Is it stupid to just believe what somebody says, and not check the facts?

Question

I found this book, and it claimed that it was a true story. But some of the stuff in the book was like science fiction, with tales of supernatural occurances and stuff, but then the book took a scary turn.

It claimed that anyone who reads it, if they do not believe what was written in it, would die a horrible death!

The book is compelling and makes me want to believe it, but I did some checking and no one even knows who the original author is and the only real evidence for the stuff that happened is the book itself!

I asked my history professor why some of that stuff wasn't taught as history and he showed me that there just wasn't enough conclusive documentation that it actually occured.

So I was wondering, should I just believe it anyway, since I am afraid that if I do not, I will die a horrible death? Or would that just be dumb?

Answer 1

just ignore the contents of that book. as we ignore emails from unknown people.

Answer 2

I'm going to take a wild guess that you're talking about the Bible, here. I'm an atheist, myself, so I don't believe in God, and I don't recommend believing everything you read. That said, the Bible does contain some useful and relevant information on how to treat your fellow man (do unto others, and all that), and you might want to look at some of the more outlandish stuff as metaphorical. I believe that any literature you read is of use in one way or another, though it is still wise to check into its credibility before taking it too literally.

Answer 3

I will assume you are speaking of the word of God, the Bible. The first thing I would like to point out is you interpretation of this book is in err. Nowhere In the bible will you find that one must believe in the book or be destroyed. If you seek the truth from this book you will find that all have sinned and thus inherited death. This book that seems so scary to you is in fact the answer to your fears. The book speaks of man's fall from god and how he paid the penalty for you and how salvation and eternal life is available to all who accept the atonement he provided. To believe in a book without any reason would be dumb but the fact is revealtion comes from the one who inspired the book which is God. God reveals his truth to those who love the truth and seek it.

Answer 4

always check out the source...

1 John 4:1: "Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world."

Acts 17:11 " Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thes·sa·lo·ni′ca, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so."

This is based on the fact that the Bible is the one true source of truth.

Answer 5

If this book that you speak of is God's Word....believe it by faith. There may be some pretty unbelievable things in it, and it may be hard to understand at times, but that's what makes it so amazing. Over 40 different authors over a space of 2000+ years, all writing about the same subjects with no contradictions (a literary impossibility). It is truly a miraculous work.

Answer 6

I attend Sunday services in the Morning and the evening. I also attend Bible study at our church building on Wednesday evenings with our family and frieds. I never take anything that is said as fact without first reading, studying, and rechecking the Biblical References that are always given. We expect to be accountable to GOD each and every one of us INDIVIDUALLY not as a group. Each of us will be accountable for his/her own sins. Remember that as you read any book, no matter it's origin. Have a great day.
Eds

Answer 7

if your talking about bible yes, the bible is a big puzzle that you have to put together by reading studying and gathering all information, many ppl have rewritten the bible many times some to fool others some to fit their needs and some just to get rich,( #1 selling book) never jump to conclusions and always get opinions from all sources first and then you will know for sure as for me i found it true and life rewarding

Answer 8

what book?

The only book that has the power to say so is the Bible ..because God empowered it..You go to hell only if you don't believein God..and you can believe it ..untill the end of your life or when you are about to die..and you will be saved ..Actually we all belive in God..Try not to sin as possible..that is all..and fulfill the comandements ..even if you don't believe strongly in God..
What does it cost you to honour your father and your mother e.g.?So the only thing you should be afraid is ..when you sin..So ..don't sin..It is simple..forget about these stupid books..You can read 20 words from Bible dayly and you will get rid of other books..that tell lies..

Answer 9

SEEK ALL THE FACT OUT TO BE SURE

Philip.2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. :9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Answer 10

Yes, quite stupid.
Unless, of course, it's something trivial and you don't consider the consequences if it's false to be worth the bother of checking. For example, if someone told me that the European hare could run 75km/h, I wouldn't check the facts because I wouldn't care enough.

Answer 11

Nobody's inherently anything, let alone "stupid", but it's not wise to subscribe to a path of thinking that is not supported by some form of fact, especially when the information discussed can hurt other people, the environment, etc. DISCERNMENT is very important.

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