Does it really matter if we believe in God?

[SalixIncendium]

I think it matters for some, as some need a fear of consequence to stay on a socially acceptable moral path.

For others, I can’t think of a reason it should matter.

 

[sealchan]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I usually post to atheists and I have a lot of atheist friends who do not think it matters if we believe in God. After all, there is no proof that God exists, so it is just as logical to say God does not exist as t is to say that God exists. There is evidence that God exists, but no proof.

So why does it matter if we believe in God? Why is it so important, or is it? This is a question I would like other Baha’is to answer, but also Christians, Muslims, Jews, or any other religious adherents.

Of course atheists and agnostics can answer too.

The second part of this question is that if God matters as much as some believers say, then why do they live for the material world and all it has to offer? Why don’t they live for God instead of the world? Why don’t they follow the teachings of their religion regarding detachment and sacrifice? This is not meant to be a criticism; it is just something I am wondering about and something to get people thinking. I mean in the Tablet of the True Seeker Baha’is are enjoined by Baha’u’llah to regard the world as utter nothingness.

“Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 266

Notably, I do not participate in Baha’i activities so I do not know a lot about what other Baha’is think or do except what I read on forums, but most Baha’is I know seem to think I am too extreme in my views regarding detachment and sacrifice, as if I am some kind of ascetic.

Do I simply take this God stuff too seriously, or do others not take it seriously enough? What does God really expect of us? Does it even matter to God what we do? This question is for all believers, whether they have a religion or not.

A third part of this question is for believers. What do you think will be the repercussions of non-belief? By repercussions I mean what do you think will happen to nonbelievers after they die? Do you have a set belief about that? I sure don’t, but it is a big concern of mine and I have no real answers because it has not been spelled out in the scriptures of my religion, unless I am missing something. Maybe the Baha’is can fill me in if there is something I missed.

Finally, if it does not matter if we believe in God before we die, and we will all find out that God exists after we die, why even bother to believe in God? I mean most atheists I know live very moral lives, so they do not really need the teachings and laws of religions, so why does it matter if they believe in God before they die?

I have some personal reasons for asking these questions that might come out later.

For me it matters to believe in God because of certain specific experiences I have had that have deep meaning and of necessity to that meaning they involve believing in God. This is circular and obviously subjective.

Through prayer and other forms of conversation and thinking about God I have a deep personal connection to "reality" that is personal and something private and profound that I can take with me into the private experience that is death. This is deeply comforting to me and helps me psychologically in periods of high stress.

My life and faith has taught me a balance if detachment and effort...I see these as the two complimentary aspect of Hinduism as it turns out. The physical world is the stage on which we play. I have found the game Minecraft and how I play it works in an alchemical way on my psyche. As such it offers a sort of companion world to the real one where I can work out a kind of spiritual approach to real world logistics.

Belief in God gives me a daily basis for action, feeling and thought that grounds me and helps me to feel whole. My efforts in this regard are most significant as regards my marriage and how I relate to my wife as my complimentary opposite personality type.

For me my belief is that our conscious experience ends with our bodies. The comfort of my belief is meant to be a sufficient balm for accepting this while living life to the fullest of my personal capability. Overall I see God as an orienting subjective reality that deeply helps me be open to the objective reality of the physical. Both are important and necessary in balance.

 

[Jollybear]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I usually post to atheists and I have a lot of atheist friends who do not think it matters if we believe in God. After all, there is no proof that God exists, so it is just as logical to say God does not exist as t is to say that God exists. There is evidence that God exists, but no proof.

I agree there is evidence God exists and not proof. But, i dont think its logical to say God dont exist. I think this gives too much footing for atheists and they dont deserve that much footing.

So why does it matter if we believe in God? Why is it so important, or is it? This is a question I would like other Baha’is to answer, but also Christians, Muslims, Jews, or any other religious adherents.

Of course atheists and agnostics can answer too.

Does it matter if someone believes in God?

Ill abswer that with a yes AND no.

