Hope it doesn't sound too offending...but do some religious people need constant reassurance of their beliefs?

Question

It just seems that some people have to constantly state it when all believers have likely already heard it over and over and over...

Answer 1

I was that way when I was a Christian.


Most Christians have doubts in the backs of their minds because they know their beliefs aren't much different from the religions they reject (e.g. Islam, Greeky mythology, etc.). Hence the constant declarations of faith--if they repeat them often enough, they start to believe them.

Answer 2

Yes. And if you've offended anyone by this question, its only because you're telling the truth.

I am a Christian, and I accepted a long time ago that my faith in God could not be tested and proven to the entire world. I understand that my beliefs do not seem right or even plausible to everyone, and that those who do not agree with me have the right to speak their opinion. Therefore, when someone states that there is no proof for the existence of God, I HAVE to agree. There is no empirical proof. There is no proof that is "good enough" for everyone. That doesn't mean that I'm wrong, and that doesn't mean that you're wrong. It just means that we look at things differently, and obviously there's nothing wrong with that.

However, some people don't feel "justified" in their faith unless they're trying to offer that empirical proof. Not to bring up a joke that's already been played out, but it's a good example -- just take a look at the Nightline debate. I honestly think that some believers feel like their faith is waste if they can not prove that THEY ARE RIGHT. You have to admit though, there are non-believers who are the same way. There's just as many "Here's proof that I'm right" posts from atheists as there are from Christians.

Some people can't be satisfied that they've made what they feel is the best choice for their lives, they feel its necessary to make that choice for others, too.

Answer 3

I think it depends if it's slogans or not.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 shows how mythology works. It relies on many teachers. It's a business and it's not Christian, but a lot of Christianity works that way. Instead of genuinely recognising the value of Jesus' sacrifice, there are those who just see the value in making money out of corrupting other people. This is the corruption ethic that Romans 1 says leads to homosexuality. The reason why they might plead the necessity for reassurance is that there is a false humility that goes along with schemes that harm the body and give the appearance of wisdom to the bearer of such a religious philosophy, rather than to God. Colossians 2 and Romans 1 and 2 Timothy 3 and 2 Peter 2 all seem match up when describing the characteristics of those who leave God to worship humans or animals. The high-minded appeal to religion when it's only something they say goes along with this mock humility, as if to undermine the efforts of those who are humble and yet bold for Christ. It's not supposed to be about what it looks like to other people. That's the message of 1 John 2.

Christians are supposed to test themselves to see whether they are in the faith and they can ask God to help them do this.

Answer 4

I'm sorry - constantly state what?

I believe it's more of a personal thing. Different people think different ways. Some need to feel loved, some are comfortable just knowing that their loved ones are around. Some need tangible approval for their actions, some are satisfied that they have done their best.

Personnaly, I can say that I am satisfied. I do not need constant reassurance in my faith. I know that God is there - He speaks to me when it's warrented, and sometimes when I ask, and also sometimes when it's least expected. The key is that I pursue the relationship. We keep it alive...
just like in a marriage. If you continue to pursue your relationship with your spouse, it gets better... there is nothing better than that.

blessings :)

Answer 5

I don't really get whether you mean here on R&S, or in regular everyday life, but if you mean here, I'd assume it is because people continually ask about our faith.

If you mean in everyday life, I don't know why people would do that, unless they feel the need to go over and over their belief, as a reassurance or something. I've seen people who do that about events in their life, good and bad. Weird.

Answer 6

And not too offedning it's questions like this that make it neccessary. But yes Christians are encouraged to seek fellwship with other believers but there have also been Christians thrown in jail left on islands (the apostle John) and just plain alone in a country hostile to Christianity and have still remained strong in their faith. Fellowship makes everything easier though.

Answer 7

It does seem that way. The Bible says Faith is being SURE of what is hoped for. The unfortunate thing is that we are human beings, and as such there are limitations to our faith. Jesus said many times to His disciples that he was surprised by their lack of faith after everything they had seen Him do when He was with them. It's not the way it should be. God did not create us to waver in our Faith, but fortunately, God is a God of Love and Mercy, and He does not fault us for needing reminders so long as we continually grow and mature in our Faith.

Answer 8

Maybe that's a self-hypnosis trick they use to maintain an adequate level of denial. Just imagine how much reality and logic they have to deal with on a daily basis!

Answer 9

yes. they need the reassurance. I've noticed that some people proselytizing really sound like theyre trying to convince themselves of their rants

Answer 10

When the onslaught of those who do not believe is relentless it does help to refresh the spirit. Is that why non-believers are so vociferous?