Religious beliefs... Yes - No ??? Why?

Question

Generally speaking people who attend universities and those seeking advance learning & knowlege are more likely to become critical thinkers...

Yet when it comes to religions, most folks refuse to be critical thinkers... So why is that?

Perhaps many fear of the "after death" consequences? If that's the case, they don't believe, they just fear???

If a person is uncertain whether a particular religion is true and the god of that religion is real, but that person still "believes" in them because of the expectation of a reward and the FEAR of punishment, then that belief is not a true valid belief or a true faith in that religion and its god... is it?

I just cannot take the words of Father Smith or Father Brown or any other guru at face value. And to read the bible is even less re-assuring to me...

So does that mean that because I am a critical thinker that I deserve less than the sheeps who have lived in fear all their lives and "believe" because of those fears?

Answer 1

Studies for years have shown that the less education someone has, the more likely they are to believe in gods.
People who don't read anything other than the Wholly Babble have an extremely warped view of the world, as they equate fairy tales with reality.

Answer 2

No, it does not mean you deserve less, but part of how religion works is also about control. The threat of punishment or retribution is to control you. Since you don't believe you can't be controlled, and you are again threatened with the same punishment.

Just look at the ten commandments, how on Earth do any of those rules affect a supreme being?

Answer 3

Believing out of fear is no real faith. Critical thinking combined with sincere searching can lead one to an "accurate knowledge and full discernment" of God's Word and plans. (Philip. 1:9) This was one of the basis for true Christians of the 1st century.

They believed out of love for our Creator as he gave us life. Jesus showed us how his Father wanted to be worshiped. As his followers, we obey in the way the Bible tells us. We do so happily out of love and ACCURATE knowledge.

Most of the religions claiming to be Christian prove to be false because of mixing in false pagan practices and claiming them to be Christian. Only by worship that is pure can we be acceptable to Jesus and to God. Critical thinking is needed to find that true religion out of all the false ones.

Answer 4

You make a very valid point. I ask my mother in law all the time if she thinks she's going to get into heaven for believing in god "just in case he exists". So many people feel like that and it's really sad.

Answer 5

A new scientific discovery about God and The Bible will soon change all religious people into critical thinkers.

Answer 6

I agree with you completely. Im a muslim and i have studied christianity and i had my own opinion on it which the islamic openion about christianity. but here in Islam, we have some scholars who mislead muslims about major things like the relation between the leader and people. They made them like prophets who dont make mistakes and we should obey anyone lead us "politically", and unfortunately most muslims didnt realize this dangerous issue. So whenever i see a muslim new to me, i try my best to reveal for him the truth about this issue.

Answer 7

One needs to search on one's own for the best in spiritual ideas. Traditional religions are backward, and need to be updated and opened up to good new spiritual ideas. Find inspirational ideas that are up to your standards, from all possible sources. If you need to develop your intuitive senses more, so as to be more tune in to that which is spiritual, meditate/pray, do mind-body exercises, eat healthy, and do not overindulge.

Answer 8

no,not at all and its smart to quesion ones faith.that is why i am spiritual,not religious.i dont believe the religious text as God given