Ok, I'm not asking everyone to debate Atheism versus Religion. And I don't want this to turn into that kind of argument. I'm really hoping (although not very hard) that we can all keep this ON TOPIC.

What I would like to know is what religious people GET out of believing. I'm an Atheist. That's no secret. And try as they might I've never been able to get a xtian to explain WHY they choose to believe.

I usually receive answers like "because the bible says to" or "because I know god is real". I want REAL answers....if anyone's got them. Saying "because I KNOW" is like an Atheist claiming they know god isn't. I'm looking to understand what people get out of religion. What purpose does it serve for you? Does it keep you "moral"? Does it give you "hope". Is it just too depressing to consider the alternative? Is it all you've ever known? Is it because your parents brainwashed you???

Why do YOU believe?

 

Pretty much I believe because that's how I was raised. I'm not a participating Catholic mind you, I disagree with a lot of what the church says and does. . .I believe in a higher power because some things that just can't be explained without believing in that higher power in my opinion.
Hope that's what you're looking for.

 

It gives me a sense of peace, to think maybe the hell I am living through today may end in paradise. To think there is nothing out there for me is bleak and heartbreaking. Even if it is a delusion, I am not hurting anyone by trying to live as a good person.

I grew up in an atheist family but I always felt there was something more, something bigger. When I found my faith, I was comforted. When I am most troubled, praying makes me feel better. I never expect anyone to understand that, nor would I ask them to be like me. I just ask that they don't try and convert me either.

 

The REAL answer snoochies:

Parents, schools, teachers, friends brainwash them they have no choice until they are adults to break out of it.

The fear of GOING TO HELL instilled in them if they DON'T BELIEVE.

And maybe: the good feeling of belonging and not having to think for yourself.

 

Things like: Space etc. didnt just pop out of nowhere!

 

Is the designer so incompetent that he forgot to put in something to make brain, person, and body match in gender?

Or maybe he thought it was funny and did it to see what we would do about it?

No one can prove either for or against, if it just happened, there are some miraculous mathematics involved. The fibonacci series for one, the golden ratio for another. the atomic table of elements for another.

 

It has to be a creator... If its god or aliens...No one knows.

 

I can’t remember the exact ages but I would say from 12 to 14 I was going to church 3-4 times a week by choice. I liked the being part of a group and I have always been one to enjoy discussions which we regularly did in my youth group (no surprise I have also always been a really big fan of mythology also.) It was basically a hobby with ready built friends. Also I liked going to the retreats or revivals or what have you because it was a way to tap into some latent emotion. I had bouts of happiness and crying from my sensory overload and mob mentality. It was very chemical in its own way for me as long as I never analyzed it. At some point reason turned off the valve on my emotional ecstasy.

 

What I really liked about belonging to and going to church:
Playing for the service, organ or piano, and directing my little band.
The music and singing
The liturgical ritual, almost magical in feeling
The peacefulness during the services
The friends in the church
The coffee hour after the service
Sometimes even the boring sermons
The tendency to make your children behave better.


Always thought Bible study was a total waste of time. Now even more so since I know the sources. But sometimes I did enjoy the discussions and different viewpoints presented by members.

I belonged to only Liturgical Churches, Episcopal (Anglican) and Lutheran. I have attended others once in a while. The holy rollers I thought were funny. I was 18 when I visited them once.

I know people on here are openminded so I feel fairly sure that I wont be shot at for posting what I think. That is the true beauty of this site.

Lainie

 

As a former devout Catholic and a now equally devout atheist (which is no more of an oxymoron than "intelligent design," "Creation scientist," or "natural theology") :-D I think the answer is that faith provides comfort in the face of the inevitability of death. It is comforting to cling to the notion that somehow, if we follow the right creed, worship the correct god in the correct manner, that we can escape the finality of death and live eternally in bliss. To my mind, the religious instinct is rooted in fear: first the instinctive fear of death (and desire for immortality), and secondarily the fear (inculcated BY religion) of what may happen after death (Hell, everlasting torment, etc.).

 

I know

 

What do you know?

 

Everything

 

What is Snus MM?

 

You cannot challenge me you have to have blind faith.

But I wil refer you to the appropriate bible (urban dictionary) passage

1.snuss21 up, 2 downn. A form of swedish smokeless tobacco.
Often, old timey backwoods men refer to dip as snuss.
"You got some'a that there snuss in your mouth boy?"
tags dip skoal chew snuss wad pinch cope copenhagen red man
by Z Ellmo Roanoke, va Sep 8, 2006 email it

2.snuss20 up, 5 downfemale genatalia aka snizzle aka cooz aka hamentaschen aka bearded clam.
Did your uncle play with your snuss?

Dat snuss done be musky.
by anonymous Aug 7, 2003 email it

3.snuss1 up, 7 downsynonym for kissle. A mix of kissing and snuggling.
I kissle with my boyfriend.
by Sarah May 23, 2003 email it

 

And if people would read what others have found who have been through death and returned, they would see that religion as ALL smoke and mirrors, a con game.

No one that I have known or read about that has been there really wanted to come back to earth, inlcluding me, and I still don't know why I set it up so I would.

 

Hail you MM! *kneels*

 

Thanks to everyone for staying on topic! This has really solidified some of my theories and answered some questions.

And thanks to everyone for not turning this into a war between religion and atheism...well, everyone except T-Bird. While I may agree with some of your feelings on belief, I think it's nice to have a little more tact when stating those opinions.

Remember, most religious people think atheists are just as crazy as we think they are. And a LOT (NOT ALL) of them are total assholes to non-believers. I like to be tolerant in an attempt to show them that I'm a better "xtian" then they are because I'm more tolerant and accepting than they are.

Being an asshole atheist just makes us all look bad.

 

a firm sense of knowing that you are doing the right thing.
that is what 20+ years as a jehovahs witness gave me. NO
im not in it anymore, and feel free at last.

 

Agreed, Snoochies. And, the scary fact of the matter is that, if you believe the polls here in the US, we atheists are VASTLY outnumbered by those who believe in Creationism, Christ's imminent return, the Rapture, etc.

While we do need to be polite and courteous (always and with everyone), I'm thankful for men such as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens who have had the courage to come forward as atheists and say enough is enough. It is no longer acceptable for religious opinion to be above reproach or criticism simply because it is religious. It is no longer acceptable for religious ideology to be to be espoused by key members of our government while simultaneuosly being beyond question simply because it is "religious." Let those who believe and wish to foist their beliefs upon the rest of us via politics enter the arena and PROVE the validity of their claims the way all of the rest of us do: through evidence. Why should the word "faith" make someone's opinion suddenly untouchable? Religion, if it wants to be heard and respected as a force in the public arena, should be subject to the same level of criticism and critique as any other ideology.