That is, if someone doesn't believe in gods because they have neither experienced nor witnessed anything they conclude as proof of its existence but then later in life they come across something that changes their mind, would you frown upon them for changing their mind based on evidence?
Basically, there are a lot of Christian/Muslim questions on here challenging "non-believers" to believe in the face of God. Do these people seriously think that someone that believes based on evidence rather than blind faith would deny the existence of something right in front of them?
2007-04-23 04:20:42 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If it were wrong to be open-minded, then G-d wouldn't have given us a mind to begin with.
If it were wrong to question, then we wouldn't even "need" a mind. Afterall, the mind is used to analyze. And analytical thought cannot occur if the mind is closed.
If it were wrong to consider, then we wouldn't have choices. And pre-destination negates free will, and we obviously have free will.
If it were wrong to willing accept, then acceptance would not be possible.
Open-mindedness is what has led us to explore our universe, dissect the atom, abolish slavery, erect great works of art, drive cars, etc. For it is the result of open-minded persons that leads the evolutionary path. Close-mindedness leads to destruction.
2007-04-23 04:34:27 · answer #1 · answered by art_is_my_religion 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"That is, if someone doesn't believe in gods because they have neither experienced nor witnessed anything they conclude as proof of its existence but then later in life they come across something that changes their mind, would you frown upon them for changing their mind based on evidence?"
I think people should follow the evidence wherever it leads, yes.
"Basically, there are a lot of Christian/Muslim questions on here challenging "non-believers" to believe in the face of God."
The face of God? Sorry, you're going to have to clarify.
"Do these people seriously think that someone that believes based on evidence rather than blind faith would deny the existence of something right in front of them?"
Not only do I seriously think this, I know it to be true. People have an amazing capacity for self-deception and rationalization. For example, there are many women who are victims of spousal abuse, yet still claim that their husbands love them.
2007-04-23 11:33:20 · answer #2 · answered by Deof Movestofca 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fact that we are Thinking is much more important that what we are Thinking About.
Remember, our mission here is to use our free will to create. God did not make us as servents, but as inheritors of the kingdom. All the diversity in the world points to the existance of God. We each have the ability to see a certain aspect of God that others do not.
If, at this point in time, someone is a non-believer, that is OK. Their soul is seeking it's own path. It's mission may be to BE a non-believer, to learn what life is like when you DON'T believe in God. It is not for a Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist or other to judge that person's path.
Better that we focus more on our own path.
2007-04-23 11:29:21 · answer #3 · answered by Fancy That 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the unexamined life is not worth living and that someone so set in their ways that they can not be open to new evidence or ideas is foolish. We grow and change during the course of our lives and it is perfectly natural for our ideas about spirituality to grow and change too - particularly as we face our own mortality more seriously as we age.
The change must come from inside, though. People are not likely to change their spiritual beliefs because they were berated or challenged to do so. They will change because they hear something interesting that someone else believes and they will think about it and accept or reject it in relation to what they already know to be truth - or they will change when they realize that their existing faith or spiritual tools are not enough in their life.
If you believe in God, it seems to me, you must see that humans were created with free will and open minds to allow us to learn and explore this existence. Wouldn't it be condemning God to condemn the nature of his creation?
Peace!
2007-04-23 11:32:19 · answer #4 · answered by carole 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great answer from Eric W!
Being closed-minded only hurts society. Why would an all-loving god have a bible written that separates his "children" ? Closed minded people follow blindly & they do not try to make the world better for all...... open minded people have a better grasp on reality & know what needs to be done. They do not commit our future to the hands of an invisible trix rabbit god.
2007-04-23 11:26:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Interestingly enough, the believers claim that they see God directly in front of them. That is their evidence. At that point it's not blind faith, it is, in fact, quite clear.
2007-04-23 11:26:29 · answer #6 · answered by Julian 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Open-mindness is a virtue. Colsed-mindness is what I believe is wrong.
Being able to keep your mind open to new idras and new ways of thinking while still keeping true to yourself, and true to who you are is something which should admired.
2007-04-23 11:33:32 · answer #7 · answered by Skippy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The church doesn't believe in being open minded... remember you are Jesus's sheep and he is your sheppard. You ever seen a sheep ask a question?
2007-04-23 11:23:42 · answer #8 · answered by Eric W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you love all people, all of this talk would be cancelled out. Open minds can grow.
2007-04-23 11:26:32 · answer #9 · answered by spir_i_tual 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No i don't think they are wrong they just open minded and nort fanatics only
infact i respect them
don't be overzealous of religion
2007-04-23 11:24:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