Why do You Believe or Don't Believe in God????

@bird123 (10632)
United States
July 23, 2010 11:01pm CST
Everyone has a reason they believe or don't believe in God. What about believers? Is it because of your parents?? Is it because you were raised on a certain holy book?? Is it because you see God in the world around you?? Is it just logic dictates that Something created it all?? What about nonbelievers?? Do you not believe because of some hardship or adversity that makes you feel God could not exist?? Is it because you find that holy books do not add up?? Is it because controlling people tried to force you to their beliefs?? Simply, I just want to know WHY??
2 people like this
27 responses
• Thailand
24 Jul 10
I don't believe in a god or god's for the simply reason that I do not see the need for one. If the universe was not created but came into being by an understandable physical occurrence than there is no need for a creator. The need for salvation is often advanced as a cause for the belief in a god but if there is no god then it is imposable to transgress its law and there is no sin that requires forgiveness. Gods or a god exist only in the perception of the believer.
2 people like this
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Yet if I step off a building, I will fall regardless of my beliefs or perceptions. I can not argue with your view about sin,forgiveness and salvation. This is clearly religion. This is not God. I like a person who uses logic. Stay open for the possibilities for you never know when they will come knocking on your door. If you close your mind to the possibility that God exists based on religion, you won't see a thing other than your own view. It's not a good way to discover. Thanks for stopping by with your comments!
1 person likes this
@meirhu (363)
• Israel
24 Jul 10
Until the age of 19 I "believed" in "God" I thought that anyone who did not was just stupid. How couldn't they see that the Universe just couldn't function without some divine being that was taking care of it. Then I met my first atheist and he WASN'T stupid at all. Set me wondering. For the next 3 years I would argue with others that I found that didn't believe and tried to convince them. At age 22 I attended a lecture which included the answer that I was looking for. The question was stated - that there are some people who think that "God" is GLUE. That this "glue" was needed to hold it together. And if there WAS no "glue" like that would the universe fall apart ? I realized that I was a person that thought that "God" was "glue" and I just stopped assuming that. In the years to come I learned more and more about "God" being a psuedo-explanation and even an EVIL being (if IT did exist). Today I call myself ignostic. If someone wants to talk about a "God" I need hir (his or her) definition in order to see if I agree or not.
1 person likes this
@bestboy19 (5478)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Could you explain how the GLUE question could cause you to question the existence of God? God is a pseudo-explanation for what and what makes you call Him evil?
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Interesting?? Thinking. Good. Just do not stop looking for answers. Finding them on your own is an advantage you do have. Never assume others know it all. Questions will lead you to answers. If God exists, shouldn't one be able to find Him? As complex as the universe is, is radom chance a viable cause?? A Being capable of creating the universe around you, has to be very very smart. After all, mankind does not understand the universe yet. If a Being did create the Earth and it's people as a part of the unfolding of the universe, would it be fair to say that the complexity and genius behind it all is not understood?? It's easy to look at the surface of things with a narrow view and make judgement calls. We have all done that. Aren't the real answers more complex?? Everytime science opens a door, what do they find?? Another door needing to be opened. Something to think about. Thanks for all your comments!!
1 person likes this
@meirhu (363)
• Israel
24 Jul 10
Good questions. Yes. We can always continue searching. However we also are required to take a stand. Especially when there are others who take a very STRONG stand opposing your ideas. It is now 52 years that I have become more and more convinced that there is NO valid reason for assuming that there is a "God" as it is defined by most people, and even as it is defined in other ways by a few. I prefer to think of REALITY which is all - encompassing and includes good AND bad. I think that it is as wrong to WORSHIP reality as it is to worship any idol, especially one that is seen to be evil (Satan, "God", etc.) Of course it is fair to say that all is not understood. I would go even further to say that NOTHING is really understood. It makes the claims of those who maintain that there IS a "God" and that IT is "good" even more ridiculous. We have learned that ideas that do not further understanding but only cause more and more paradoxes (like the "ether") be simply avoided. Science is indeed discovering more and more fantastic things that are beyond our capabilities of absorbing (see quantum mechanics and string theory). Adding a supernatural divine being that controls all this is completely useless and doesn't add to your understanding AT ALL. I've written a paper on why the philosophy of science is incompatible with the belief in a "God". It's not on my computer yet though.
