Do you control what you believe?

[Darkstar]

I agree. This is why I'm inclined to act is if I have a sword of soul even though now I admit I'm Agnostic and don't believe either way. Emotionally I will "believe" in a soul and a sword of soul, even though intellectually I'm not convinced and realize it's generated by the mind.

Belief in a sword of soul feels more enriching, therefore I'm inclined to accept it or act as if it exists.

And this perhaps why most people believe in religion or god. Because they find the belief to be valuable.

They aren't irrational.

I

I think that is what would be called pragmatic belief. A belief that, while not necessarily true, can be beneficial to believe in. Religion in general doesn't fall into this category for the most part because of all the doctrinal restrictions on, and manipulation of, behavior. A non-religious belief in god, such as a non-denominational theist or deist, usually removes all of the malignant tendancies created by organized religion, while retaining the 'spirituality' of it. They can be useful for people who want/need 'spitiruality' in their lives, even if they end up not being true. (Note that I put spirituality in quotes because the term is vaguely defined.)