Is religious belief basically emotional, and therefore no evidence is needed?

Answer 1

It is basically emotional. But, it's not that no evidence is needed, no evidence is wanted. If you start applying science to God, then his existence crumbles away. For some that's a crushing emotional realization that they would rather not deal with.

Answer 2

This canard that faith and belief are totally devoid of evidence has been making the rounds for centuries but it has no basis in scripture or in fact. Neither is it pure emotion. The emotions are involved, to be sure. But that does not mean the person expressing it is lacking in evidence, common sense or logic.

Here’s a practical illustration: Scientists calculate with pinpoint precision all that is necessary to put manned rockets into space and that same pinpoint precision is used to calculate the precise entry level at which the rocket must reenter earth’s atmosphere and all that is based on universal laws. And that entry level has to be precise or people die. It’s just that simple.

This is indicative of THEIR faith in those laws. Are they being emotional about it? Well, I don’t know. They probably pop their eyes in awe when they see the cool things they can do – if that goes for an emotional response, fine. The point is: scientists demonstrate faith all the time. That faith is founded on evidence. They know the precision with which those celestial bodies move, spin and orbit. They know they can count on it. So they do cool stuff utilizing it.

It is true that dictionaries sometimes define faith as belief not based on logical proof or material evidence. However, genuine faith requires a fundamental knowledge, a familiarity with the evidence, and a heartfelt appreciation of what that evidence indicates. This is exactly what the scientist above demonstrates. It is no less true for Christians just because they are Christians.

Hannah J Paul

Answer 3

Its not emotion, its faith.

This is an entirely different concept than emotion.

The evidence that has been offered up for religions, both scientific (archeological, etc) and legend (Bible, Qu'ran, etc.) are taken as real with the FAITH of an individual. Emotion doesn't enter into what you believe. Emotion enters into HOW you believe.

For instance. A person can believe in God, Jesus, and all of that. That is the faith that these religous characters exist. But, does a person whom believes that God exists necessarily love God? No, not always.

I should imagine that someone whom worships Satan as their divine would have no love for God, but would believe in his existence.

Answer 4

Faith is not faith without some evidence. That would be credulity: "willingness to believe or trust too readily, esp. without proper or adequate evidence" - Websters.com

My faith is based firmly on evidence, and that allows for emotion to play a part. Evidence of the fulfillment of Bible prophecy testifies to the divine authorship of the Bible and cements my belief that all Biblical prophecies not yet fulfilled will come to pass.

Since these as yet unfulfilled prophecies involve my eternal welfare and the hope of living forever, emotion comes into play. But to get emotional without any kind of solid foundation for faith would be, as I said, incredulous.

Answer 5

It is not the belief's existence that is in question. Atheists acknowledge people have god-beliefs.

The real question is does god exist? There is no objective, validatable, verifiable evidence to support the existence of a god (in reality). Hence I do not believe. I do not deny anyone to have the right to believe as they wish, however, I should not be expected to believe as they do without evidence to satisfy me. I also do not expect to be discriminated against, or insulted because of my position.

Answer 6

The evidence we have for our belief, we cannot share with another because it is based on faith.

Trying to describe to a non-believer how I know the truth of my religion is like trying to describe the taste of salt to someone that has never had it. (IE: To a person that has never had salt, saying it tastes salty is not going to help them at all).

Religion is something that is very personal. And while you can share with others that have had the same experience, because they understand what you're saying without saying it, it's very hard with those that have never felt the Spirit.

Answer 7

Evidence suggests that belief of some kind is part of the neuro-biology of the human brain. Religious belief is one of the ways that predisposition is manifested.

Answer 8

No. Evidence comes in all kinds of ways. Scientific evidence is only one form of evidence. Faith evidence is something entirely different. Faith believes God's Word. It uses the "evidence" of the testing of time, the truth of prophecies fulfilled, the experiences for itself that God is True, and the ongoing personal living relationship of a living God. These are evidences that only Faith can see and know and cannot be displayed to the sight of others (except for the Prophecy part). They must use their Faith to see for themselves the evidence of God. The evidence of Faith is just as valid and real as scientific evidence - just a different realm - the realm of Truth.

Answer 9

if it works for you,, YES.. besides evidence to you can be justified away by another . And you may do the same to what they feel is fact.. The only fact is how a specific religious belief effects you, how you feel..
Light and Dark
Ray

Answer 10

Sadly, it is that way ....but it shouldn't be.
Truth is provable, even religious truth.
If it is not provable .....no need to accept it as truth.
The churches like saying things are a mystery and that its all beyond us, because they teach lies.
A simple examination can show up the falsity of the Trinity, hell-fire, immortality of the soul.
Therefore, they place it in the realm of 'unprovable belief' ....which, of course, is face-saving garbage!