Why do people believe what they believe?

[Trailblazer]

We don't choose what we believe in.

We do not choose the religion that we are attracted to, that is determined by our desires and preferences, but we do choose to join that religion or not.

As you say, we have different desires and preferences, which bias our beliefs.

Maybe we do, but that does not mean that the religion that we are biased towards is not the truth.
How can anyone really know which religion is the truth? I don't think it is possible to know, we can only believe.

Only when our desire for truth is stronger than the biases, can we objectively, rationally investigate the different religious claims.

We cannot avoid our subjective feelings about any given religion, that which you call biases, but we can still objectively, rationally investigate the different religious claims.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Why do some people believe in the religion that they believe in and not another religion?
Why do some people consider the existence of God to be self-evident while others think that belief in God has no basis?
Why do some people believe that the Bible is the word of God while others believe it is only the words of men?

I think the reason people believe in a religion or in God can be objective as well as subjective.
Even though there are objective facts associated with all religions, people are going to interpret those facts subjectively, which is why we don't all adhere to the same religion.

Regarding subjectivity, why do some people love cats and others love dogs, why do some people like rainy weather and others like sunny weather, and why do some people feel a need for a romantic relationship while others do not care about that at all?

The list goes on. We all have different desires and preferences so why would that not apply to the religion we choose to believe in?

I find it hard to even fathom the outlandulish and ridiculous things that some people believe that are true in their respective religion. Kids perhaps, but not full grown adults.

 

[Heyo]

I don't understand what this means?

You said there could be only one right religion, but it can also be that all religions are false.

 

[TransmutingSoul]

You will find people leaving all faiths, and some join others, so evidentially this isn't a true statement. These religions will not lead you to God, only one will, they are all in conflict with each other in some way or another, only one can be true.

Or many are True, and we are yet to understand that. The many sheep of differnt folds, will become One fold with one Shepherd.

Regards Tony

 

[Trailblazer]

I believe in the reality that presents itself to me. It works out best for me to navigate through it to my benefit.
Anything not presenting itself as part of that reality I see no reason to believe in. I don't see how in befits me to believe in the unseen or intangible.

I guess you are referring to the physical reality that presents itself to you.
You do not have to believe in that since it is right in front of your face, but I know what you mean.

 

[firedragon]

Why do some people consider the existence of God to be self-evident

What do you mean "self evident"?

 

[Dan From Smithville]

The preference for cats is both rational and innate.

Dogs have certain, but much different elan.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

The truth can’t be ignored.

Sure it can. It is all the time.

 

[Tony B]

Or many are True, and we are yet to understand that. The many sheep of differnt folds, will become One fold with one Shepherd.

Regards Tony

All contain some elements of truth, but only one can be completely true, the fundamental differences are not compatible.

 

[Trailblazer]

You will find people leaving all faiths, and some join others, so evidentially this isn't a true statement. These religions will not lead you to God, only one will,

Let me guess. The only religion that will lead you to God is Christianity, right?

they are all in conflict with each other in some way or another, only one can be true.

Some of what the various religions teach seem to be in conflict because of how man interprets the scriptures.

Also, God has revealed different messages in different ages according to the needs of humanity in different ages, but differences do not contradict. They are just new teachings that build upon what was previously revealed by God.

If God is a loving God who cares about humans why would only one religion would be true and all the other religions false?
People are not flocking towards Christianity and in fact Christianity is having a difficult time retaining membership.

 

[Tony B]

We do not choose the religion that we are attracted to, that is determined by our desires and preferences, but we do choose to join that religion or not.

Of course we choose, our desires and preferences are not separate from us.

Maybe we do, but that does not mean that the religion that we are biased towards is not the truth.
How can anyone really know which religion is the truth? I don't think it is possible to know, we can only believe.

It's really not difficult, on an evidential basis, and doctrinally, one easily survives critical scrutiny above all others.

We cannot avoid our subjective feelings about any given religion, that which you call biases, but we can still objectively, rationally investigate the different religious claims.

Indeed, and when one does the truth becomes very evident.

 

[Trailblazer]

What do you mean "self evident"?

I mean obvious.

 

[Trailblazer]

All contain some elements of truth, but only one can be completely true, the fundamental differences are not compatible.

I tend to agree with you, but I do not believe that the One religion that is completely true is Christianity.

 

[Trailblazer]

It's really not difficult, on an evidential basis, and doctrinally, one easily survives critical scrutiny above all others.

Yes, one easily survives critical scrutiny above all others, but that One is not the religion you think it is.

 

[Tony B]

Let me guess. The only religion that will lead you to God is Christianity, right?

Of course, evidentially and doctrinally it stands above all others.

Some of what the various religions teach seem to be in conflict because of how man interprets the scriptures.

Also, God has revealed different messages in different ages according to the needs of humanity in different ages, but differences do not contradict. They are just new teachings that build upon what was previously revealed by God.

Sorry, no actual evidence or explanation there that I can comment on.

If God is a loving God who cares about humans why would only one religion would be true and all the other religions false?

Why would God promote multiple religions to demonstrate his presence? especially religions with multiples deities? that makes no sense at all.

People are not flocking towards Christianity and in fact Christianity is having a difficult time retaining membership.

Christianity is the largest religion in the world, whilst the West embraces secularism and descends into depravity it is exploding elsewhere, in countries like Iran and other countries tired of their empty existence under false Gods.

 

[Trailblazer]

Indeed, and when one does the truth becomes very evident.

It sure does.

 

[Tony B]

Yes, one easily survives critical scrutiny above all others, but that One is not the religion you think it is.

Of course it is, but if you think you have something more truthful then explain.

 

[firedragon]

I mean obvious.

Is that a theistic philosophical argument that theists have always made or you just think that is? I have never heard this "obvious" argument just like that. I believe you are making a strawman.

 

[Tony B]

I tend to agree with you, but I do not believe that the One religion that is completely true is Christianity.

Then obviously you need to posit the one you think does, and we can see what the evidence tells us.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

People are not flocking towards Christianity and in fact Christianity is having a difficult time retaining membership.

As a former Christian, I'm relieved to know that Christianity is declining in some areas. Personally, I think this is encouraging news.

And these articles are also encouraging to me.

In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace

Decline of Christianity Shows No Signs of Stopping

"In a new study out today, Pew projects that in 2070, Christians will likely make up less than half the US population."