Why do people believe what they believe?

[Sgt. Pepper]

There is another possibility. He read the Bible and he does not care what it says.

One of the key reasons I deconverted from Christianity was because I studied the Bible without the rose-colored glasses of my Christian indoctrination. I quickly learned that the Bible, particularly the stories about Jesus, was not as credible as I had previously believed. It was, however, difficult at first for me to renounce my belief in God, Jesus, and the Bible, but it was without a doubt one of the best decisions I've ever made. I know that other former Christians, like me, are well-versed in the Bible. We read it, studied it, mediated on it, and prayed for spiritual guidance when we were Christians. However, we didn't forget what we had learned when we renounced our Christian faith. We retained that knowledge and are now able to use it to challenge the credibility of the Bible. During the thirty years I was a devout Christian, I believed that reading and studying the Bible every day would strengthen my faith in God and Jesus, but the opposite happened because I essentially studied my way out of believing in God, Jesus, and the Bible. Despite how difficult it was for me to renounce my Christian faith, I'm glad I persevered through that spiritual journey since it has significantly changed my life. I finally have inner peace, which is something I never felt during the forty years I genuinely believed in the biblical God. As I previously shared, I recognized that my faith in God (and Jesus) was nothing more than an emotional crutch. I finally understood that if I was ever going to truly break free and heal emotionally, I needed to let go of this detrimental crutch that was ruining my life. I had to let go of it. Looking back on my life as a Christian, I understand now that Christianity was a prison for me. However, it took me a long time to realize this and understand that the door of my prison cell was always open, and I could leave whenever I wanted.

 

[Alien826]

No, it isn't based solely on the scripture of that religion, it's based on the geography, historical events, eye witness accounts AND scripture of the religion, otherwise we just have a competition of essays. It just so happens that Biblical scripture is backed and supported by all those things, incredibly so if you investigate it.

I just picked one paragraph to anchor my reply. I've read all your posts.

Just about everything you claim (like the finding of Noah's Ark, not the meaning of the Bible) is familiar to me as being the beliefs of what we in the USA call the "religious right". From how you phrase certain things it sounds as if you may be from the UK. I may be wrong.

Anyway, you have made so many such claims that it is practically impossible to address them all in a single thread that is about something different. So, if you are interested in supporting them I suggest you start other threads, with one thread per subject. I can confidently predict that you will get responses to them all.

Incidentally when you say you are only supposed to respond in some other thread on a subject that I forget, I'm pretty sure the poster was indicating that there had already been many threads on the subject that you could read if you wished. There's nothing to stop you starting another one on the same subject.

Here's what Snopes says about the Noah's Ark thing incidentally.

Was Noah's Ark Found by Explorers in Eastern Turkey?

Rumors have been shared for years about purportedly found remnants of wood, metals, and animals that were part of the Noah's Ark Bible story.

www.snopes.com

 

[Tony B]

Neither do I, but I don't take orders that were doled out in the Bible since those orders to not apply to the present age.

Dispensation

• the divine ordering of the affairs of the world.
• an appointment, arrangement, or favor, as by God.
• a divinely appointed order or age:

e.g. the old Mosaic, or Jewish, dispensation; the new gospel, or Christian, dispensation.

Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words

The world's leading online dictionary: English definitions, synonyms, word origins, example sentences, word games, and more. A trusted authority for 25+ years!

www.dictionary.com

I believe that the Christian dispensation is over, so divine ordering of the affairs of the world is no longer through Jesus Christ.

You're free to believe whatever you want, it just doesn't make it true that's all, there no 'orders' in the bible either, we have free will.

 

[Trailblazer]

There is no version of the truth, just THE truth, 'My truth' is simply a nonsensical statement.

That is true, there is just THE truth.
I believe that I have the truth and you believe that you have the truth...
When it comes to God and religion, how do you think that anyone can know that what they believe is THE truth?

 

[Tony B]

I just picked one paragraph to anchor my reply. I've read all your posts.

Just about everything you claim (like the finding of Noah's Ark, not the meaning of the Bible) is familiar to me as being the beliefs of what we in the USA call the "religious right". From how you phrase certain things it sounds as if you may be from the UK. I may be wrong.

I see, so you politically pigeon-holed me automatically, interesting. I am in the UK and I am neither right nor left, which are paradigms created by the useless eliters to divide and conquer. The red and blue parties are just theatre and essentially cheeks of the same backside, if you haven't worked this out yet I sympathise.

Anyway, you have made so many such claims that it is practically impossible to address them all in a single thread that is about something different. So, if you are interested in supporting them I suggest you start other threads, with one thread per subject. I can confidently predict that you will get responses to them all.

Thanks, I may do that.

Incidentally when you say you are only supposed to respond in some other thread on a subject that I forget, I'm pretty sure the poster was indicating that there had already been many threads on the subject that you could read if you wished. There's nothing to stop you starting another one on the same subject.

I just wish you had properly read what I wrote, the point about the Ark was germane to my point, so I didn't need to create another thread on it.

