Posts by OnTheWayOut

  • EdenOne
    233

    What is BELIEF ?

    by EdenOne in
    1. watchtower
    2. beliefs

    stemming from the 'absentheism' thread, an old question came to my mind.

    what exactly is "belief"?.

    is it the same to ask: "do you believe in god?

    1. Chris Hannover
    2. talesin
    3. Finkelstein
  • OnTheWayOut
    OnTheWayOut

    It really is the same-old same-old arguments. Christians insist on personal anecdotes as evidence for their God and they, along with others, insist on hardcore evidence from nonbelievers that God doesn't exist. This is because they know such evidence couldn't possibly exist.

    There is at least an equal amount of anecdotal evidence that the god of Christianity doesn't exist as there are personal anecdotes that "He" does exist - the inaction in many circumstances and allowing of evil upon his worshippers. And believers know good and well that fantastical stories about Superman, Santa Claus, other gods, etc. allow them to dismiss belief without the same type of evidence they demand from nonbelievers in their fantastical God.

  • EdenOne
    233

    What is BELIEF ?

    by EdenOne in
    1. watchtower
    2. beliefs

    stemming from the 'absentheism' thread, an old question came to my mind.

    what exactly is "belief"?.

    is it the same to ask: "do you believe in god?

    1. Chris Hannover
    2. talesin
    3. Finkelstein
  • OnTheWayOut
    OnTheWayOut

    "Belief" or "believing in" someone or something is just as the opening post said. Also, "faith/faith-in". And it varies a bit from person to person. Having been on the other side of "belief in God," I get that many will continue to have belief. I might debate on the forum, but I really know that people are on their own journey and I won't browbeat those that don't insist on their beliefs being put upon others.

    But as former JW's, we need to understand the passion of those who are sure they are right. I have occasionally not reminded myself of that and I will try harder.

    Certainly, belief in some kind of creator is vastly different than the fire-and-brimstone preaching of hard core Christians or Muslims. Most "believers" are closing the gaps on the god-of-the-gaps and accepting what science offers, but just not letting go of an intelligence behind it all. I admire their optimism.