Those of you who are not atheists, and consider yourselves inquisitive...?

Question

What kind of questions did you ask to get where you are now regarding belief?

Answer 1

Wow, too many to recall them all. I was exposed to different ways of thinking, many eastern philosophies and religions, as well as lots of others, and came to realize that it is all pretty much just made up stuff.

Since then, I take what I like from different places and consider myself spiritual, but not at all religious. And I especially disbelieve the god of the bible..the Christian god.

Answer 2

I would imagine all the same questions that everyone else asks. I am not inquisitive because I ask the same questions--my questions aren't better. I am inquisitive because of my approach to this and every other question I deal with--I methodically research the issue. I read all the best work I can find, and alter my views if necessary as I go. I am not afraid of what I might find out, and it energizes me to learn.

I don't agree with everyone I read, but I find that challenging my thinking only makes it stronger.

I read a variety of theologians from the past--modern ones are a mixed bag, philosophers, scientists, etc. I deliberately choose both those who support my position, and those who are antagonistic to it--and I draw conclusions.

I have radically changed certain beliefs I have held, and probably will do more of that as I'm alive. I expect that this will be true in this area and in every other area I express an interest in.

Answer 3

I observed that there was good & bad, right & wrong in the world and my own life.

The problem came when my parents made me admit that some of the things and attitudes I had were wrong. I absolutely did not want to admit this. But their discipline was strong and eventually I saw how unkind I could be to others. I saw how lying to my parents only angered them and caused the situation to grow worse (especially when they figured out I was not telling the truth anyways).

So my conscious began to bother me. I hated the contradictions in my own life. I was too inquisitive and honest to simply pretend that I was good. I knew the truth. Sometimes I did well. Sometimes I did badly. But with everything there is a consequence.

Question: What are the consequences for doing bad things?

How is it, that life always finds a way to hold us accountable sooner or later for our actions?

Is this cosmic fate, or is this something else?

Well cosmic fate is just too far gone to be logical.

But honestly observing the world I lived in, it was clear that we were not here by accident and consequences for actions was no accident.

It was obvious that no matter how hard people tried, they could not get total control over their lives. In many instances we were helpless against nature, other people, and even ourselves.

So the teachings and principals of the Bible made sense out of this chaos. They categorized thoughts, behaviors, ideas, and desires. These principals led me to the Cross. I walked around this idea many times.

But after many questions and the inconsistencies in my own life, I accepted the subtitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the Cross for my sins. His death was ultimately the consequence of my Sin. When this thought hit me, it overwhelmed me.

So I asked, "What must I do to be saved"?

That final question put me on the road of Faith.

Answer 4

I had to copy/paste, because your questions aren't as related to each other as much as you think. As to the cat - it's not a matter of "good enough" it's a matter of security and comfort - cats, dogs, other animals often prefer a small tight space to be in/sleep in because it offers them more comfort than being out in a bigger space. "Do you believe some people are naturally like this? No matter how much they are given, they will still settle for "good enough"?" People tend to NOT be given anything - most earn what they have, and yes, often we do settle for good enough- in goods, in life, in love. Do you believe that some atheists would not believe in God even if they died and went to see him, and were judged? Possibly - but that's not related to "good enough". "Would some Christians believe in God even if another religion's god were proven to exist? " Probably. Just as those adherents of other religions would believe in their god first, even if the Christian version is proven true. "Do you believe it is a good or bad thing to be so set in a belief?" Depends on the person - if their religious belief is their sole source of comfort and support, who are we to take that away by tellig them to be more open-minded? What makes us more right than they are? Nothing. "Should we all be open to new ideas, or remain with our initial traditions?" I think we should always be open to learning new things; however, traditions have a place and a use - and how are we to know that the tradition of teaching a child to build a fire or spin wool, for example, won't be of great use to them in the future?

Answer 5

I heard a "Christian" co worker use the N-word in reference to a Black employee who was promoted over him. Also, this wasn't the first time I heard him use this word. Later, I asked the man if God approved of bigotry or hating another of a different race. he pointed out some obscure passage of the Bible that talked about separate tribes. When you talk to different Christians, there are so many inconsistencies between the Bible and their belief. I just decided it is best to seek my own truth.

Answer 6

I thought, "There's got to be something out there better than this." So I went to the library and researched religions. About a year later, I decided that Wicca was a good path for me. Then, 3 years later, I realized that I was better suited to Traditional Witchcraft. I have been a witch for over 13 years.

Answer 7

I am an Agnostic who was raised Protestant, and who began asking questions for which the only answer was "you have to have faith", or "the evidence is in every sunset". Essentially, the questioning led to the understanding that at the core, there was no evidence at all to support the proposition of any God or Gods, let alone any specific God or Gods over any other one. For example, if one believes the Christian God is possible, one must admit the possibility that one is only right as to there being a God, but that it might in fact be Allah instead... although no evidence is presented to establish any God at all, let alone a specific, named one.

Answer 8

I have to agree with Old Guy. Why is the best... I can get like a 5 yr old with asking why until the person I'm talking to gets exhausted... that's why mostly I just read and read and read...

Answer 9

What must I do to be saved?

This question can only be asked by a truly repentant sinner who see their need for a Savior. The repentance is a gift from God, and cannot be sought without His predestining one to seek it.

Through the converting process one will then come to a full knowledge that the kingdom of God is now, and do His will from a true love for Him, instead of out of a fear of punishment.

On earth, as it is in heaven.

Answer 10

I love to read stories of people remembering past lives.

I love to read about the gnostic gospels.

I love to read about Buddhism.

I saw the words of Thomas Paine and I was amazed at how much I totally agreed with him. I did not know that deism was so old.