Wouldn't the world be a better place if people would keep an open mind about God?

Question

Honestly, I don't think anyone will truly know if God exists or not until we are dead. My theory is that, I could be wrong, and you could be wrong. There could be something out there that we can't even fathom.

I'm agnostic. I believe that an open mind is the best policy. When put blinders on and totally discredit any one theory, we do an injustice to ourselves by not opening our minds for learning the truth, whatever it may be.

What do you think?

Answer 1

I'm agnostic as well. Some people simply don't understand that to learn, they first have to admit that they don't know. They'd much rather believe what they're told because it's easier that way. And then they convince themselves that it's somehow difficult (?) to believe everything that they're told. It's a very good trap they're caught in.

Answer 2

I believe that the world would definitely be a better place if people kept an open mind about God. For example, there would be less crimes and violence because people would fear God and be less likely to do such things. In addition, it is true that there is a spiritual power above, since it has been scientifically proven that people who are sick and believe in God get healed faster than those who don't. Even if someone else prays for them, they are completely cured.

For example, there was a story recently about a lady who was diagnozed with lung cancer. One of her relatives prayed for her and she was cured. No scientist has a theory that explains this.

Therefore, I believe that the world would be a much better place if everyone kept an open mind about God.

Answer 3

I used to be the same way, until I saw proof that God was there and the bible was right. It took effort on my part to seek out the answers I had and being open enough to admit I could be wrong about it. After all my searching and admitting I was wrong, I read something that was interesting. The bible says anyone who seeks Him, will find Him. I was looking and searching, trying to answer my own questions....and in the search there He was. I didn't even know that part of it until after it all. You don't have to be a believer for Him to keep to his. :)

Answer 4

If you leave your mind open to anything then anything can jump in there. The truth is only found when sought. There are a bunch of spiritual entities out there that would love to be your god and try to represent themselves in ways that can be very tantilizing. In such, anything that you believe in can be your god, not defined by a animated figure as much as how close you hold it belief system.

But if there is a real God out there, a true God -- and I believe there is -- I believe He would be hurt that we would follow such whims so easily and not seek Him.

BTW, I believe He has feelings because I He created us in His image.

Check out my answer posted for this Q. for the basis of my belief.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ai5n8WpRgLNMVjaJajXroZLd7BR.?qid=20070402101253AAmz4nw

Answer 5

No the world would be a far better place if people disreguarded this idea of a God!

People that believe in a God are far more likely to kill oothers in the name of their God or commit suicide and kill others in the process because they think their God will reward them.

Just look at Iraq right now! We got people that believe in a God killing others because they think it is what their God would want! You behave in the way that reflects how you believe your God acts!

Take the God out of the picture and crime would drop. I'm not saying it would totally stop but it would take a major nose dive!

Answer 6

Agnostic doesn't mean "I don't know if I believe in god or not." It's the popular connotation, but not the denotation. Agnostic simply means you believe one cannot know the supernatural. The only rational position would be an agnostic atheist, but there are more agnostic theists than gnostic theists.

The belief in the supernatural is not a theory. A theory can be studied, tested, retested, and/or supported with evidence and logical deductions. Do this for the supernatural.

Answer 7

Human beings have a tribal nature. The species tends to cling to a smaller group to feel like they belong. This could be a religious group, local community, whatever. We have a natural tendency to "take sides." Only intelligent and educated people seem to be able to have open minds... in other words, people who have the luxury to think about such things without the direct and immediate reprisal of the people around them.

Things of faith tend to be absolute. Large numbers of people prefer to have things be completely understood... black and white... cut and dried... most religions offer that. "This is how it is, 100%, and everyone else is going to hell." Too many people find this mentality satisfying, so they subscribe to it. That's what faith is all about -- believing whole-heartedly without any doubt.

The same could be applied to being a fan of sports. Ohio State v/s Michigan... Alabama v/s Auburn is the one I know most about... if you have ever lived in Alabama, you'll know that you will automatically be classified by which university you support.

I'm agnostic too. So I understand your pain. From my point of view, organized religion seems to cause as much harm as good.

Answer 8

I am a Christian and I believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I have seen so many miracles happen in my life through prayer to God and I know many of the things that I have been through in life would not have turned out the way they did without God. He has led me down a wonderful path and he continues to bless me more and more, the stronger my faith is. It is a wonderful thing to be a Christian and it gives me a happy and relaxing feeling to know that one day when I die I know I will go to heaven because I've accepted Jesus as my Savior. I'd rather spend the short time that we are here on earth worshipping God than an eternity separated from Him.

Answer 9

It's an interesting thesis. In what ways, specifically, do people benefit by keeping an open mind about god?

Answer 10

I agree there is no proof on either side of the argument for any deity.

I discredit theories that were forced upon me as a young child and I never believed. There are things people just do not believe deep down no matter what and that, no matter how open one tries to keep their mind, will not change.

Answer 11

Which God? Yours? Theirs? There are so many, how do you pick the right one? Jehovah? Buddha? Mother Earth? Hari-Krishna? Even when one is picked, which sect do you follow? The ones with the money or the ones that are poor from helping the poor? Personally I think all religions are related. If they weren't then is God a bigot? Does He really have "chosen ones"? Having an "open mind" about "faith" is an oxymoron. Think about it.