It all comes down to a certain amount of faith.
For the past year, I’ve gotten into some conversations–both surface level and deep–with various friends and colleagues about Christianity. I always ask, “Why do you believe in God?” I ask because I’m genuinely curious about the reason behind it all. What compels you to believe in something that you have not seen with your own eyes?
The overwhelming answer I’ve received is that it comes down to a certain amount of trust and confidence that God exists and that the bible tells the truth. That answer, though it may not satisfy you or directly address the question, is a brilliant one because that is the definition of faith.
So, I’m curious. Do you believe in God? Why or why not?
reapoffaith.wordpress.com 
I’m 50/50. I consider myself an agnostic. I would like to, but I don’t have to. I don’t need God to make me feel in control of my own life. But it’s always comfortable to have hope in a higher power, real or not, because it helps motivate me.
As far as I’m concern, all religions are similar. I saw Zeitgeist a few years back and it opened by eyes on the subject. This is the reason why I believe what I believe now.
Interesting. I’ll have to explore that movie. I read something that said we all have an innate awareness of the existence of a higher power, a creator. I felt like I could identify with that. What about you?
Absolutely, I feel a higher power out there constantly keeping an interest in me. I even tried to ignore it when I was younger but the feeling is still there. I can’t seem to deny my gut feeling.
I challenge you to watch Rob Bell’s: Everything is Spiritual. It combines both science and faith and takes a different approach to show you how the creation of the world and how we have come live is not just some coincidence. I’m going through the movie now and it has been a big help when it comes to this subject. If you can’t find the movie anywhere, let me know and I’ll host somewhere and you can download it.
Will do. Sounds promising!
I see what you did there. That’s kind of a trick question.
I’m kind of apathetic to religion. I’m currently more concerned about slick internet deals and NBA 2K11 really. That’s not to say I don’t have any respect for religions–I do, actually, for all religions–well, except for Scientology… seems like kind of an ironic name.
It really does come down to the amount of faith, trust, and confidence you’re willing to put into your beliefs. But that can be applicable to anything. You can say that of black cats, stock tips, and the cookie monster. You’re only comforted when your fears don’t come to fruition with these beliefs. Or cookies.
But the same thing can be said when applied to anything. We want something there to guide us through the unknown and our fears. But I’ve always figured, why not put that same amount of faith, trust, and confidence into yourself? We’ve been given brains that invented solar powered flashlights for goodness sake! We have friends and families that can help us through the unknown and the fears. And as for the afterlife? It’ll come no matter what, but you kinda have to live your life first.
However, if someone (not you) wants to spend their entire time telling me God exists and the bible is the truth, I’m gonna spend the same amount of timing arguing for the Cookie Monster because goddammit (see what I did there?) I want some cookies.
Good luck on your spiritual journey!
It seems like you’re missing the point (maybe I should have explained more). There’s a reason religion exists, and it’s not believing just for the sake of believing. Sure, you can have confidence in yourself and your own ability to do great things, but that’s in this world. You have friends and families with help you through the unknown, but those are worldly things. If you believe in an afterlife, it seems silly to me to just put it aside and think about it later. People don’t believe in God because they think they can get something good from him. That, I know is true. What I’d like to know is what personal experiences and rationale people have that make Christianity so compelling.
P.S. Equating God with the cookie monster pretty much negates your statement about having respect for all religions (except Sciencefictionology).
Jennifer,
I’m so excited to stumble upon this via facebook! You wouldn’t believe it, but I have been going through an eye-opening spiritual walk with Christ recently..and I do believe in God.
I would love to share details, but it’s of a personal nature so maybe email would work better? As for the not so personal part, you know that I was raised Christian and in college I continued attending church and bible studies. Not until the past two years here at medical school has my own strength been shaken (not just school, but relationships and health). I found strength and support in my friendships, even counseling, but I only found hope and peace through prayer with God.
I’d love to help in any way I can!
Nishina