What makes some people think that they 'know' things, that they plainly have no possible proof of ?

Question

Faith is irrational belief, The bible is a book, not proof of anything. How can anyone claim to 'know'. This is the form of expression I hear from religionist types often.

I didn't say I did or did not 'believe' in anything. I do expect that if someone claims to 'know' some thing, it implies proof.

Answer 1

I wonder that myself. How can those atheists 'know' there is no god? They obviously have no proof of such an outrageous claim.

Answer 2

But you do believe there is a God, don’t you? . . . May I ask what there is in the Bible that you find hard to accept? I’ve heard others say that, even though they have not made a thorough study of the Bible. But since the Bible clearly says that it is a message from God himself and that he offers us eternal life if we believe and live by what it says, don’t you agree that it would be worthwhile at least to examine it to find out whether its claims are true or not?

Interestingly enough the Bible, the whole or in part, has been translated into some 1,800 languages. Its circulation totals in the billions. Says The World Book Encyclopedia: “The Bible is the most widely read book in history. It is probably also the most influential. More copies have been distributed of the Bible than of any other book. It has also been translated more times into more languages than any other book.”—(1984), Vol. 2, p. 219.

Bible prophecy explains the meaning of world conditions:

Many world leaders acknowledge that mankind is on the brink of disaster. The Bible foretold these conditions long ago; it explains their meaning and what the outcome will be. (2 Tim. 3:1-5; Luke 21:25-31) It tells what we must do in order to survive the impending world destruction, with the opportunity to gain eternal life under righteous conditions here on earth.—Zeph. 2:3; John 17:3; Ps. 37:10, 11, 29.

The Bible enables us to understand the purpose of life:

It answers such questions as: Where did life come from? (Acts 17:24-26) Why are we here? Is it just to live a few years, get what we can out of life, and then die?—Gen. 1:27, 28; Rom. 5:12; John 17:3; Ps. 37:11; Ps. 40:8.

The Bible shows how we can have the very things that lovers of righteousness desire most

It tells us where to find wholesome associates who truly love one another (John 13:35), what can give assurance that we will have sufficient food for ourselves and our families (Matt. 6:31-33; Prov. 19:15; Eph. 4:28), how we can be happy in spite of difficult conditions that surround us.—Ps. 1:1, 2; 34:8; Luke 11:28; Acts 20:35.

It explains that God’s Kingdom, his government, will remove the present wicked system (Dan. 2:44), and under its rule mankind will be able to enjoy perfect health and eternal life.—Rev. 21:3, 4; compare Isaiah 33:24.

Surely a book that claims to be from God, that explains both the meaning of world conditions and the purpose of life, and that shows how our problems will be solved is worthy of consideration.

Answer 3

Faith is not irrational and it doesn't only apply to religion.

When you get in your car to go on a trip, you have faith that the car will make it. You do not have proof that there isn't a problem with the engine or tires, but you have faith that you have done everything you can to insure that the car is in good shape. When you reach your destination, you have proof that your faith was not in vain.

The same holds true with my faith in God and the Bible. I am doing all I can to make sure my life is in a good condition and when I reach my destination, I will know that my faith was not in vain.

Now, please, show me the difference and how faith is irrational.

Answer 4

Faith is not irrational, it is based on logic and reason.

CHOOSE YOUR GOD?
Today, many people call themselves atheists and it is frequently argued that atheism is the only rational viewpoint. However, it is also often said that there is no such thing as a real atheist. This is supported by the Bible which declares: “only a fool says in his heart that there is no God.” So which view is correct?
If we give just a little thought to this matter, we can see that there is no argument at all as to whether the qualities and properties usually attributable to God actually exist. This is certain and beyond dispute. So really the only disagreement is over the source or origin of these attributes.
Furthermore, we can see that there are only 2 possible alternative sources of these attributes. It is self evident that something material can never come out of (absolute) nothing of its own accord (First Law of Thermodynamics). We know that something material exists (i.e. the universe), therefore something must have always existed, something must be eternal and have had no beginning. This eternal something, can only be: 1. A force or power independent of the material, and thus the Creator of the material, OR 2. The material itself.
So an eternal nature must be possessed by, EITHER:
1. A Supernatural Power.
OR
2. Matter/energy.
Consequently, all the other qualities, powers and potentialities which exist in the universe must have originally derived from ONE OR OTHER of these two proposed 'eternal' sources.

Some of the qualities existing in the material world: - - -
Laws of Nature, Information & means of information storage (DNA etc.), Life, Design, Order, Motion, Love, Choice, Good, Beauty, Emotion, Intelligence, Kindness, Personality, Morality, Awareness, Justice, Wisdom, Hope, Joy, skill, etc.