1 person likes this
@dsrp82 (676)
• Brazil
24 Jul 10
I have crises of faith all the time, but I do believe in God. I do because He has done some things in my life that were just impossible. I wont say what it is, because it's private.
1 person likes this
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
A few miracles!! I think God makes it a point to touch all His children. Thanks for stopping by with your comments!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
24 Jul 10
Just like the story of Diana Blessings I have posted above, your experience is enough to show us that God really exist, that God really cares for us.
1 person likes this
@musedsmh (254)
• Indonesia
24 Jul 10
i believe in God, i dont know why i just believe it. but sometimes i wondering is there god really exist, is always become a big question for me.
1 person likes this
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Yes, I believe deep down we all know God. You can tell lots about someone through their actions. Look around you. See God's actions. When you can see how it does all add up, you will start to understand God. A wide view is needed. There is genius behind it all. Thanks for all your comments!
1 person likes this
@sagar21 (1579)
• India
25 Jul 10
@magtibaygom anyone can make up a story... but to believe or not its one's choice... thanks ...
1 person likes this
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
25 Jul 10
sagar21. Yes, everything in life does come down to a choice. Great comment!! That's why it is important that we don't allow others to make our choices for us. Thanks for stopping by with your comment.
1 person likes this
• India
24 Jul 10
Believe or not that's immaterial , because in the end everybody have to return to Him in the end, But belief can comfort an anguished mind or make a harsh life tolerable and provide courage at tough times so it's really up to we humans to choose the path.
1 person likes this
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
That's a good comment. For some it is a comfort when the challenges in life are tough. I guess no one wants to go through those tough times alone. We are never alone. Yes, believing means nothing except for religion. Thanks for your comments!!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
24 Jul 10
I believe there is a "higher being" but I don't buy into the dogma that various religions shove down people's throats.
1 person likes this
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Yes, deep down. I think we all know God. I can't agree with all the dogma either though they do have some things right. How can it be wrong to simply love everyone?? Thanks for your comments!!
1 person likes this
@mods196621 (3652)
• Philippines
24 Jul 10
I absolutely Believe in God. And always believe in Him no matter what happens. Even if I went to different religions and belief, I always believe in Him. He is the One and Only God who gave us life and needs on earth. HOW? well, not because my parent teach me but, when I grew older especially now that I am matured I understand clearly the beliefs and teachings of our church about the holy book. And I truly feel the presence of God in my life. Of how I feel this? well miracles done. Thanks and have a nice day to you!
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
So you don't depend solely on holy books. That's great!! Some contact does go a long way. Thanks for your comments!!
1 person likes this
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
25 Jul 10
jupitercrashing. Well what if the only way a person gets their miracle is if it doesn't interfere with lessons or learning that is happening. No matter what happens. We are eternal. Is it God's goal to let everyone have it made and fix all the problems???? I think not. Of course, each of us define miracles differently. Thanks for your comments!!
1 person likes this
• Canada
25 Jul 10
How do miracles make a case for god? For those one or two miracles that are claimed to happen, there are billions who are not being miraculously benefited. A god who singles out specific people to benefit, when he has the potential to perform miracles for all those who need them, is unfair and immoral. We would not stand by if a doctor had a cure for cancer and decided to only use it on one or two people. Why does a supposedly perfect god get a pass on this gross breach of moral behavior?
