It seems to me that belief is the result of the combination of desire and knowledge.
If we do not choose what we want or know, should we be held accountable for our beliefs?
2007-08-28 05:14:07 · 5 answers · asked by Eleventy 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The exact belief may not be a choice, but we do have the choice to pursue additional knowledge, which may or may not change our beliefs. We can choose not to disturb our own status quo or we can choose to expand our knowledge, though it may change our beliefs.
2007-08-28 05:22:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bible-beaters would have you believe that faith is something one can adopt but at the same time they recognize that not all people are "called" to believing. It's a sort of admission of the truth you're pointing out; that not all people are able to choose a belief in god.
I don't completely agree... I can see that it's difficult to gather enough knowledge that one might be able to trust as being reliable and that a delay in making a "choice" is necessary for that reason, but I simply have to wonder if those who are searching are only looking under the wrong rocks for the bits and pieces of truth they require.
The only proof that there is a choice is probably seen in the behavior we display and since we all appear to be shopping around and swapping beliefs again and again there in is the data you require.... Does it support choice or not?
[][][] r u randy? [][][]
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2007-08-28 12:45:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that a belief is a choice. A belief is often something that one has because of a the society you live in, or the crowd that you run with.
No Christian has ever been born in a Muslim family for example. A person gets indoctrinated into their beliefs about things.
Feelings, how you feel about things are different than beliefs, and are much harder to change. In other words it is easier to change your religion than it is to stop loving your X-wife.
2007-08-28 12:30:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a combination of wishful thinking and fear of the unknown. Knowledge has absolutely nothing to do with it.
2007-08-28 12:54:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
indoctrination is also part of the combination.
2007-08-28 12:22:48 · answer #5 · answered by gjmb1960 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