First the no. No, it dont matter because beliefs, all beliefs, nomatter what subject there on, are just that, mental assents, tucked away in a file in our heads and have no effect on our lives one way or the other. No, it dont matter because what does matter is obying God more so then believing in God. A person can do Gods will, thinking its there own, either way, all that matters is that Gods will is done. An atheist can love, be honest, kind and good, yet not believe, well, at the end of the day, he has done Gods will without knowing it.

Now the yes. Yes it matters IF someone wants to be completely smart and intelligent. Its not intelligent to conclude God does not exist. That simply is not an intelligent position. Also, yes it matters IF lack of believe in God MOTIVATES a person to live as a rebel. Which, yes, for SOME, such lack of believe DOES motivate them to live unethically.

The second part of this question is that if God matters as much as some believers say, then why do they live for the material world and all it has to offer? Why don’t they live for God instead of the world? Why don’t they follow the teachings of their religion regarding detachment and sacrifice? This is not meant to be a criticism; it is just something I am wondering about and something to get people thinking. I mean in the Tablet of the True Seeker Baha’is are enjoined by Baha’u’llah to regard the world as utter nothingness.

“Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 266

Notably, I do not participate in Baha’i activities so I do not know a lot about what other Baha’is think or do except what I read on forums, but most Baha’is I know seem to think I am too extreme in my views regarding detachment and sacrifice, as if I am some kind of ascetic.

Do I simply take this God stuff too seriously, or do others not take it seriously enough? What does God really expect of us? Does it even matter to God what we do? This question is for all believers, whether they have a religion or not.

Ok, live for God or the world? Let me answer this also with a yes and no, lol.

Yes, we should live for God and not the world. But, we must define "world" before we can say we should not live for it.

World as in, a system of lies, un acountability, corruption, greed, lack of love by stepping on others to get ahead. Lack of compassion. Hypocrisy. The list goes on. Stupidity, ect. All of this, is the way of the world. That we should not live for. We should live different. Live as lights in a dark world.

Now, the no. No, we should not refuse to live for the world....that God made. If God made the world, as in, life, relationships, work, food, ect, then to detach from it is to reject what God created. We should not do this. We should live for the world God made, which we are selves are also a part of that world.

We should not pervert the purpose of the world God wants us to live for. Thats the difference.

A third part of this question is for believers. What do you think will be the repercussions of non-belief? By repercussions I mean what do you think will happen to nonbelievers after they die? Do you have a set belief about that? I sure don’t, but it is a big concern of mine and I have no real answers because it has not been spelled out in the scriptures of my religion, unless I am missing something. Maybe the Baha’is can fill me in if there is something I missed.

Finally, if it does not matter if we believe in God before we die, and we will all find out that God exists after we die, why even bother to believe in God? I mean most atheists I know live very moral lives, so they do not really need the teachings and laws of religions, so why does it matter if they believe in God before they die?

I have some personal reasons for asking these questions that might come out later.

Let me answer like this. Ill paint a picture for you.

Sam the atheist dies. He meets God. God tells him "sam buddy, good to see you, you lived a good, kind, honest life, you learned alot too, you contributed to it as well. You did a good job. However, your conclusion about me was pretty stupid. But hey, thats ok, i like you and you can see your conclusion was stupid, because, looky looky, here i am, lol.

Of course, thats my own way of putting it.

 

[InvestigateTruth]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I usually post to atheists and I have a lot of atheist friends who do not think it matters if we believe in God. After all, there is no proof that God exists, so it is just as logical to say God does not exist as t is to say that God exists. There is evidence that God exists, but no proof.

So why does it matter if we believe in God? Why is it so important, or is it? This is a question I would like other Baha’is to answer, but also Christians, Muslims, Jews, or any other religious adherents.

Of course atheists and agnostics can answer too.

