why people tend to have faith?

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   jomineposted 13 years ago

   definition
   belief- an opinion or conviction that may be wrong
   faith-belief that is not based on proof
   you may believe that your car won't explode based on probabilities
   but if you believe it as an absolute truth not basing on any premises then it will be faith the one i asked above.
   
   so why people have faith in religions and god(Christianity or Islam or what ever)
   why people are willing to die for these ideas?
   why are they not thinking rationally?
   can anyone do something about?
   is there any alternative to religions?

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      Paragliderposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The alternative to religion is no religion. There is nothing wrong with leaving the open questions open. In fact it is healthy because it encourages an enquiring mind.

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         paarsurreyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         It is a weird alternative.
         
         My be what you are saying as open; in fact is closed and would deteriorate a healthy mind.

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            simeonvisserposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Leaving a question open or unanswered is closed minded? Is that really what you're saying?

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      Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      

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      kessposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Have you ever considered that your definition of faith may not necessarily be that of another?
      
      So when you judge the faithful as  false you also judge yourself as being false?
      
      Seek after truth that you judge not

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         qwarkposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Kess:
         
         "Have you ever considered that your definition of faith may not necessarily be that of another?"
         How can one's religious "faith" differ from the religious definition? Pls explain that.
         There are 2 connotations of the word "faith" i.e.
         1. religious faith is based 100% on "hope."
         2. faith based 100% on empirical proofs: I have faith that on flat, solid ground, the earth will meet my every step.
         
         Qwark

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            kessposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Since Truth cannot be forced upon anyone, One will accept a concept as true or he will not.
            
            The rules by which he accept and rejects Truth is very personal but generally, it is based on what is beneficial to their chosen identity at the moment.
            
            Now whatsoever a man accepts as truth, remains as truth to him even if its is him alone.
            
            And it is this Truth which is the faith of individuals.
            All has some level of faith because all has some truth.
            
            So your knowledge of Truth is the basis of your faith.
            
            Most think that it is because of evidence they accept a thing as Truth or they believe.... but It is not so!
            
            What a man believes or accept as Truth, he then justifies.
            
            Once a man establishes something as Truth within himself, he is now able to find much evidence by which to justify his truth.
            He now substitute the evidence which is his proof of Truth as the Truth itself.
            
            And he will expectedly disregard any evidence to the contrary, in fact he will not even consider it for a moment. Because to do so will challenge his identity.
            
            When this occur, there is now the need to justify your Truth which is merely your evidence before another because his identity is at stake.
            
            The one who Know Truth as Truth need not justify himself before none, therefore will or will not provide evidence as he alone sees fit.
            
            Because he knows he will stand or fall based on His Truth (faith) alone ...and no other.
            
            So he justifies himself only by himself.
            
            While those whose truth is merely evidence, goes about comparing himself among others so as to accepting and rejecting as they see fit.
            
            
            Truth is Single, but with many sides but ultimately only two, these sides are the evidence/proof of its existences, but not Truth itself.
            
            
            Now a man may Hope with or without Truth.
            
            The one who hopes without truth again hangs unto merely evidence, again which needs to be justified before others.
            Christian struggle with this a lot.
            
            The one who hopes with truth, can speak with much authority, and need not justify himself with evidence at all, though he may.
            
            
            So seek not after the evidence but the Truth itself.
            Cause when you believe because if Truth you know what you believe and you are absolutely correct, with or without evidence.

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               Jeramiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               That makes sense.

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               qwarkposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Kess:
               You wrote alot about nothing. Why?
               "Truth" has to do with "fact." Truth is the real state of things. Evidently you don't realize that.
               None of what you wrote about, has anything to do with "truth" other than it all being silly, trite, religious prattle.
               I read your words with understanding and have to consider you to be just another non sensical, easily led, misinformed, fundie follower.
               I'm just tellin' it as i see it.
               Qwark   :

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                  Jeramiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  It sounded quite clear to me.
                     At what part did you loose your understanding?   
                     Maybe I can help.

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                  kessposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  My dear Qwark,
                  
                  I wrote to you....
                  but not for you......
                  
                  You see it is because there are those who belong to light and they will see.
                  
                  And there are those who will not see again because there is no light in them.
                  
                  You therefore can only be who you are.....and your action determined by the way you think will be your judge.

