Religion- Why Do People have faith?

[Ghost]

Jul 25, 2009 16:39:59 GMT -5 @ness11 said:

This conversation of how old the Earth is and what not, this then brings up Evolution VS Creationism.I heard about it this year in science when my teacher said "Evolution is a controversial subject because a lot of people (but not scientists) denounce it all entirely."

Just in case you don't know, the theory of evolution is that organims over long periods of times (I'm talking a lot of years here, hundreds, thousands, millions) advance and mature to be better suited for their enviornment. Evolution has been backed up by scientists, and was first hypothesized by Charles Darwin, which I hope you know who he is.

Creationism is the theory that God built everything in approximitely six days. It's majorly based off the Bible teaching, and that the world was built around 5,000 to 10,000 years like Kune said. There has never been proof that creationism exsists.

Of these two, which seems more correct?

Yes from what we can see... i will not deny that the evolution theory does have strengths... but it... and creationism... are all theories noone was around to observe therefore everything is a theory. 2 things that come to mind when i think about evolution is... OK how everything start then? Yes i understand the Big Bang Theory....but science has proven that in an EXPLOSION all of the particles go in the same direction.. either clockwise or counterclockwise.... if there really was a massive explosion then why are 2 of the planets in our solar system revolving around the sun opposite of all the others? unscientific from an explosion theory. Another thing is The Moon. The moon, like the earth and everything else, has dust particles... it's part of life. Science has proven and calculated how much dust accumulates over the years. They thought of this as they sent the men to the moon. That's why the Lunar Lander had REALLY long legs....but when they got there...uh oh..the lander barely sunk into the dust at all and hit solid ground. End of the day it's all a theory but there science on both ends really.

Jul 25, 2009 16:41:30 GMT -5 kunekune said:

Well if God supposedly cares for each of us he wouldn't stop after one try and give up. When I was younger I "felt" the need to accept his gift but in the end I didn't really feel anything, I just did what I thought was appropriate at the time given my age. Of course, people freaked out and took pictures, my parents recorded all my church activities and all was happy, but I've never actually felt the presence. I don't want to trample over others beliefs but I just can't be a part of something that is full of so much hypocrisy and self-aggrandizement. I see it all the time in church; people lifting their hands and then bragging later about their spirituality, my brother gets baptized and my parents record and show him off like a trophy, Christians bash homosexuals although I don't recall anywhere in the bible that states we should wave a Bible in their face and tell them their going to hell and that God doesn't love them and make them feel absolutely miserable, then turn around and say "Judging others is not our business, it is that of God," etc. etc.

Let me detail one scenario that baffles me: a girl in a far off country has grown up believing in the indigenous gods of her people and never comes into contact with Christians because their country is too remote. She faithfully follows the teachings of her church and dies still believing in the gods she was raised to worship. Does she go to hell even though it was impossible for the Christians to visit her country and "save" her? Is she punished because she faithfully served gods other than God although there was no contact with anyone outside of her world? If God exists, why would he stand for this? It just makes no sense to me. She's condemned to hell because she worshiped the wrong god even though the Christians couldn't help.

I didn't say that he would only do it once and that's it. I'm just saying i believe it is REQUIRED to be done once...and all others are just out of love. you sound VERY much like myself in most of that first paragraph. The one thing that makes me NOT be all up my church's business is all the hypocrisy and bullcrap that goes on. I've always said that i don't follow the religion i agree with the most... i follow the religion i disagree with the least. There's Wackos and idiots in all religions...Honestly..at the end of the day i see very little need personally of going to church OFTEN. it's all a show. People dress up to impress talk the talk then drink and cuss when they get to their car. I can worship God from my seat right here. I remember it being written something to the effect that if people notice you and think well of you then that is your reward...their meaningless admiration, but it's the things you do in quiet, by yourself, and humble that get you the real justification. Yes i will not deny that according to my beliefs... Angel and some others around here are in DEEP SIN OMG!! And if i were a jelly-brain like 99% of these, i wouldn't even speak to them cause they are heaten. What these idiots don't realize is... they don't look at the WHOLE picture. Sure what they are doing is wrong according to the beliefs...but you're supposed to treat everyone with love. Jesus treated the murderers hanging beside him with love even as he was dying.