The second part of this question is that if God matters as much as some believers say, then why do they live for the material world and all it has to offer? Why don’t they live for God instead of the world? Why don’t they follow the teachings of their religion regarding detachment and sacrifice? This is not meant to be a criticism; it is just something I am wondering about and something to get people thinking. I mean in the Tablet of the True Seeker Baha’is are enjoined by Baha’u’llah to regard the world as utter nothingness.

“Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 266

Notably, I do not participate in Baha’i activities so I do not know a lot about what other Baha’is think or do except what I read on forums, but most Baha’is I know seem to think I am too extreme in my views regarding detachment and sacrifice, as if I am some kind of ascetic.

Do I simply take this God stuff too seriously, or do others not take it seriously enough? What does God really expect of us? Does it even matter to God what we do? This question is for all believers, whether they have a religion or not.

A third part of this question is for believers. What do you think will be the repercussions of non-belief? By repercussions I mean what do you think will happen to nonbelievers after they die? Do you have a set belief about that? I sure don’t, but it is a big concern of mine and I have no real answers because it has not been spelled out in the scriptures of my religion, unless I am missing something. Maybe the Baha’is can fill me in if there is something I missed.

Finally, if it does not matter if we believe in God before we die, and we will all find out that God exists after we die, why even bother to believe in God? I mean most atheists I know live very moral lives, so they do not really need the teachings and laws of religions, so why does it matter if they believe in God before they die?

I have some personal reasons for asking these questions that might come out later.

It is important, but more importantly is to know God's manifestations, and the most recent one. In past ages, many believed in God, but He manifested Himself, they did not recognize Him, and instead worshipped an imaginary God in their head.

 

[Dawnofhope]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I usually post to atheists and I have a lot of atheist friends who do not think it matters if we believe in God. After all, there is no proof that God exists, so it is just as logical to say God does not exist as t is to say that God exists. There is evidence that God exists, but no proof.

So why does it matter if we believe in God? Why is it so important, or is it? This is a question I would like other Baha’is to answer, but also Christians, Muslims, Jews, or any other religious adherents.

Of course atheists and agnostics can answer too.

It matters as a Baha’i because the prophets of God whether Moses, Christ, Muhammad, the Bab or Bahá’u’lláh are clear that it matters. That is an undeniable part of all five Revelations.

Belief in God alone is insufficient. We must live the life and follow His Teachings. Deeds not words must be our adorning.

The second part of this question is that if God matters as much as some believers say, then why do they live for the material world and all it has to offer? Why don’t they live for God instead of the world? Why don’t they follow the teachings of their religion regarding detachment and sacrifice? This is not meant to be a criticism; it is just something I am wondering about and something to get people thinking. I mean in the Tablet of the True Seeker Baha’is are enjoined by Baha’u’llah to regard the world as utter nothingness.

“Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 266

Notably, I do not participate in Baha’i activities so I do not know a lot about what other Baha’is think or do except what I read on forums, but most Baha’is I know seem to think I am too extreme in my views regarding detachment and sacrifice, as if I am some kind of ascetic.

Do I simply take this God stuff too seriously, or do others not take it seriously enough? What does God really expect of us? Does it even matter to God what we do? This question is for all believers, whether they have a religion or not.

For me, being part of both the wider community and Baha’i community are an essential part of my walk with God. It’s not for me to judge anyone else but to take myself into account each day and do the best I can. Although I often feel a failure and inadequate, turning to God empowers me as nothing else can. That’s the reality of my life where God matters and makes a difference.

It is not for me to judge anyone but to love everyone. I like the analogy of a candle that sacrifices itself to the flame.

A third part of this question is for believers. What do you think will be the repercussions of non-belief? By repercussions I mean what do you think will happen to nonbelievers after they die? Do you have a set belief about that? I sure don’t, but it is a big concern of mine and I have no real answers because it has not been spelled out in the scriptures of my religion, unless I am missing something. Maybe the Baha’is can fill me in if there is something I missed.

