As an atheist, I have wondered if I would be a happier person if I had come to the conclusion that a personal God exists that listened to me and could affect my life. It would be great to look forward to a continued existence in Heaven after death. It would give me a reason to say, "at least I have that to look forward to" during hard times.
I think some believers are leading a happier life than they would have if religion had not been in their lives... So to them (from an atheist's perspective), did it really matter that they believed in something during their lives that doesn't exist (i.e., can never be proven)? And maybe they might've been better people because of religion. This would seem to indicate they chose happiness over ultimate truth (unknowingly)... Sometimes I wonder if I had unknowlingly come to this conclusion if I would be a happier person (but I'm generally pretty happy overall).
Your thoughts (religious + nonreligious) appreciated...
2007-03-19 13:01:02 · 14 answers · asked by allen314159 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I choose ultimate truth over happiness because ultimate Truth is ultimate happiness. The truth will set us free!
2007-03-19 13:07:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wisdom is freedom and leaving reality as we know it is inevitable. Where I will go after I leave this body is a guess really. There is so much of the bible that I don't believe which leaves me searching for other possibilities of the life after. I do think that trying to be the best human possible and trying to always grow may affect the hereafter. This and being honest with yourself are the ultimate truths for me. Answering this question or any of the questions here make me feel smart and there is a bit of bravado involved. Not enough to make me an unpleasant person though, just a truthful person.
2016-03-29 06:42:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question is a bit complex and I complement you. Anywho, I believe that in life in general, we are constantly sheilded from the truth as people do not want to deal with us. IE, we tell others lives as to spare ourselves the confrontation, not matter how insignificant a difference responding with the truth can make. So, maybe some use religion as a means of not having to reveal that what they preach is their own thought but instead, the standards set by a higher power that shall punish us etc. etc.
Then again, there are those others who claim to have "seen Jesus" or "been spared by God" and then turn their lives around. Though what they say is highly questionable, without their beleifs, they would have no other reason as to why they should help themselves.
Hope that helped...
2007-03-19 13:12:11 · answer #3 · answered by ❤fabulousSARA❤ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ultimate truth is definitly more important. There is a eternal life after this life that every one should look forward to. Believing in the Lord brings happiness beyond believe. To few people actually have happiness in this world, especially other countries. But if you believe in Jesus, then forever you will live in paradise after this life. God can not be scientificly proven, and I don't think God wants it that way. He want you to believe by faith. Thats why he promises if you do believe you will live in paradise forever. Also there is no evidence that God doesn't exsist, so isn't it a big risk to take in thinking that there is no God. Just humor me for a second, and lets say God is real. Don't you want to go to heaven?
2007-03-19 13:09:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Living.
2007-03-19 13:03:33 · answer #5 · answered by Cold Fart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Christian, I am happy in my life and with my ability to have a relationship with a personal God. I know that He is always there through both the good and the hard times, and is always ready to listen to me whenever and wherever. And I do look forward to Heaven, and do not fear the afterlife because I know what that means for me. If I lose a loved one, I rest assured that I will see them again in Heaven. Once somebody puts their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, I believe that they experience a change in their life and do become happier and more appreciative of what it means to have life in Christ.
2007-03-19 13:08:22 · answer #6 · answered by ilovejoshgroban! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great Question my friend. I am a Christian and I have found ultimate 'joy' and I have experienced the infaulable truth of the Word of God. I appreciate your honesty and I hope (not for the sake of the church or some religion) that you will experience the freeing truth of the Gospel as well.
God Bless my friend
2007-03-20 13:15:45 · answer #7 · answered by Lord Sean 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obedience to God's rules (not religious leaders). Then you get both plus a bonus of eternal life. Hey, I gotta believe in something, why not something as wonderful as that? Let God's kingdom come!
2007-03-19 13:04:04 · answer #8 · answered by Starjumper the R&S Cow 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well i believe religion is truth but there is a happiness that you cant comprehend and a great peace! I know my life wouldn't be the same with out it!
2007-03-19 13:08:26 · answer #9 · answered by lisa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually it can be proven and God is waiting for you to have the faith in him so he can prove himself.
If you dont believe its true in your heart, youre not going to find any meaning or fullfillment from it.
2007-03-19 13:08:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