2 people like this
@vandana7 (98526)
• India
24 Jul 10
Bird, my father doesnt believe in god, but I do. I have seen family friends who are very devout, and yet they do some wrong things that god would not find acceptable. I think that is what is disbelief in god, and not just doing the rituals to perfection.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Don't people choose evil because they really don't understand what they are doing?? If they were on the receiving end, the picture gets clearer. I think it is possible to believe in God yet make some pretty bad choices. Of course there are people in this world who are totally about themselves. Lots of lessons needed. Thanks for your comments!!
1 person likes this
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
25 Jul 10
So holy books and all that are not necessary, nor is it necessary to be classified as belonging to any religion to be good. All that is required is to know not to hurt another person, stand up for yourself, and help another person if you can. GREAT COMMENT!!!I agree. God educates His children. There is no time limit as to learning.People who choose evil will understand their choice in time. The real trick is when we are hurt by the evil actions of another, we don't hold the hurt in our heart, defining ourselves by it. Hate and anger really have no place in one's heart. You only hurt yourself. I can see you are a really great person. I believe in you!!! Thanks for all your comments!!
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (98526)
• India
26 Jul 10
Bird - I figured that even if I spent the rest of my lifetime planning some revenge, I could not come up with the one that would give me 100 percent satisfaction. Time and again I would recall my mom and think how I should hurt them. In process, I would have to let go of my dreams - dreams that existed before I learnt of such things. Effectively, that would be two lives lost! Not at all logical, dont you think? I trust god to do the required justice, and bring me peace.
@tap0991 (2766)
• United States
24 Jul 10
I dont really believe in god the sense that people make it out to be. I believe there is something more that we dont understand but I dont believe there is someone higher. For the most part its because of hardship I dont believe because I have met a lot of good practicing and faithful people who were going through and have always gone through great hardship. Their prayers were never answered or nothing got better. If someone higher out there is looking out for people then he must have stopped.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Perhaps the goal isn't having it made. Perhaps the goal is learning and growing for all involved. Would you go through great adversity in order that someone else will understand???? There are wonderful souls doing this everyday. Perhaps, we all share in doing this. Aren't children of God wonderful??? This world is more complex. Sometimes just looking at the surface keeps us from seeing the results!! THanks for your comments!
@tap0991 (2766)
• United States
24 Jul 10
so everyone needs to suffer? I dont think everyone should have it made but I think that someone should be answered every once in a while. There are no children of god there are children of men.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
25 Jul 10
Does everyone really suffer????? Answers come but not always what you want to hear. We all have the power to choose what we deem important in this world. Can you see no goodness to this world at all?? Perhaps it's time to value the good things more. If you take everything so personally that learning becomes impossible for you and those around you then you will see God. We all will know God's unconditional love that heals all hurt. Until then muddle through somehow. You are very capable. Take time out to smell a few roses. All those pesky problems do have a way of getting solved. Take care and thanks again for your comments!!
@3oooof (171)
• United States
24 Jul 10
i believe in god and i believe in my religion , who created everything in 6 days , and there's no god but Allah and Muhammad and Jesus and Moses are the messenger's of Allah 'god' .
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
You did not tell me WHY you believe. WHY???
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
28 Jul 10
What makes you a believer????
@3oooof (171)
• United States
27 Jul 10
Because I'm a believer :]
• Philippines
24 Jul 10
I believe in HIM because I have a faith in HIM... If we have a faith in HIM, we don't ask any reasons why and how HE exist.. We just simply believe...we will FEEL HIM in our hearts...that's true..
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Ah, but to question is the start on the journey to discovery. God loves us to question. The only one's who do not want you to question are those who want to shield you from the real truth. You know, I think you did answer my question of why. You believe in God because you feel Him in your heart. Good answer!! Thanks for all your comments!!
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
25 Jul 10
Jupitercrashing. Great Point!!! Believing in something doesn't make it real. That is why one must search and question the truth. That includes truth about God. Now, you aren't going to get me to believe you had no doubts about Santa Claus. Of course, when one is receiving gifts, it's sometimes easy to look the other way. Thanks for your comments!!