Finally, if it does not matter if we believe in God before we die, and we will all find out that God exists after we die, why even bother to believe in God? I mean most atheists I know live very moral lives, so they do not really need the teachings and laws of religions, so why does it matter if they believe in God before they die?

I have some personal reasons for asking these questions that might come out later.

The question I ask myself is how can I better serve God today. As Abdu’l-Baha said little by little, day by day. That’s something we can all do and believe in. Little steps eventually become bigger steps. Beyond that I would not dwell too much about the distant future nor be too preoccupied with the salvation of others.

Sometimes it good to ask the tough questions, even the ones that nobody but the Manifestation of God can answer.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Now the yes. Yes it matters IF someone wants to be completely smart and intelligent. Its not intelligent to conclude God does not exist. That simply is not an intelligent position. Also, yes it matters IF lack of believe in God MOTIVATES a person to live as a rebel. Which, yes, for SOME, such lack of believe DOES motivate them to live unethically.

Umm... someone who doesn't believe God exists can't rebel against God. You need to believe that something exists in order to rebel against it.

Anyhow, I think you have the impact of belief exactly backwards.

Someone who believes in a God that can swoop and fix everything whenever he chooses has less motivation to do good in the world than someone who thinks it's all up to us.

Someone who thinks that God is in charge and will make sure that things won't get too bad has no reason to do the things necessary to guard against catastrophe.

Someone who sees this life as just a prelude for an unending afterlife has less reason to see this life - and the lives of others - as precious than someone who thinks that this short life is the only one we'll ever get.

Someone who believes that there's an incomprehensible perfect plan behind any circumstance can be convinced to support any atrocity; this isn't the case for someone who doesn't believe in a divine planner and designer.

At best, belief in God encourages moral apathy. At its worst, it can encourage evil.

 

[Altfish]

There is evidence that God exists, but no proof.

.

What evidence?

 

[WalterTrull]

Belief in God is sort of like belief in mathematics. Nothing changes whether you believe or not, but it's easier to figure some things out if you do.

 

[George-ananda]

Does it really matter if we believe in God?

We have all considered this question I am sure. It is traditionally the 'Big' question.

To me, I think the bigger question is 'what are we?'. Are we just a collection of physical atoms and that once the biological functioning of this collection stops, that's the end of that for the personality and identity of us. Or are we and our consciousness and personalities actually something more than a collection of physical atoms?

That said, I would consider God belief to be part and parcel of a generally more life affirming and positive outlook for most people so it does matter some in that way.

 

[blü 2]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I usually post to atheists and I have a lot of atheist friends who do not think it matters if we believe in God. After all, there is no proof that God exists, so it is just as logical to say God does not exist as t is to say that God exists. There is evidence that God exists, but no proof.

So why does it matter if we believe in God? Why is it so important, or is it? This is a question I would like other Baha’is to answer, but also Christians, Muslims, Jews, or any other religious adherents.

Of course atheists and agnostics can answer too.

The second part of this question is that if God matters as much as some believers say, then why do they live for the material world and all it has to offer? Why don’t they live for God instead of the world? Why don’t they follow the teachings of their religion regarding detachment and sacrifice? This is not meant to be a criticism; it is just something I am wondering about and something to get people thinking. I mean in the Tablet of the True Seeker Baha’is are enjoined by Baha’u’llah to regard the world as utter nothingness.

“Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 266

Notably, I do not participate in Baha’i activities so I do not know a lot about what other Baha’is think or do except what I read on forums, but most Baha’is I know seem to think I am too extreme in my views regarding detachment and sacrifice, as if I am some kind of ascetic.

Do I simply take this God stuff too seriously, or do others not take it seriously enough? What does God really expect of us? Does it even matter to God what we do? This question is for all believers, whether they have a religion or not.

A third part of this question is for believers. What do you think will be the repercussions of non-belief? By repercussions I mean what do you think will happen to nonbelievers after they die? Do you have a set belief about that? I sure don’t, but it is a big concern of mine and I have no real answers because it has not been spelled out in the scriptures of my religion, unless I am missing something. Maybe the Baha’is can fill me in if there is something I missed.