There is no disagreement that these qualities are present in the universe. The only dispute is over the source or origin of these qualities.
SO
Is the stuff of the universe (matter/energy) eternal? Does this 'eternal matter' intrinsically possess all the above qualities, or the inherent potential to produce them of its own volition?
OR
Is there a power greater than, pre-existing and independent of, the material? A Supernatural Creator of the material, possessor and originator of all the above attributes evident in the material creation?
IT CAN ONLY BE ONE OR THE OTHER
SO THIS IS THE ONLY DISAGREEMENT, AND IT IS AN AGE, OLD DISAGREEMENT.
No atheist would attempt to claim that mankind is the originator of all these qualities. We are not eternal, we did not create ourselves or the universe, something greater than us essentially exists'. Is that something a Supernatural Creator God? Or a purely material power which must intrinsically possess all the qualities, powers & potentialities usually attributed to a Supernatural Creator God?- - A material god? - - A pagan god!
THEREFORE, THE CHOICE IS CLEAR,- - FACE THE FACTS!- - ATHEISM (or even agnosticism) IS NOT AN OPTION. YOU MUST PAY HOMAGE TO A POWER WHICH IS GREATER THAN YOURSELF, either; The Creator God of the Bible, or; the material pagan god or gods' (represented by: Mother Earth, Nature, the Sun, Moon, or idols of stone, wood etc.) which you must necessarily imbue with the SAME ATTRIBUTES.

SO NOW CHOOSE YOUR GOD?

FOOTNOTE: According to Law of Cause & Effect:- Every effect must have a cause‘ AND, 'An effect cannot be greater than the totality of its producing cause/s‘. Therefore matter/energy cannot be eternal. Matter/energy must have originated from a first cause (a cause greater than the totality of the universe), which was itself uncaused. i.e. Not subject to the Law of Cause & Effect. Thus outside the laws of nature i.e. - - - - a Supernatural Cause!

Answer 5

It is called FAITH!!!

Usually, you are taught/reared to believe something. Then as you get older, things happen in your life that cause you to either continue to believe or change your beliefs.

For example, I was reared to believe in God. I continue to believe in God as an adult because my prayers are answered, among other things. I do not have any other logical answer to how my prayers are answered - I chose God.

I do not necessarily believe what the Bible says. I do believe that I see something/someone helping me put the puzzle pieces of my life in place - I call it God.

If I was not reared to believe in God, I might very possibly be asking the same question you are!

Answer 6

They're not taught to think logically or critically.
Remember, religious people are raised in their religion, and are encouraged from a very early age to "testify" that they KNOW god exists, jesus is real, god answers prayers, their particular religion is the only true one, etc. Despite having no evidence of any kind that any of those things are real or true, they are taught that they are true. They're taught that they don't *need* evidence to judge the truth of something, they can just go by "a feeling."

Once you're taught all of that, it's no leap at all to start claiming you "know" all kinds of things because you "feel" they're right. You have never learned to be skeptical, to judge by evidence, to think critically -- you do not have those skills. And so you make poor judgements and outlandish statements. That's what religion does to human brains.

Peace.

Answer 7

Well a lot of it is the way people are raised. Usually if your parents have instilled those beliefs in you, you follow them. Also I believe it is pure faith. Some people have the ability to have total faith and believe completely in a higher power. Another reason (which I think few fail to admit to) is fear. The fear that if they don't believe in what the majority feels is right something bad will happen to them. Just my theory anyway.

Answer 8

faith is not an irrational belief.
Faith is the evident demonstration of realities not yet beheld.
Faith has basis. My faith is based on my life experiences that have taught me I am not alone in my life, that God has a purpose for me.
I have faith in my daughter. That she will attend the University of Florida and graduation. I base this faith on trust of my daughter because of how she has dealt with her life in the past. I have no proof of it, nor do I need it.
Seeing is not believing. Believing is seeing.
Columbus had no proof that the earth was round. He had faith.

The hardest thing to open is a closed mind.

Answer 9

First, Faith is anything but irrational belief.

Second, are you saying that we can no longer use the term "know" in the English language?

Yes, I agree how much can we really know. I mean know 100% absolute truth positive. Not a whole lot. Yet if we know it to be a reality and we are 99% positive can't we say that we know such and such. Like I am over 99% positive that I am real, so can't I say that I am real?

Or better yet is our classrooms/textbooks going to teach our children what they "think" or what we know based on evidence?

"to know" something is not just a form of expression used for religious types.

Answer 10

I am like you, I need proof. I don't believe in "god" and probably never will, but I will never judge a person due to their belief system. Personally, I think religon is something to comfort the masses. If people didn't think, "Oh we will be in heaven after this place called Earth," than what would certain people do without that cushion?

Answer 11

As an agnostic for the reason that I am absolutely incapable of "belief" or "faith" currently, although I attended church throughout my childhood and adolescence, I wonder exactly as you do how the self-proclaimed religious can profess to know concepts which are unprovable. I am convinced somewhat that such claims may actually be attempts by the ones making them to reassure themselves, as well as endeavors to compel nonbelievers to change their minds, especially in the instances of authority figures (priests, rabbis, ministers, imams, et al.). Much of religion relies upon fear instilled in its practitioners to control and lead them; thus, insistence upon "knowing" that which, in fact, is unknowable, is another tactic which is useful in influencing others...