Now about Random girl in far off country.... alot of people don't mention things like that cause there is no definite answer. That's why so many people push missions etc. i hesitate to even say anything...cause i know i don't have the wisdom/words to say it... but i do feel deep down that in situations like that...there is a different mindset and such that they would not be condemned just for living there because i believe we are born where we are for a purpose... and i do not believe a loving God would place someone in an area and doom them forever... that goes against any and all teachings.

[bobsnicket]

Of everything I've read in this thread, some have been VERY generalizing of what "all" religions believe. I thank Ghost and others who have made it clear that the beliefs themselves don't cause wars; it's the few radical people who try to push them upon others.

As for evolution and the earth, I think that despite the value of science, it has its limits. And all logical scientists will admit that they don't know for a fact how old the earth is. But evolution is one of the most highly misunderstood subjects of all time. People think it means that man evolved from ape, for instance. Not true. It simply means that we share similar ancestors. In the same way, although it's a theory, it is important to understand that a theory has stood the test of time, and has evidence to support it. We HAVE observed evolution occuring in today's world. The only reason it's not a law is because scientists knew a lot of people would lose their trust in science if they made it one.

There is considerable controversy with that, of course, and the origin of mankind and the earth. Well, speaking for my beliefs personally, we acknowledge that what is said is in the Bible is not always understood correctly by humans. For instance, while it does mention God creating the earth in six "days," God's definition of a day, I believe, is different from our own. So I think that the Bible can still be correct and the Earth be millions of years old. Same with evolution. Our understanding is ALL limited.

And then with the random girl scenario. My beliefs in no way suggest that only members of our church will be saved. We believe that everyone gets a chance to know the truth and accept it in either this life or the next. And I'm pretty sure we're not the only ones who believe something similar to that.

So, in conclusion, NEVER base your opinion of religion on what people tell you. Why? Well, because their opinions will be different. You have to seek out the truth for yourself.

Finally, about concrete evidence of God. The fact of the matter is, there actually is plenty of evidence even in the modern world beyond immaterial, spiritual feelings. There are those of us who testify to miracles and visions within the last couple centuries alone. It's just a matter of whether you decide to believe the evidence.

[Angel]

Okay, I haven't read the discussion up till now. But I have a pretty good idea about what this thread is about.

Religion, in of itself is a GOOD thing. Despite what some people like to argue. Religion is way to give people a reason to believe there is more than just this upfront pain. It gives people a way to believe that there is more to life than just suffering and that the good people will be rewarded for all the caring and kind acts that they do in their lifetime. In the end, people have faith because without some kind of belief system.. most people would lose the will to go on. I think Religion serves a very beautiful purpose in uniting people and giving them something to hope for.

Religion is not bad. It's PEOPLE who are bad, and not all people. It's the people that Ghost once described as the the type of religious people who hate on everyone who doesn't believe in what they believe. The type that will damn a person to hell just because they don't see the belief that they have. Religion in the end is about personal perception, it's about the experiences in your life that lead you to believe in what you do.

I would never try to persuade a person in feeling the way they do. Everyone has a right to their own beliefs, and as long as those beliefs aren't used to control me or my heart.. that's fine. It's when people spark fear and hate in other people in the name of their religion that bothers me. It's the people that refuse to be open to the fact that others will always believe their own form of faith and should be respected that bothers me. It's the people who try to judge what should be their gods right to judge.. not humans. I know that if, and probably when I am dead.. and I am judged for what kinda of person I was.. I live with the faith that the good will shine.

So again.. people have faith because having faith gives you the will to move on.. to have something to believe in. Hope. All good. People are the cause of the bad things, and religion shouldn't be blamed for how people represent it.

(If all of this has been said already, sorry for coming and repeating what others have said, I just felt like sharing my opinion. )

[¡Yiff Police!]