Finally, if it does not matter if we believe in God before we die, and we will all find out that God exists after we die, why even bother to believe in God? I mean most atheists I know live very moral lives, so they do not really need the teachings and laws of religions, so why does it matter if they believe in God before they die?

I have some personal reasons for asking these questions that might come out later.

If you think it matters that you believe in God, then it matters.

If you don't think it matters that you believe in God, then it doesn't matter.

And if there's a God, and God is just, and if you're a decent person, then I dare say it doesn't matter to God.

 

[Ellen Brown]

I've always felt that there is an "Organizing Influence" in the Universe, that for sake of simplicity, I call God. It's all I really need, and feel sad that I allowed other humans to define the various aspects of this God. It seems to me that the variance in God throughout humanity comes from within the person doing the defining. The need for myriad rules in a belief system comes from the insecurity that is created when we look into a brilliant, starry sky or at a leaf and fight the fact that we can not make or fully define a single thing we see.

 

[ManSinha]

My life and faith has taught me a balance if detachment and effort...I see these as the two complimentary aspect of Hinduism as it turns out

Right on!

Sam the atheist dies. He meets God. God tells him "sam buddy, good to see you, you lived a good, kind, honest life, you learned alot too, you contributed to it as well. You did a good job. However, your conclusion about me was pretty stupid. But hey, thats ok, i like you and you can see your conclusion was stupid, because, looky looky, here i am, lol.

Love that example !

It is important, but more importantly is to know God's manifestations, and the most recent one. In past ages, many believed in God, but He manifested Himself, they did not recognize Him, and instead worshipped an imaginary God in their head.

There you go again - with your personal opinions - read up about the concept of Ishta Devta - or personal god

 

[shunyadragon]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I usually post to atheists and I have a lot of atheist friends who do not think it matters if we believe in God. After all, there is no proof that God exists, so it is just as logical to say God does not exist as t is to say that God exists. There is evidence that God exists, but no proof.

So why does it matter if we believe in God? Why is it so important, or is it? This is a question I would like other Baha’is to answer, but also Christians, Muslims, Jews, or any other religious adherents.

Of course atheists and agnostics can answer too.

The second part of this question is that if God matters as much as some believers say, then why do they live for the material world and all it has to offer? Why don’t they live for God instead of the world? Why don’t they follow the teachings of their religion regarding detachment and sacrifice? This is not meant to be a criticism; it is just something I am wondering about and something to get people thinking. I mean in the Tablet of the True Seeker Baha’is are enjoined by Baha’u’llah to regard the world as utter nothingness.

“Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 266

Notably, I do not participate in Baha’i activities so I do not know a lot about what other Baha’is think or do except what I read on forums, but most Baha’is I know seem to think I am too extreme in my views regarding detachment and sacrifice, as if I am some kind of ascetic.

Do I simply take this God stuff too seriously, or do others not take it seriously enough? What does God really expect of us? Does it even matter to God what we do? This question is for all believers, whether they have a religion or not.

A third part of this question is for believers. What do you think will be the repercussions of non-belief? By repercussions I mean what do you think will happen to nonbelievers after they die? Do you have a set belief about that? I sure don’t, but it is a big concern of mine and I have no real answers because it has not been spelled out in the scriptures of my religion, unless I am missing something. Maybe the Baha’is can fill me in if there is something I missed.

Finally, if it does not matter if we believe in God before we die, and we will all find out that God exists after we die, why even bother to believe in God? I mean most atheists I know live very moral lives, so they do not really need the teachings and laws of religions, so why does it matter if they believe in God before they die?

I have some personal reasons for asking these questions that might come out later.

All very interesting questions, and your apparent reasoning leads ot strong agnosticism or atheism.

 

[ChristineM]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I usually post to atheists and I have a lot of atheist friends who do not think it matters if we believe in God. After all, there is no proof that God exists, so it is just as logical to say God does not exist as t is to say that God exists. There is evidence that God exists, but no proof.