Here's what Snopes says about the Noah's Ark thing incidentally.

Was Noah's Ark Found by Explorers in Eastern Turkey?

Rumors have been shared for years about purportedly found remnants of wood, metals, and animals that were part of the Noah's Ark Bible story.

www.snopes.com

Do you mean this Snopes?

Co-founder of “fact-check” site Snopes suspended by his own company after being caught in bizarre plagiarizing scandal

I can't believe you actually think Snopes has any credibility whatsoever. Ron Wyatt literally videoed and documented his discovery of the Ark, interestingly you won't find this on any of the big tech censored sites, this should tell you something, Wyatt's discoveries are heavily censored, it's almost as if certain people don't want you to know the truth.

https://odysee.com/@Thecontentgather:3/Ron-Wyatt-Discoveries--2022--Gomorrah,-Red-Sea-Crossing,-Mt-Sinai,-Noah's-Ark,-Blood-of-Christ:d

 

[Trailblazer]

You're free to believe whatever you want, it just doesn't make it true that's all,

The same applies to you.

there no 'orders' in the bible either, we have free will.

The divine ordering of the affairs of the world has nothing to do with human free will.
It refers to a divinely appointed order or age or dispensation.
e.g. the old Mosaic, or Jewish, dispensation; the new gospel, or Christian dispensation..

I believe that in every age God works through a messenger who He has sent to reveal teachings and laws that pertain to that age.
I believe we are living in a new age called the Age of Fulfillment, since all the biblical prophecies will be fulfilled in this age.
This age has also been called the messianic age since the messianic prophecies in the Old Testament will be fulfilled in this age.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

Because if they knew, there would be nothing to "believe" in the first place.

If it turns out right, it's the greatest story ever told, if it turns out wrong, it's the greatest story ever told.

I used to believe it was the greatest story ever told, but later in life I discovered that it was not as unique or credible as I had been led to believe.

 

[Tony B]

The same applies to you.

The divine ordering of the affairs of the world has nothing to do with human free will.
It refers to a divinely appointed order or age or dispensation.
e.g. the old Mosaic, or Jewish, dispensation; the new gospel, or Christian dispensation..

I believe that in every age God works through a messenger who He has sent to reveal teachings and laws that pertain to that age.
I believe we are living in a new age called the Age of Fulfillment, since all the biblical prophecies will be fulfilled in this age.
This age has also been called the messianic age since the messianic prophecies in the Old Testament will be fulfilled in this age.

Yes, I understand that you believe in some made up stuff with no consistency in scripture, that has already been established. I could just as easily claim I believe the Spaghetti monster is the new messiah because some random bloke wrote a lot about it 200 years ago, it'll still be nonsense. If only there was a living breathing deity who performed miracles witnessed by thousands and whom thousands died for shortly afterwards who could tell us what the truth actually is....oh wait....

 

[Trailblazer]

I used to believe it was the greatest story ever told, but later in life I discovered that it was not as unique or credible as I had been led to believe.

I never believed that the story of Jesus was the greatest story ever told because I never even knew about it until 2013, after I had been a Baha'i for 43 years! I had never even read one page of the Bible before that, and the only reason that I ever started reading the Bible is because I was posting to Christians on various forums.

I now believe that the story of Jesus is one of the greatest stories ever told, but I believe that the story of Baha'u'llah is just as great, if not greater.

 

[Tony B]

That is true, there is just THE truth.
I believe that I have the truth and you believe that you have the truth...
When it comes to God and religion, how do you think that anyone can know that what they believe is THE truth?

By knowing God, and the good news, as the Bible says, is that you only have to ask God and he will answer you. I know God exists, he has shown himself to me and continues to do so in many ways, so I know the truth, you not believing me is not important, the truth does not need my assistance.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

I never believed that the story of Jesus was the greatest story ever told because I never even knew about it until 2013, after I had been a Baha'i for 43 years! I had never even read one page of the Bible before that, and the only reason that I ever started reading the Bible is because I was posting to Christians on various forums.

I now believe that the story of Jesus is one of the greatest stories ever told, but I believe that the story of Baha'u'llah is just as great, if not greater.

I still think you were extremely fortunate not to have been subjected to any kind of Christian indoctrination (brainwashing) while growing up.

I envy you.

 

[Trailblazer]

Yes, I understand that you believe in some made up stuff with no consistency in scripture, that has already been established.

Since you do not know anything about Baha'u'llah, you do not know that it is 'made up stuff with no consistency in scripture, that has already been established.'

The claims of Baha'u'llah are completely consistent with the Bible.
Not only that, but the biblical prophecies for the return of Christ and the end times messiah have been fulfilled by Him.

I could just as easily claim I believe the Spaghetti monster is the new messiah because some random bloke wrote a lot about it 200 years ago, it'll still be nonsense.

Since you do not know anything about Baha'u'llah, you do not know that it is nonsense...
But here is how the Christian's psychology works: Anything other than Christianity has to be nonsense in the Christian's mind because it is necessary for Christians to believe anything other than Christianity is nonsense in order to maintain that Christianity is the only true religion and Jesus is the only way to God.

