Does it matter what we believe?

[Heyo]

Well, I agree with that, but when I said "matter" I meant does it matter to the person who believes, regardless of their actions.
In other words, what are the benefits of that belief for that person? What would that person be missing if he did not have that belief?

Without going too much into armchair psychology, I think people like the feeling of not being fully responsible. That's why they create their gods as fathers or mothers. A higher authority that shields them from the burden of thinking for themselves - and live with the consequences.

 

[Trailblazer]

Without going too much into armchair psychology, I think people like the feeling of not being fully responsible. That's why they create their gods as fathers or mothers. A higher authority that shields them from the burden of thinking for themselves - and live with the consequences.

It is a Baha'i belief that we are all fully responsible for our beliefs and our actions.
We don't believe that God is shielding us from thinking for ourselves, we are told to think for ourselves.

“The first principle Baha’u’llah urged was the independent investigation of truth. “Each individual,” He said, “is following the faith of his ancestors who themselves are lost in the maze of tradition. Reality is steeped in dogmas and doctrines. If each investigate for himself, he will find that Reality is one; does not admit of multiplicity; is not divisible. All will find the same foundation and all will be at peace.”
– Abdu’l-Baha, Star of the West, Volume 3, p. 5.

 

[Link]

This kinda seems like an over generalization...

Yeah it might be. But to me it's either that which they choose or apathy. Very few stand with justice, the oppressed, and side of truthful in conflicts. They give in to falsehood.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

Does it matter what you believe religiously/about God?

If so, why does it matter?
If not, why doesn't it matter?

As a spiritualist and spirit medium, I believe that our religious beliefs about God have a significant impact on what happens to us after death. In my previous posts, I've shared many examples of why I believe this is true. And as a former Christian, I also believe this is true for a lot of people, myself included. In fact, based on my experience as a former Christian, I know that a person's beliefs about God can be detrimental to their mental health and well-being. I don't want to derail your thread with a long explanation, so I'll provide a link to a previous post in which I explain why I believe this is true.

Eternity Alone

I find biblical Christianity extremely plausible and rational. The indocrinated tend to think so. Critical thinkers disagree. No Christian can explain how anything in Christianity is plausibel and rational. No believer in religious lore does so based on facts and sound reasoning. But...

www.religiousforums.com

 

[Trailblazer]

As a spiritualist and spirit medium, I believe that our religious beliefs about God have a significant impact on what happens to us after death.

As a Baha'i, I believe that our religious beliefs about God have a significant impact on what happens to us after death.

In fact, based on my experience as a former Christian, I know that a person's beliefs about God can be detrimental to their mental health and well-being.

I think a person's beliefs about God can me detrimental to many people. I think that Christian beliefs are detrimental even if the believers don't realize they are detrimental, because believing in the false doctrines is detrimental. Not only does it bar them from the truth but it leads them to have false expectations, such as about what will happen when they die. I am sure you know that all too well.

 

[PearlSeeker]

I presume you mean saved from hell?
What are those extenuating circumstances?

In its statements regarding this doctrine, the Church expressly teaches that "it is necessary to hold for certain that they who labor in ignorance of the true religion, if this ignorance is invincible, will not be held guilty of this in the eyes of God", and that "outside of the Church, nobody can hope for life or salvation unless he is excused through ignorance beyond his control". It also states that "they who labor in invincible ignorance of our most holy religion and who, zealously keeping the natural law and its precepts engraved in the hearts of all by God, and being ready to obey God, live an honest and upright life, can, by the operating power of divine light and grace, attain eternal life". (CCC)

Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[vijeno]

Does it matter what you believe religiously/about God?

If so, why does it matter?
If not, why doesn't it matter?

In general, beliefs shape behaviour, self-esteem, and relation to oneself and others. All of which manifest in actions. So, yes, they matter indeed.

But I also think that beliefs are only tenable if they concur with reality, and I simply don't know how to consciously hold a belief against my own judgment. I can tell myself that I'm the most beautiful, intelligent person on the planet, and it might make me much more confident and positive, but my brain will reject it because it's b.s. (I've actually tried stuff like that when I was learning self-hypnosis. It's a fun little exercise, and it teaches you one thing, if nothing else: Brains reject b.s.! lol.)

As to the god question, the mere belief that god exists, is probably pretty meaningless apart from maybe making you feel a bit better (or worse). But if you believe that there is a god who is opposed to homosexuality, or who punishes you for eternity if you dare doubt him... hooo hoy, it's going to make a difference!

 

[Trailblazer]

As to the god question, the mere belief that god exists, is probably pretty meaningless apart from maybe making you feel a bit better (or worse).

'God exists' is meaningless unless you know something about God, namely what He revealed to humans.