow him. Don't believe me, check out a book called, " The Message" it's simple and easy to read. there are many books available by Christian authors who explain much of what you ask. seek and you will find the truth.

Answer 8

Because you dont understand the evidence for the existence of god or you have never looked at it. If you did then the arguments would become clearer. On the other hand, you are perfectly entitled not to believe in god(s) either. The question is what do you think for yourself? Maybe God is hiding his existence from you?

Answer 9

You find it hard to believe because it's hard to believe in something thats not physically standing in front of you (thats why its called faith), Satan doesn't want you to believe and runs our society, and a lot of people don't truly know what they're talking about and distort the image of what God truly tells us in the Bible. Read the Bible yourself and ask God to show you what you want to know. I promise you he's real, and one day we'll all find out. Its not easy to believe or be a Christain in our society, its ruthless lol. The Bible says its going to be hard and you will be scorned like he (Jesus) was. We shouldn't trip on it though, Jesus says to take it as a sort of blessing...if you stand your ground and turn your cheek to the scorning, keep your faith, and it'll be all worth it in the long run. Its all hard to comprehend, just don't listen to what most people tell you about what they think God is or expects of you, or what the Bible says. Read it yourself, ask God to open your eyes and set you on a path to the truth you're seaking. Don't be close minded, open your heart to the Lord, don't listen to other people. Look at like a relationship between you and God (your father), and not religion. Its a spiritual battle we all go through everyday on what to believe or do when it comes to trying to get closer to God. Distance yourself from what society has taught you about normal "religion", and make the decision on your own. I know I rambled on. I'm just trying to help you =). I promise you God is real, he loves us all, he has a free gift of eternal life with him if you choose to accept him in your heart as God your father. Look at it this way, its atleast worth a good honest try...its a free gift of life in heaven...no more pain, sickness, murder, rape, starvation, and all other evil crap this world as we know it intales. I'm ready to get out of this hell hole I'll tell you that. I hope this helps, and not confuses you. Getting to know God is a lot to take on and comprehend at first. Full heartly try to get to know him and he'll accept you with open arms, open your eyes, and set you on a path you won't regret. Good luck, God bless, again I'm just trying to help =)

Answer 10

In the bible (the very last page) it says " Let those who do wrong keep on doing wrong. Let those who are evil continue to be evil. Let those who do what is right keep on doing what is right. And let those who are holy continue to be holy"
What that means is that you should do what you do. In the end, you get your just deserts.