• Canada
25 Jul 10
Ancient Greeks had faith in their gods. If we were to go back in time and ask one, there would be no doubt they would also claim to feel them in their hearts. As a child, I believed that Santa Claus existed. I didn't question it, even though I never saw him, I just felt that he must exist because I felt he did and so many people said he did. Simply believing in something doesn't make it real.
@rodlar33 (116)
• El Salvador
24 Jul 10
I don't believe. The holy books make no sense. I need proof that there is a higher being before i believe.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
25 Jul 10
If you base your decision on religion's view of God, I understand how you reached your conclusions. Keep searching. Don't depend on others. You are capable. Venture into undiscovered country. No matter how much others tell you. There is always much more to things. Thanks for your comments!
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
I can not argue about the holy books. If you need proof, perhaps you should search for proof yourself. Sometimes people who search find what they search for. God places truth all around us. It is up to each of us to discover it all. How long did mankind watch birds fly before they figured out how? It's all a test of intelligence. Are you up for it??? I think you are. I see you getting ideas already. Thanks for all your comments!!
@rodlar33 (116)
• El Salvador
25 Jul 10
I've searched for proof. I was raised christian and attended a couple of churches. I saw people passing out when the pastor touched their heads and all that stuff. I tried it and I felt nothing. I had all these questions. God is supposed to be so great and merciful and forgiving. But the real world says otherwise, then I began to read atheist books and, unlike the bible, they make sense. So I did more research and decided to dump god. Now I feel much better, none of that guilt and anxiety that religion bears upon humans.
@carbajosa (146)
• Philippines
24 Jul 10
Everyone knows that there is this higher being, the creator of all which I call God. Imagine how people were created, and how worlds were crafted, how the stars and the other heavenly things are made out off. There's a higher being behind all of this.. which is God.. even if no one actually seen him.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Yes, deep down we all know God. If that's not enough, one only has to look around at God's handywork. Mankind will take eons to figure it all out. Thanks for the comments!
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
25 Jul 10
Jupitercrashing. Isn't science showing through the expansion of the universe that the universe had an orgin???? Who created God??? Quantum physics shows the possibility of other universes and dimensions. Couldn't a dimension without time exist?? In that case everything is. Clearly, we are all lacking in knowledge. We are ants but we are learning. A lesson at a time. We will all understand. Thanks for your comments!
• Canada
25 Jul 10
So who created god? If god 'just is,' why can't the same be said of the universe?
• China
24 Jul 10
God is always there whether you believe it or not.Something I am going through and some other things make me believe that it exists in the world.What goes aronud,comes around.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Yes, I think one only has to look around. God is everywhere.If someone has hurt you, do not hold the hurt in your heart. Things do return to us all because so many times we do not realize what our actions mean to others. In time we will all understand. Thanks for your comments!!
• China
25 Jul 10
You are welcome.Yeh,someday we all will know.I believe it completely.
• United States
25 Jul 10
Well, I have really thought about this and this is what I come up with. So, please do not get mad or upset if you or someone who reads this does not agree. This is just my opinion. I think first if you do believe in a God or a Higher Being then it should be because you read into the belief and studied it and learned all there is to know about it then made your choice based on that. And, as for people that do not believe in God or a Higher Being then I would think you did the same you studied and learn all that you needed to know to base you choice. But, as for me I think if I meet someone and they have picked someone or something to believe in no matter if I believe in it or not I think I will not stop them for it is their life and they only get one chance at it. So, let them choose. Just don't let them try to tell me who or what to believe in because I already made my choice. And, I think everyone should keep their choices to themselves that way there is not fighting. Maybe, everyone could get along if we would spend more time caring about people's choice's instead of trying to make everyone be them them. Everyone is different and that is the way it will always be. Freedom to be you and Freedom for me to be me... Thanks! *Peace and Love get's you through everything in Life*
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
25 Jul 10
Carpathian: Now how could anyone ever get angry at that?? I love the Peace and Love comment. Something to consider: God gave everyone a different view to guaranty mankind a larger view than any one person could have. This comes in very handy learning and teaching each other. Though it is more peaceful keeping it all to yourself, you would be also keeping a part of your piece of the puzzle from others. People can be controlling, sometings mean,angry and hateful but they can also learn, grow, love, and change. Sometimes people hate to change when they need to. That's why there is drama. Funny thing about drama. That's where most of the learning takes place. People think about their actions later. It doesn't matter what everyone else does. It's what you do that counts. I can see you are full of love and peace. Perhaps it is your view that needs to get out more. Share that which is special about you. Ignore the drama!! Thanks for the wonderful comment. Love and Peace back to you.
