Did you *choose* what you believe? Was it that easy?
Or is it impossible to force yourself to believe something-- either you do or you don't?
2007-09-02 11:10:58 · 11 answers · asked by mathaowny 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Belief is a do or don't. No matter how much you may try to convince someone, you can not force anyone to believe and we cannot force ourselves to believe anything. Even if we have convincing evidence, there are those who still would not believe something. But, for some, give them a clue and they will follow the evidence for themselves because the started to believe and accepted the evidence as truth and thus, believe.
2007-09-02 11:18:59 · answer #1 · answered by TroothBTold 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it *is* impossible to believe something you don't truly believe.
But I also think people do it all the time; tradition and family 'values' dictate that people follow a certain code... even if they don't agree with it.
I think that's sad. And I htink that any god out there wouldn't want someone believing in something just b/c someone told them to. Ya know? They want a TRUE believer who feels it is 'true' w/ every fibre of their being ... not just the 'flock of sheep' mentality.
2007-09-02 19:06:02 · answer #2 · answered by kerrisonr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and yes, it was easy, considering all the evidence (or rather lack of). I guess it is possible to force yourself to believe something, but why would anyone want to do that?
2007-09-02 11:15:31 · answer #3 · answered by Claire 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was raised Catholic until I started to question everything. I investigated and researched the religion my parents "chose" for me and then decided not a lick of it held any truth and that all mainstream religions were using fear and lies to rule over their followers. I came to the conclusion that god did not exist and that the bible was a simple piece of fiction written by a bunch of men. I abandoned catholisism when I was about 10 yrs old and became an atheist. My parents allowed me to forge my path in life and I am now doing the same for my child. If she decides she wants to pursue mainstream religion, I will not discourage it. It is her choice, not mine.
2007-09-02 12:41:41 · answer #4 · answered by the Vampire Claudia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I followed my heart... and God's Holy Spirit.
It was easy to love Jesus, not so easy to find a church I could go to.
I don't force myself to believe anything, I don't think that is really possible... just like you can't force anyone else to believe God, because only God's Holy Spirit can communicate His love and truth to a person's soul... no one else can do that.
2007-09-02 11:22:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I choose my beliefs...sure, I do have some beliefs from my upbringing, but I've searched for further truth since being on my own. Those beliefs are my own and not ingrained.
Peace, Love, and Blessings
Greenwood
2007-09-02 11:24:31 · answer #6 · answered by Greenwood 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. My philosophies became apparent to me with the more age, wisdom and knowledge I gained. I will say that all my life I always knew something wasn't 'quite right' in regards to religion, but until I had enough education and knowledge it did not become clear to me.
2007-09-02 11:18:44 · answer #7 · answered by genaddt 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not believe. I am not sure if I chose this as such. It just is. I tried for many years to believe but it just seemed like I was making it up.
2007-09-02 11:15:33 · answer #8 · answered by SonoranDesertGirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, i chose my belief............it wasnt easy, i wanted to find the right way.....and i think its kinda impossible to force yourself to believe something.....but belief in god....i dont force myself to believe in him.......i just know hes there......
2007-09-02 11:20:56 · answer #9 · answered by Irfana Rahman 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not really - I believe what seems to be in accordance with reality. Can't really do otherwise! :-)
2007-09-02 11:15:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