If only there was a living breathing deity who performed miracles witnessed by thousands and whom thousands died for shortly afterwards who could tell us what the truth actually is....oh wait....

God never descends to earth to perform miracles. Jesus performed miracles but so did Baha'u'llah.

Famous Miracles in the Baha’i Faith

Bahá'í Library Online

Baha'i articles, books, translations, and historical materials

bahai-library.com

 

[Trailblazer]

By knowing God, and the good news, as the Bible says, is that you only have to ask God and he will answer you. I know God exists, he has shown himself to me and continues to do so in many ways, so I know the truth, you not believing me is not important, the truth does not need my assistance.

The same applies to me.

 

[teage]

I used to believe it was the greatest story ever told, but later in life I discovered that it was not as unique or credible as I had been led to believe.

I think what makes it the greatest is not necessarily whether you agree with it or disagree with it, or whether you enjoy the read or not enjoy the read. I think what makes it the greatest, more so if it turns out wrong, is that it manages to garner so many followers and continues doing so.

Also, if you enjoy history you tend to pick up on remnants of older more ancient gods mixed into the text.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

I think what makes it the greatest is not necessarily whether you agree with it or disagree with it, or whether you enjoy the read or not enjoy the read. I think what makes it the greatest, more so if it turns out wrong, is that it manages to garner so many followers and continues doing so.

Thank you for your kind response, teage. I appreciate it.

Also, if you enjoy history you tend to pick up on remnants of older more ancient gods mixed into the text.

I have studied about Jesus in comparative theology and how paganism has had a significant impact on Christianity.

 

[Tony B]

The same applies to me.

If that were the case why would you need to ask that question?

 

[Trailblazer]

If that were the case why would you need to ask that question?

I did not need to ask it.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

Show me the geography, historical events, and eye witness accounts outside the Bible that demonstrate that Christianity is the One Valid Religion™.


Nope. I've read the Bible and considered it as well. The Bible apparently doesn't tell me what the Bible telling you. And that's okay.

Also, "us" means something besides "me and you," use your pronoun antecedents.


And whether Christian or Muslim, unsolicited, this is called 'proselytizing.' Incidentally, proselytizing here violates the forum rules.


Again with the "us." God does not tell me I have free will, regardless what God tells you.


Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should...especially in the fashion you did.



The thread is about why people believe what they believe. How does that come from an accusation?


Sure you do. You don't, however, have the right to impose your beliefs upon others by pretending your religion is the "One Valid Religion™."


I've already demonstrated how you are in this very thread.


Of course I can. I choose not to.


God may have power over you, but God has no power over me.


They are not relevant to everyone, and I just explained to you why. And sure, I can choose to ignore them. I can also choose to dismiss or reject them and tell you why.

I wish I could give your post more than one winner rating, SalixIncendium.

 

[Tony B]

Since you do not know anything about Baha'u'llah, you do not know that it is 'made up stuff with no consistency in scripture, that has already been established.'

You do not know what I do or do not know, and claiming such is simply a deception.

The claims of Baha'u'llah are completely consistent with the Bible.
Not only that, but the biblical prophecies for the return of Christ and the end times messiah have been fulfilled by Him.

Yet no-one in all Christianity pays any attention to this nonsense, you'd think we'd all have noticed if this was true.

Since you do not know anything about Baha'u'llah, you do not know that it is nonsense...

See above.

But here is how the Christian's psychology works: Anything other than Christianity has to be nonsense in the Christian's mind because it is necessary for Christians to believe anything other than Christianity is nonsense in order to maintain that Christianity is the only true religion and Jesus is the only way to God.

Cool story bro', you keep telling yourself whatever makes you happy.

God never descends to earth to perform miracles. Jesus performed miracles but so did Baha'u'llah.

You previously stated the claims of Baha'u'llah are 'completely consistent with the Bible', you just contradicted yourself, as part of the Holy Trinity Jesus did return to earth to perform miracles, he is part of the holy Trinity.

Famous Miracles in the Baha’i Faith

Bahá'í Library Online

Baha'i articles, books, translations, and historical materials

bahai-library.com

If only that was in English and made any sense. It's weird how virtually the whole world missed this miracle maker and he has no relevance, it's as if it's all made up...

 

[IndigoChild5559]

There is no version of the truth, just THE truth, 'My truth' is simply a nonsensical statement.

That's all quite true. Objective truth does exist.

The problem arises in that not only are our senses a bit flawed, but our ability to properly understand the data is pretty lousy. Our reasoning is impaired by confirmation bias, informational influence, leaping to conclusions without adequate information, compliance issues, instinctual assignment of agency, self serving bias, and on and on and on.

This is why we can all live in the same world with the same sun and the same blue sky, and yet have radically different opinions.

When someone says, "My truth," they don't ordinarily mean that there is more than one objective truth or that there is no objective truth. What they are saying is "Given all that I know and think, this is what that truth looks like to me. And I understand that things may look very different for you."