Do you control what you believe?

[naimless]

Given the insignificance of our beliefs in contrast to the 13.7 billion years before us, I don't feel there is an "importance". It's just a ride... and I tend to be very aware that there are 7 billion other different rides out there each as important or unimportant as ours.

[Zone]

Well of course I do, anyone who doesn't just believes what they're told because that's what they have been told.

[BGChuckLee]

Yes, I can become atheist or some other religion any time- I choose not to.

[The Grand Nudger]

Excellent, I've been waiting to hear from someone like you. On what grounds do you make this choice (I don't personally seem to have this ability, so I'm curious). How often does it cross your mind? Do you wake up every morning and say "will I believe today, or will I choose to not believe?.....hmn...I think today, a friday, and with very nice weather, I'm gonna believe." or some such...what's the process for that?

[BGChuckLee]

Excellent, I've been waiting to hear from someone like you. On what grounds do you make this choice (I don't personally seem to have this ability, so I'm curious). How often does it cross your mind? Do you wake up every morning and say "will I believe today, or will I choose to not believe?.....hmn...I think today, a friday, and with very nice weather, I'm gonna believe." or some such...what's the process for that?

Well, for many people- they have a fear of turning from the religion they were brought up as, since parents typically force their children into worship. If they leave that religion that's essentially cutting off your relationship with your entire family. There is an imminent threat of childhood abandonment, so many people will defend their religion with their life in debates, or even further in wars. This is why it feels like a battle, debating with someone of a religion, since any non belief in the religion would be punished in childhood.

[The Grand Nudger]

Are you implying that you choose to believe based upon the fear or threat of abandonment? Or are you one of those folks that likes to quote a post and then not respond to it - using as many words as possible in the process?

[BGChuckLee]

Are you implying that you choose to believe based upon the fear or threat of abandonment?

Honestly, I think that's part of it. Most will not admit it though.

Although there are many incredibly useful skills to learn through Christianity, it is the best religion. It guides my sword and shield through the demons of the modern day.

Christianity is the closest example of true morality.

[The Grand Nudger]

That's kind of a shitty reason. What useful skills, I've never seen any described in the texts or leveraged by the faithful, nor do I understand what makes it the "best" religion.....I can't even find any "good" in it. What about life seems demonic to you?

[BGChuckLee]

That's kind of a shitty reason. What useful skills, I've never seen any described in the texts or leveraged by the faithful, nor do I understand what makes it the "best" religion.....I can't even find any "good" in it. What about life seems demonic to you?

1/25 people are clinically sociopathic, a quarter of women are on anti-depressants. So much depression and violence in this world. It is my duty as a Knight of God, to enlighten and cut down those who seek harm to the vulnerable. I frequently have dreams about being attacked by zombies, ghouls and demons- it is a feeling I have with society in general. There are very few good men, and many who wish to propagate violence.

[The Grand Nudger]

Maybe you should set up a baker-act buddy whose job it is to alert the authorites before you go cutting anyone down Chuck.