Namu-kami-say-mama sauce?

Well, I believe in God and Jesus but I don't believe in the Bible. I believe in the Ten Commandments but I personally believe that man have altered and changed the Bible to fit those said people's own views. Why I say this? Well for one I and a lot of people know for fact Jesus isn't white, he is tanned to say the least. If people can go as far to change to color of our savior's skin, what else would they change?

Also of the most fundamental stories of the Bible have holes in them, for example Adam and Eve. If they where the first humans on this Earth and they had two sons, Abel and Cain, then how did we get created? Through incest? Sick, I know but you just have to think about these things.

I stated it before and I will say again Religion is a beautiful thing and simply put it unites people all around the world. I just which people from all religions sat down with each other and discussed about their religions, they would realize how similar they are.

Now one major problem I have is how Christianity is very dominant. This how the people act that is, is how they act like the Christan view is the all knowing one and is the most correct which if any Religion was right it would might be Hinduism 'cause it's one of the oldest religions to date.

I respect and I like hearing all the different religions point of views. And I think all people so educate themselves in other religions, probably help us understand each other as well.

Also at the end of the day we are no more than highly intellectual beasts and most people seem to forget that :/

[Ejak]

Jul 30, 2009 14:36:22 GMT -5 ¡Yiff Police! said:

Namu-kami-say-mama sauce?

Well, I believe in God and Jesus but I don't believe in the Bible. I believe in the Ten Commandments but I personally believe that man have altered and changed the Bible to fit those said people's own views. Why I say this? Well for one I and a lot of people know for fact Jesus isn't white, he is tanned to say the least. If people can go as far to change to color of our savior's skin, what else would they change?

Also of the most fundamental stories of the Bible have holes in them, for example Adam and Eve. If they where the first humans on this Earth and they had two sons, Abel and Cain, then how did we get created? Through incest? Sick, I know but you just have to think about these things.

I stated it before and I will say again Religion is a beautiful thing and simply put it unites people all around the world. I just which people from all religions sat down with each other and discussed about their religions, they would realize how similar they are.

Now one major problem I have is how Christianity is very dominant. This how the people act that is, is how they act like the Christan view is the all knowing one and is the most correct which if any Religion was right it would might be Hinduism 'cause it's one of the oldest religions to date.

I respect and I like hearing all the different religions point of views. And I think all people so educate themselves in other religions, probably help us understand each other as well.

Also at the end of the day we are no more than highly intellectual beasts and most people seem to forget that :/

like you were saying the word of man is not gods word. i have a problem with christians claiming thier ideals and values are superior to other religions (also stated above)

what i dont get how so many people believe in jesus when theres no real historical records of jesus. there are brief references from historians of the time like "christos" or "christ" but nothing more is said. you'd think the man that preformed such miracles stated in the bible would have to it than that dont you think? also jesus is very similar to many religious idols the egyptian god of the sun is one such both had disciples both were crucified died and rose again also like hinduism and many others

and jewdaism is actually if im correct the oldest established religion

[Tony Redgrave]

lol Ejak. Its all a matter of faith man. You can call it illogical or whatever but its one of the things that makes people well.. people. No matter what, there is usually a point in time where we often throw ourselves to the hands of fate and simply hope for the best and wish with all our might. Same thing here except people are believing in what they cannot see or know is real for sure.

EDIT: And yes Jecht, the bible has been altered a few times from what I know. In the middle ages, parts that the church didn't find suited what they wanted were taken out and things were added to suit them like the tithe.

[¡Yiff Police!]

Jul 30, 2009 15:59:45 GMT -5 Tony Redgrave said:

lol Ejak. Its all a matter of faith man. You can call it illogical or whatever but its one of the things that makes people well.. people. No matter what, there is usually a point in time where we often throw ourselves to the hands of fate and simply hope for the best and wish with all our might. Same thing here except people are believing in what they cannot see or know is real for sure.

EDIT: And yes Jecht, the bible has been altered a few times from what I know. In the middle ages, parts that the church didn't find suited what they wanted were taken out and things were added to suit them like the tithe.

