The More Beliefs One Has...The Weaker S/he Is?

Question

Do you agree or disagree?

Answer 1

It depends on what type of belief. I think there are basically 2 types of belief.

Rational belief is belief based on probability, evidence and logic. For example, I believe that I will not die in my sleep tonight because I don't have any life threatening illness that I know of, I'm young and in good health, and I know that people don't just spontaneously die without a cause.

Irrational belief is belief that is based on feelings and wishful thinking. For example, I could believe I perfectly blissful afterlife awaits me just because I "feel" it my heart and want their to be more than just this one life.

I would say that all people have an innumerable amount of rational beliefs. If we are to function effectively in the world, we must be able to make good decisions in a timely fashion, so we must be able to predict events reasonably well using past experience, evidence and common sense. However, I would say that someone who has a lot of irrational beliefs is, well, irrational and may be seen as "weak" in an intellectual sense.

Answer 2

Well, the more I know, the more that I understand that I am really stupid! I can search through the scriptures, browse through Nietzsche, scan over Kant, bounce around Chartier, and realize, shoot, I really don't have a grasp on this stuff at all!

However, when it comes to my beliefs, it's a different story. In fact it can be said the longer I live the less faith I have (go with me on this one) reason being, the longer I live the more I see the one that I attribute my existence to. The more I see the less faith is needed! I can be bummed that my knowledge is really limited, but, I can be happy in the fact my beliefs grow as I age.

I understand that most non-Christians don't grasp this, so let me put it as plain as I can.... If I were approached by a Japanese person, and they asked me a question, I would wrinkle my nose and raise one brow and show I don't have a clue what they are saying, but, if I spend time with these people, day by day, little insights pop in, and clues come together, frequent words would become plain, soon, I would be fluent in this language. Same goes for most religions, we look at them from the outside with mixed emotions, but, once we walk a mile in their shoes so-to-speak, we gain insights. That's not weakness, but, real - tangible - strength!

Answer 3

You asked this in religion, so; I will have to answer it as a religious person.

I agree.

Most religions are mutually exclusive with one path to enlightenment and many paths to choose from. Holding only to the shared beliefs will lead you down a path that many will visit but none will commit to accept yourself. You would think it would not work that way but in the end, there is an end and a beginning or a continuation or nothing at all and nobody agrees on just what that means or to who.

So, in most minds you will be weaker and in your own you will remain who you are, no better, and no worse.

Answer 4

I don't think that beliefs can be quantified. I think that having conviction in your beliefs is good to a point. Once you step into the realm of fanaticism then your beliefs become a detriment to yourself and others.

I am talking about beliefs in a general sense not necessarily beliefs in a religion or a philosophy concerning religion.

Answer 5

Disagree.

Answer 6

One might have two beliefs, in direct conflict with one another and be very weak, or 200 beliefs and just be merely confused.

Answer 7

Yes agree
2Co 12:9-10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
" Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Answer 8

I would have to disagree. I can't see a correlation between beliefs and weakness?

Answer 9

Depends on the belief and the degree to which it precludes the opportunity for growth.

Answer 10

Weakness is a human condition. You are weak too. As soon as you think you're not - just watch the world do its stuff on you. God is strongest when we are at our weakest.


2Cr 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.