In your opinion what causes christians to believe in Jesus

[The Grand Nudger]

A risen dead man. Very marketable, christ that's some disingenuous shit John.

[Angrboda]

Some willful ignorance, a bit of wishful thinking, and a metric shit ton of fear of death.

The average person doesn't go around thinking of death, much less fearing it, until its right at their doorsteps. And if they fear anything about it, it is the process and manner of dying rather than the state of being dead itself that worries people.

The most that Christianity offers is an explanation for why death occurs, but it does not do anything to prevent it or make it more palatable. After all, the most significant symbol in Christianity is that of a dead man hung on a cross—not exactly the most marketable imagery.

If there is no afterlife, there is no point to Christianity. I wouldn't say it is the only or maion thing, but without it, few people would bother to believe.

[John 6IX Breezy]

If there is no afterlife, there is no point to Christianity.  I wouldn't say it is the only or maion thing, but without it, few people would bother to believe.

Sure, but you're still going to die. The afterlife doesn't resolve anybody's fear of death.

[The Grand Nudger]

No...well shit, lets you and me go tell everyone at church exactly that.

[Thumpalumpacus]

Some willful ignorance, a bit of wishful thinking, and a metric shit ton of fear of death.

The average person doesn't go around thinking of death, much less fearing it, until its right at their doorsteps. And if they fear anything about it, it is the process and manner of dying rather than the state of being dead itself that worries people.

The most that Christianity offers is an explanation for why death occurs, but it does not do anything to prevent it or make it more palatable. After all, the most significant symbol in Christianity is that of a dead man hung on a cross—not exactly the most marketable imagery.

But at the same time it promises that if you behave well and kneel properly you will live forever. citation needed

Christianity offers a sloppy explanation for death -- as if their omnipotent god couldn't foresee the applebite -- while it doesn't explain why a perfectly moral being should punish others for the sins of one. And then, to top that off, it claims that one guy gets strung up to clean everyone else of the "sin" that he deemed. That symbol, of a dead man allegedly resurrected, is why Christians worship -- they want that resurrection themselves.

Their god could prevent death -- according to their own theology -- by simply being as forgiving as they claim he is.

[The Grand Nudger]

What we have here, is a man trying to convince us he goes to the strip club for the buffet.

[John 6IX Breezy]

But at the same time it promises that if you behave well and kneel properly you will live forever.

Sure, but that's different than fearing death itself, you can't get to an afterlife without dying first. And according to Catholics everybody gets to live forever, it's just a matter of whether you'll spend your time in hell or heaven.

But certainly, you'll find that Christians are more preoccupied with thoughts of heaven and hell than with death itself.

[Thumpalumpacus]

But at the same time it promises that if you behave well and kneel properly you will live forever.

Sure, but that's different than fearing death itself, you can't get to an afterlife without dying first. And according to Catholics everybody gets to live forever, it's just a matter of whether you'll spend your time in hell or heaven.

But certainly, you'll find that Christians are more preoccupied with thoughts of heaven and hell than with death itself.

Why do you think Christians focus on eternal life, if not a fear of death?

[Alan V]

I think Christians believe in Jesus because, when they are young, they are taught that belief in Jesus is very important and a sign you are a good person.

So social pressures.

[Paleophyte]

I was eight years old when I first spotted the flaw in the Divine Plan that involved dying and going to heaven.