I see it all the time.
2007-04-09 06:57:40 · 10 answers · asked by Pontius 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The majority of people believe in God because they were indoctrinated as children. It's hard to break away from a superstition when it is so ingrained in a person when they're young.
Religions also use emotional manipulation to bind people to the group. This includes promises of reward, threats of punishment, pity for martyrs, guilt for not following impossible lists perfectly, and social activities that bind people together on a personal level.
There are attempts at using logic to sway those so inclined, but they are generally weak attempts. The "just in case" argument is also known as Pascal's Wager. It really only convinces those who are already convinced. Though, these people will push it on others because it is one of the few logical arguments they have, no matter how weak it is.
2007-04-09 07:00:22 · answer #1 · answered by nondescript 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I don't believe "just in case" a although I am sure that some do. However, believing for that reason is sad because you miss out on what the Lord in your life really can be. jmo
I don't believe because my parents made me. I believe because I have felt Him, seen Him and watched Him move in my life. I have a relationship w/ the Lord not a religion w/ Him.
Why do so many people who don't believe worry about why some do believe?
2007-04-09 14:05:15 · answer #2 · answered by sparkles9 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe because of what I've seen and heard. I believe because no matter how bad things get He is always there to help me. I believe because He has shown himself to me. I believe because He has forgiven me for the things I have done and fixed the things I could not change myself. I believe because when I looked for Him, He showed himself to keep His word even though I did not know the promise made.
It may be true some are in a "just in case" state, but do you honestly think many of those will be accepted if they do not believe with everything they have? You have to believe with your heart/soul/mind to be accepted, and even THEN your actions are judged by Him. We do not escape judgement, only hell.
2007-04-09 14:06:27 · answer #3 · answered by Stahn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That never works out because God knows what is in your heart better than you do. So NO the vast majority of people believe in God because he is real not because of Pascal's wager.
Drink up Atheists.
2007-04-09 14:05:05 · answer #4 · answered by Mariah 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the number one reason they believe is because thats what their parent believe. Nobody ever wakes up one day without ever hearing about religion and gods, and decides to start believing. Religiosity is a learned behavior.
2007-04-09 14:20:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if thats the case, you dont "believe" in God, you "believe" in what you were taught. If you "believe" in God then there is no default. Its a concious decision you decide to make to turn your life into something more meaningful. When you "believe" in something, you put your faith in what it embodies.
2007-04-09 14:05:34 · answer #6 · answered by atlazdrama 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They might but it will not get them into Heaven. Unless you truly believe in your heart then you will not pass through the gates. God himself knows each one of us and what we feel, not what we say. It is true many people who claim to be Christians will be left behind.
2007-04-09 14:08:48 · answer #7 · answered by Boomrat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people have actually taken up Pascal's Wager.
2007-04-09 14:00:55 · answer #8 · answered by boukenger 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't know. How can anyone answer for another?
2007-04-09 14:02:32 · answer #9 · answered by Janet L 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
seems true
2007-04-09 14:01:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