2007-05-24 07:06:14 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This question is problematic in many ways. Are you asking if I would sacrifce myself rather than stop believing something? If so, I don't see how I have a choice in the matter. I can't simply decide to not believe something. Either I'm convinced or I'm not. I can say I've stopped believing, but deep down I would still either be convinced or not.
Are you asking whether there are beliefs that would cause me to sacrifice myself? Most beliefs are rather trivial. I believe taxis in New York City are usually yellow. I wouldn't sacrifice myself for that belief, though. There might be causes I believe in for which I would risk my life, but I can't think of any off-hand. In any case, I wouldn't know if I really would risk my life unless the situation came up.
2007-05-24 07:08:42 · answer #1 · answered by nondescript 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is a rather broadly-worded question. I would have to first make certain that what I believe is the truth. Then I would have to ascertain if that truth – that belief - affects my relationship with the true God. To illustrate: I believe that moderate exercise is good for the heart but this really has no bearing on my relationship with the true God. Therefore, it would be foolish of me to sacrifice myself for this belief.
On the other hand, I believe that the true God, by reason of his creatorship, has the right to determine what is right and what is wrong. This has a profound bearing on my relationship with Him since doing wrong would be displeasing to him. Therefore, my believing this will manifest itself in my obedience to him. If I needed to make a choice between obedience to him and disobedience, I would sacrifice my life for this "belief." This would be reasonable since I have already dedicated my life to him and no longer live for myself.
But to sacrifice myself just for something I "believe" is not necessarily rational or advantageous. This is why I took the time to give more than a "yes" or "no" to your question.
Hannah J Paul
2007-05-24 14:27:09 · answer #2 · answered by Hannah J Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only person I would ever sacrifice myself for is my fiance. (And he's a christian, oh the irony =P). I wouldn't sacrifice myself for a belief. I could do so much more for it if I were living.
2007-05-24 14:10:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the circumstances, but probably not. If I'm ever surrounded by murderous theist terrorists, expect a very pious performance. Who'm I trying to impress with my fealty? Dawkins?
CD
2007-05-24 14:11:56 · answer #4 · answered by Super Atheist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the whole situation thing.
My example on this is when a Christian asks me what I will do when I am sent to hell. I tell them I will burn for what I believe in. I always figured they would respect that since its what Jesus did but it rarely works. LOL
2007-05-24 14:09:02 · answer #5 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe in myself (not egotistically but experiencially)
what should I then sacrifice?
2007-05-24 14:12:07 · answer #6 · answered by dreaming 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gladly.
A lot of people can say that they'll die for what they believe.
How many people here are actually willing to LIVE for it?
BD
2007-05-24 14:13:13 · answer #7 · answered by The Brian 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you ever read The Source? You can read? Do you remember the cave man Og and his descendants? That's me.
2007-05-24 14:15:23 · answer #8 · answered by Grendel's Father 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
2007-05-24 14:08:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably not.
To be martyred though, yes.
2007-05-24 14:11:48 · answer #10 · answered by rangedog 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