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                     qwarkposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     Kess
                     More trite prattle.
                     "Truth" is a mystery to you.
                     I hope that one day, after much education, thought and enlightenment, you will experience an epiphany that will shine thru in bewildering light and make "truth" a guiding beacon in your attempts to understand your evolving life.
                     Happy holidays.
                     Qwark   :

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            arbposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Conversely, you harbor a 100% hope that there is no God. Which of our hopes proves worthy of our pre death determinations remains to be seen, or never.

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      pennyofheavenposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Because faith is taught. Just like we learn how to read and write in school. In religion they teach faith in a higher power. It is irrational to be willing to die for something you have faith in for sure. But those who have faith in what they are taught won't see it as irrational if that is what they are taught. It is perfectly logical to them.
      
      It is rare anyone can do anything  about a persons faith. It is experience that usually shatters faith if it has been taught erroneously.
      
      How do you mean alternative to religion? People function with and without it quite well.

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   pilesnowayposted 13 years ago

   'cause faith is a virtue. I think it is innate to mankind
   
   faith in God is different in faith in Religion. Religion is just there to strengthen your faith in God to give you direction. At the end, it is still you and your own faith to your God who will prevail. And that you will carry to until the judgement comes.
   
   Of course people do not want for others to mess with their faith that is why they are willing to die for it. But I think the best way for holding on to a particular belief not to cause war is by opening our minds that everyone is different in their way of thinking--and that includes their faith and beliefs. Understanding and Respecting others is the key.

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      jomineposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      nobody understand or try to understand nor can understand others belief(faith). faith is not rational. problems is not that people are willing to die but they are willing to hurt and kill others for the faith.

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         pilesnowayposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         That is a harsh reality. Because people just can't understand. They fail to be rational. It has become the missing link. The link that will suppose to end the wars on religion. But then again,that's how they see it. And they don't want others to mess with their beliefs.
         
         This has been the most controversial topic on Earth! It has always been.

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   exorterposted 13 years ago

   every one has faith in some one or something, if nothing but themselves. but I hear that faith is irrational, so someone with only faith in themselves must be irrational also, according to their words

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      Jeramiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Here   Here !!1     or    YOU  Betcha !

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   paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

   “why people tend to have faith?”
   
   Because they have figured out that life sucks, and they just can’t handle that fact.
   
   Plus, the probability that they are wrong is not 100%. There is a chance.

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      exorterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I have faith, I have a good life, and there is a 0% chance I am wrong, anyone who takes the time to get to know God, knows God

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         jomineposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         the moment you feel you can never be wrong that is when you stop learning

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   Cagsilposted 13 years ago

   The proper use of faith is in oneself and others around that individual.
   
   Faith in religion or a god is misplaced and shows that people lack knowledge and wisdom with regards to their own life.

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      exorterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      It takes someone who has never met God to speak those words, someday you will meet HIM

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   markbennisposted 13 years ago

   Don’t you sad non believers ever have a day that you ever wake up and feel your life is more important then investing your time in incriminating or trying to devalue the name of God!

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      Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      What god?
      
      If you're making reference to the "god" of the bible or any other religious book, then I suggest you go do some valuable research on the topic.
      
      There is no god and to speak of one in existence is irrational and delusional.

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         exorterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         SOME DAY YOU WILL WAKE UP,
         and your words will come back to you

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            Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            You're too funny!
            
            But, you're welcome to continue thinking that way.

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               exorterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               you bet I will,

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                  Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  No doubt irrationality is something puts enjoyment into life. Thus, keeping wasn't in doubt.

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                     exorterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     why people tend to have faith?”
                     
                     Because they have figured out that life sucks, and they just can’t handle that fact.
                     
                     No doubt irrationality is something puts enjoyment into life. Thus, keeping wasn't in doubt. lol
                     
                     all this is said by the non-believers, just look back up on this page,
                     sounds like non believers can't make up their minds
                     we need to pray that they can at least make up their minds

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         paradigmsearchposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         .
         Cags,
         
         I was going to put a pic of a lightning bolt above your profile pic, but for some reason my computer froze. I guess HE still likes you.

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            Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            
            
            
            
            
            That's too funny! No one likes me and I'm cool with that.

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               paradigmsearchposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               .
               Nah, lots of people like you. And your forum count is starting to get close…
               
               Can you be enticed to tack on another 10K?

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                  Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  

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      jomineposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      no markbennis as long as there are people who are willing to kill others for their faith it a non believers job to educate

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   markbennisposted 13 years ago

   You speak of what God!!?  But you forget your place while you sit in front of your warm surroundings while you dare breathe your delusional sigh in his name. 
   