So why does it matter if we believe in God? Why is it so important, or is it? This is a question I would like other Baha’is to answer, but also Christians, Muslims, Jews, or any other religious adherents.

Of course atheists and agnostics can answer too.

The second part of this question is that if God matters as much as some believers say, then why do they live for the material world and all it has to offer? Why don’t they live for God instead of the world? Why don’t they follow the teachings of their religion regarding detachment and sacrifice? This is not meant to be a criticism; it is just something I am wondering about and something to get people thinking. I mean in the Tablet of the True Seeker Baha’is are enjoined by Baha’u’llah to regard the world as utter nothingness.

“Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 266

Notably, I do not participate in Baha’i activities so I do not know a lot about what other Baha’is think or do except what I read on forums, but most Baha’is I know seem to think I am too extreme in my views regarding detachment and sacrifice, as if I am some kind of ascetic.

Do I simply take this God stuff too seriously, or do others not take it seriously enough? What does God really expect of us? Does it even matter to God what we do? This question is for all believers, whether they have a religion or not.

A third part of this question is for believers. What do you think will be the repercussions of non-belief? By repercussions I mean what do you think will happen to nonbelievers after they die? Do you have a set belief about that? I sure don’t, but it is a big concern of mine and I have no real answers because it has not been spelled out in the scriptures of my religion, unless I am missing something. Maybe the Baha’is can fill me in if there is something I missed.

Finally, if it does not matter if we believe in God before we die, and we will all find out that God exists after we die, why even bother to believe in God? I mean most atheists I know live very moral lives, so they do not really need the teachings and laws of religions, so why does it matter if they believe in God before they die?

I have some personal reasons for asking these questions that might come out later.

To me it doesn't matter who believes in god or not, it's up to themselves. When we die the universe will continue on it way.

 

[The_Fisher_King]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I usually post to atheists and I have a lot of atheist friends who do not think it matters if we believe in God. After all, there is no proof that God exists, so it is just as logical to say God does not exist as t is to say that God exists. There is evidence that God exists, but no proof.

So why does it matter if we believe in God? Why is it so important, or is it? This is a question I would like other Baha’is to answer, but also Christians, Muslims, Jews, or any other religious adherents.

Of course atheists and agnostics can answer too.

The second part of this question is that if God matters as much as some believers say, then why do they live for the material world and all it has to offer? Why don’t they live for God instead of the world? Why don’t they follow the teachings of their religion regarding detachment and sacrifice? This is not meant to be a criticism; it is just something I am wondering about and something to get people thinking. I mean in the Tablet of the True Seeker Baha’is are enjoined by Baha’u’llah to regard the world as utter nothingness.

“Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 266

Notably, I do not participate in Baha’i activities so I do not know a lot about what other Baha’is think or do except what I read on forums, but most Baha’is I know seem to think I am too extreme in my views regarding detachment and sacrifice, as if I am some kind of ascetic.

Do I simply take this God stuff too seriously, or do others not take it seriously enough? What does God really expect of us? Does it even matter to God what we do? This question is for all believers, whether they have a religion or not.

A third part of this question is for believers. What do you think will be the repercussions of non-belief? By repercussions I mean what do you think will happen to nonbelievers after they die? Do you have a set belief about that? I sure don’t, but it is a big concern of mine and I have no real answers because it has not been spelled out in the scriptures of my religion, unless I am missing something. Maybe the Baha’is can fill me in if there is something I missed.

Finally, if it does not matter if we believe in God before we die, and we will all find out that God exists after we die, why even bother to believe in God? I mean most atheists I know live very moral lives, so they do not really need the teachings and laws of religions, so why does it matter if they believe in God before they die?

I have some personal reasons for asking these questions that might come out later.

For me, God, the true God, is the Creator/Source of our souls/spirits, but He is not the creator of this material world; the creator of this material world, in which we human souls are trapped, is (the real) Satan. God wants us to return to Him, and spiritual beings at heart, trapped in - attached to - the material world, we will never have peace until we return to Him.