@sagar21 (1579)
• India
25 Jul 10
I do believe in an omnipotent power.... Its for us to believe and not to make believe... If we do believe...we do get some positive energy/feeling/attitude... thanks for sharing... have a great day/night...
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
25 Jul 10
Interesting point. Believing in God does give positive energy. Like everything in life,it's all about choices. Thanks for your comments!!
@man2sting (637)
• Indonesia
25 Jul 10
First, yes, because of my parents that I believe in God. Next, my mind seached when I grew up. Then I felt the air; I couldn't see it but it existed. That's how to feel God for beginner, I think, undepicted! So logic is very important in life, not only I accept what my religion says, as God urges human to think, I think!
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
25 Jul 10
Many people do go through life just feeling then acting. You are right. WE ARE ALL MEANT TO THINK!!! Thanks for the Great comment!!
@rappeter13 (8608)
• Romania
3 Aug 10
I am a believer, I was raised in a protestant family and my father is a preacher or minister(how do you want to call it). But this is not the main factor of being a believer. I was given the freedom to choose whatever I want. But I have to tell you that after I was operated I was looking after a guy in green costume who stood next to my bed, between the bed and the wall. But the funny thing is that there was no place for a person between the wall and the bed. So everybody was confuse who did I see. But I was asking everybody were is the man in green costume. So it must have been somebody holy. This is how I feel and I am surely a believer.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
4 Aug 10
Perhaps He was wearing that green costume to be sure you would remember the experience. Perhaps the message was as simple as you are not alone. I know a man whose young son was killed in an accident. While he was standing over his grave, a caretaker started talking to him on how he could really fix up the site nice. He turned around and the caretaker was gone. There was nowhere for a person to hide and no one could have run fast enough to get out of sight. So yes, things like this do happen. Thanks for your comments.
@T_Diamond (965)
• New Zealand
26 Jul 10
I don't believe or disbelieve. It's a really grey area and not something I'd like to go into an arguement with. You'll never be able to convince every person to think the same way.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
27 Jul 10
The infinite diversity of this world is what makes it strong. My goal isn't to get everyone to think the same way. My goal is to get everyone to THINK. Interaction does that. Sure there is a bit of drama but where can you get a bunch of kids together where there's not?? We are all children of God. WE learn from each other.I like to place truth out there. What everyone does with that truth is their freedom to choose. I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm going to love them all regardless of their answers. I know you are walking the fence in between but have you considered that your missing view might just be what everyone needs to hear??? Thanks for stopping by T_Diamond with your comments!!
• Canada
31 Jul 10
I woudlnt say i do belive in God, but then again i wouldnt say i DONT belive in him. im an agnostic for the most part. how did we get here? theres many theories. the big bang apparently put us on this planet according to some. but then again, how did the big bang get created then? noone knows the answer for sure? maybe someone will find out in the near future? or maybe someone will find out 1000 years from now? whats your beleifs?
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
31 Jul 10
I know we are spiritual beings in our true nature. I know God exists.I won't go into it but I have direct experience with both. I wouldn't count on religion's view of creation however God created things to unfold in such a way mankind will be able to figure it all out in time.There is alot of knowledge to learn. I'm afraid 1000years won't touch what it will take but step by step mankind will grow smarter. Thanks for your comments!!