I also heard that the Church had removed and kept different passages regarding Jesus and Mary Magdalen (sp?) relationship.

[bobsnicket]

Well, I can answer the Adam and Eve question. They had more children than just Cain and Abel. And they weren't all male.

I also agree that overtime people have made changes to the Bible. That's why there's so many different versions, isn't it?

[¡Yiff Police!]

Jul 30, 2009 21:33:43 GMT -5 @bobsnicket said:

Well, I can answer the Adam and Eve question. They had more children than just Cain and Abel. And they weren't all male.

I also agree that overtime people have made changes to the Bible. That's why there's so many different versions, isn't it?

I never heard about Adam and Eve having more children...<_<

And I don't like the way your last sentence came off, I sense sarcasm exuding from it. Yeah Christianity has tons of different branches and what not and appears like each have their version of the bible.

But when I say altered, I mean altered to fit their ideal image of the world. Overall, the bible pretty much tells us to respect others.

Now one thing that bugs me is that people seem to forget that not everything is an act of God. Humans do horrible things to each other sometimes for no apparent reason. I doubt God would want an innocent female to brutally raped and killed...<_<

[bobsnicket]

Well, if you think about it, Adam and Eve were commanded to multiply and replenish the Earth. There's no way they could have done that by only bearing male offspring, once Eve reached a certain age. I believe there must have been daughters as well. But I don't think you can use the condemnation of "incest" to the same degree when they are the only people on earth. I'm not sure if it mentions it specifically in the Bible, but neither does it ever say they were the only children. I guess it's just part of what my religion believes.

I think you're right about that too, that people changed it to fit their ideal image of the world, and overall one of its major points is respecting each other.

I believe God allows many things to happen to us for our own experience and eventual gain. I don't think anyone came to Earth to be punished. Jesus suffered for the sins of every person to ever live, but it needed to happen so that he would understand all the pain we go through.

[Big Boss]

To Me religion is what you make of it, i was born and raised Lutheran christian, but along the lines i started to get into the idea of karma. Do good and good will come to you. It guides my life and most of the ways it works come true. I believe in god, he put us here, but its our actions that rule our lives, not having to resort to a book to tell you how to act and live. Thats how i see it.

To me its more spiritual than a divinity.

[BladeGrip]

Adam and Eve lived for over nine hundred years (I'm not making it up. It's in the Bible), so they must had many other children.

I'd like to say more, but most people above me have already covered everything in my mind, and I don't feel like repeating the same points.

[Magus]

Adam and Eve had 3 children (I live in Israel, people here know)
The third child was a sister to Kain and Avel, and she is our mother.

Now about religion. There is a force above us, there's no denying it.
BUT
Whether it's god, nature, Satan, fate, Din, Nayru and Farore, 4 crystals, The FORCE or whatever I DON'T KNOW. I just believe there's some force out there.

P.S. About afterlife.

If you believe you're going to hell cos you were bad that's what will happen. If you believe you'll be met by 33 virgins that will probably happen. If you believe you will go to your former kings private gardens in the afterlife and be his concubine that will probably happen. If you think a person who dies just dies, that will happen.

P.P.S

[drizzitswords]

I think people have faith simply cause they want to believe there is something bigger than our simple existence and to bring hope in depressing times. That there is something after life, that this is all just a preperation/test/ect.
I was raised christian but I do not follow any religion. I personally think that many christians have given themselves a bad name. I don't mean that it's bad in any ways, what I mean is trying to convert people and saying people are going to hell for not believing in it or being a certain way. Suggesting is fine, continually trying to make someone convert even through fear is wrong.
Religion was supposed to bring all people under a common belief and to be united. But different names, rules, and classifications have only brought together those who believe the same thing and have caused problems amung differences between the religions. You could say it's like "my dad can beat up your dad". People just want to say theirs' is right and for others to agree.
Unless I missed something, religions tend to mainly be about good will and being kind to others and such. How people get war out of it I don't know.

NOTE: this is my opinion on the topic; if anything affended you, sorry