Against this backdrop, we need to believe in God - to understand Who the true God is - and coupled with that, we need to free ourselves from attachment to the material world, in order to return to Him. Even if we detach ourselves from the material world, if we do not know Who the true God is, how can we return to Him? We will become lost and again trapped in the material world. So yes, it matters.

 

[Sky Rivers]

To me it does not matter. Actions matter not words.

Both actions and words matter.

 

[Sky Rivers]

For me, God, the true God, is the Creator/Source of our souls/spirits, but He is not the creator of this material world; the creator of this material world, in which we human souls are trapped, is (the real) Satan. God wants us to return to Him, and spiritual beings at heart, trapped in - attached to - the material world, we will never have peace until we return to Him.

Against this backdrop, we need to believe in God - to understand Who the true God is - and coupled with that, we need to free ourselves from attachment to the material world, in order to return to Him. Even if we detach ourselves from the material world, if we do not know Who the true God is, how can we return to Him? We will become lost and again trapped in the material world. So yes, it matters.

In my opinion, the world fell when man did. In time to come (I don’t know when) the world will be restored to what it was pre-fall. It will be no less physical than it is today, nor will we be less physical than we are today. While it won’t have a sun or seas, it will be a physical place.

 

[whirlingmerc]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I usually post to atheists and I have a lot of atheist friends who do not think it matters if we believe in God. After all, there is no proof that God exists, so it is just as logical to say God does not exist as t is to say that God exists. There is evidence that God exists, but no proof.

So why does it matter if we believe in God? Why is it so important, or is it? This is a question I would like other Baha’is to answer, but also Christians, Muslims, Jews, or any other religious adherents.

Of course atheists and agnostics can answer too.

The second part of this question is that if God matters as much as some believers say, then why do they live for the material world and all it has to offer? Why don’t they live for God instead of the world? Why don’t they follow the teachings of their religion regarding detachment and sacrifice? This is not meant to be a criticism; it is just something I am wondering about and something to get people thinking. I mean in the Tablet of the True Seeker Baha’is are enjoined by Baha’u’llah to regard the world as utter nothingness.

“Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 266

Notably, I do not participate in Baha’i activities so I do not know a lot about what other Baha’is think or do except what I read on forums, but most Baha’is I know seem to think I am too extreme in my views regarding detachment and sacrifice, as if I am some kind of ascetic.

Do I simply take this God stuff too seriously, or do others not take it seriously enough? What does God really expect of us? Does it even matter to God what we do? This question is for all believers, whether they have a religion or not.

A third part of this question is for believers. What do you think will be the repercussions of non-belief? By repercussions I mean what do you think will happen to nonbelievers after they die? Do you have a set belief about that? I sure don’t, but it is a big concern of mine and I have no real answers because it has not been spelled out in the scriptures of my religion, unless I am missing something. Maybe the Baha’is can fill me in if there is something I missed.

Finally, if it does not matter if we believe in God before we die, and we will all find out that God exists after we die, why even bother to believe in God? I mean most atheists I know live very moral lives, so they do not really need the teachings and laws of religions, so why does it matter if they believe in God before they die?

I have some personal reasons for asking these questions that might come out later.

It matters because God deserves your worship.

 

[Trailblazer]

It really does not - because a vast majority of those who do believe, according to one source, believe for the reason that they want to be "saved" or for there to be some meaning in the afterlife. If those questions did not haunt you - may be you would still believe and may be you would not. The idea of a god is a stepping stone in some instances - as @IndigoChild5559 mentioned - the concept of a personal god - or Ishta Devta is very much a thing in the Indian subcontinent

I agree. I do not think it matters if people believe in God, if they believe in God for the wrong reasons, selfish reasons.

 

[Vinayaka]

It matters not to me whether someone believes in God or not. As others have said, what matters is behaviour.