   When was the last time you thought in a war for the same freedoms that those that have bravely thought and died for in the greatness and freedom in the name of God!
   
   You do your best to destroy the name of God but I don’t see you bravely or justly in your so called belief, attack the very establishments that have built them.  Show me proof you have tried to attack the very fabric of the Elites you so disagree with?  How about Rome and the Catholic Church?  How about the Freemasons or the Illuminati or Islam etc….
   
   If you so called atheists are so bold show us proof you can stand up to those that are in power and not your squirmy little belittlements of God!

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   paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

   .
   The religionist forums are trembling...
   .

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   Onusonusposted 13 years ago

   People tend to have faith in various forms of ideology for different reasons. For me it is simply a truth which when presented to my spirit sets my heart on fire, and speaks peace and understanding to the mind on a heightened level.
   When I see another person who otherwise would posess little or average talent for public speach say that he knows that Jesus is the Christ, the very words penetrate me to the core and with an assurity I have light, knowledge, and imortality presented before me and I could never deny the things which take place in those moments.

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    arbposted 13 years ago

    Pennyofheaven, Faith is not taught - religion is taught. Faith is the evidence of things unseen. Since we are absent all the facts, we work with what we have. Both belivers and non belivers live by faith. One in the faith that God exist and the other in the faith that He does not. Until we know absolutely, we all live by faith. It is the object of our faith that differs.

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       Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Faith is also the precursor to delusion.

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          Druid Dudeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Without faith, there is no hope, without hope, we might as well all jump off a cliff....or trust to mad scientists who veiw the rest of us as guinea pigs. Try denying that pearl Beelzedupe:)

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             Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             What we have is a fine example of not only how believers are unable to fathom a world without their gods, but the fact that religion has them believe they cannot live without their gods and would prefer not to live at all.
             
             The damage done from religious indoctrination is all too serious and should not be taken lightly as it has resounding effects and consequences on societies, continuing to be a blight on our ability to help mankind and its problems, and to be free from this kind of intellectual enslavement.

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                exorterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                BS

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                   Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   Absolutely. Anger is definitely an emotion one would feel when they realize how much effort and resources they wasted on religious conviction and ritual, so much that all they can muster is a well rounded explicative.

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                      exorterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      there is no anger in that, I just know when walking through a pasture, if i see crap in the grass. science would back me up on that

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                         Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                         At the very least, science backing up your observation of crap in a pasture is leaps and bounds over you backing up your empty expletive. 

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                            exorterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                            you call it what you want, it does not change anything,
                            how about proving there is no God.
                            you can't, all you can do is speak about what others have written,
                            I go by what I have seen,
                            and again when I see crap, I know what it is

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                               Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                               How about proving there is a god, instead?
                               
                               
                               
                               Then, show me your god if you have seen him.

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                                  exorterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                                  I know there is a god and you would not believe anything that anyone has to say about Him, and the word tells me not to throw my pearls to the swine,
                                  that means do not try to speak to the deaf, not to try to show something to the blind,
                                  I have seen the proof, but again you really do not want to see it

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                                     Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                                     More empty claims. Typical.

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          Druid Dudeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Thinking you have all the pieces to the puzzle is your DELUSION. Long may it wave! Oh, and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

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       pennyofheavenposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Yes agree religion is taught. What they teach to believe in for the most part it is unseen so they are teaching to have faith in the unseen. Facts and experience are two very different things. You do not need faith in the unseen if you have experienced it. You will however need faith in the intellectual understanding if you have not experienced it.
       
       Just like breathing, we do not need to have faith or have all the facts or intellectual knowledge about it. Because we experience it. We (the average layperson) don't know how it works we just know that it does.

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    Sophia Angeliqueposted 13 years ago

    An Answer to the above question as to why people have 'faith'.
    
    In the late 70s there was an Australian research paper (and, no, I wouldn't be able to find it now) that asked why people got involved in religion.
    
    Essentially, there were several reasons.
    
    a) soft brainwashing from birth. They heard it so many times that they believed it. The human brain has evolved so that it accepts as truth everything it hears over and over again.
    
    b) When people have been traumatised or are unhappy,or are in a terrible situation, and they can't find a way out, they look for magical cures. Whichever religion finds them first, that's the one that gets them.
    
    c) The experience of 'accepting God' and 'experiencing God' is idential in every single religion. The only thing that is different is the interpretation of it.

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