I keep getting new answers every time I ask it; so is there any more answers to this question?

Question

I asked a question earlier about what convinces a religious person that there is indeed a higher power, and some of the answers I received basically boiled down to:

1. Because the world is too complex to not have been created by a intelligent being.

2. Because we cannot be certain there is not a higher being and since religious institutions do more good for society then they must be correct.

3. Because something must have existed before, and to create, the big bang and that something must have been an intelligent being. 

4. The love you feel is proof he exists. (I’m not too sure about what the argument is here).

5. Because God himself proved his existence to me through speaking to me or by answering my prayers. 

6. Because god is infinite, and math proves that since a number can be divided an infinite number of times and not reach 0 then that means that there is an infinite amount between 2 numbers and it also means that it takes an infinite amount of energy for an atom to travel any distance, and since nothing in math and science can explain the existence of an infinite amount of energy then god must have created that energy which in turn became the big bang.

7. Because God sent me a message in the form of a sign or in the form of good fortune.

8. Because I believe the testimony of someone else who claims to have seen or heard God or God’s will.

9. Because many parts of the bible are based upon actually history, therefore the rest must be true as well. (Feel free to substitute in any word that you feel appropriately fits your beliefs for the word “bible”)

10. Because the people who wrote the Bible were truthful and simply stated facts even if they were detrimental to themselves, thus meaning that they were under the impression of a perfect being.  

11. Because the idea that there is a god seems to create fewer problems than do other theories there must be a god.

12. Because the people who said religion would dwindle away were wrong there must be a god.

13. Because even under torture the people who wrote the bible did not change their story, therefore they must have known it was true, meaning that there is a god.

14. Because believing gives me a sense of well-being and helps me to not feel empty inside. 

15. I have no other reasons other than because I choose to believe. (I still think this answer is just skating around the question, but I will put it on the list anyways) 

16. Because I want to believe that there is a higher purpose; that I am here for a reason. 

17. Because reading my holy book inspires me and fills me with belief. 

18. Because it is better to believe and be saved then not to believe and find out I was wrong. 

19. Because I and others have seen miracles, such as icons of religion streaming tears. 

20. Because archeologists have found proof of biblical events actually occurring, such as Noah’s ark and the parting of seas. 

21. Because my religion seems to best explain all the questions I have. 

I was wondering if anyone could come up with any other answers to my question.

Please no answer that: 
1. tells me to come up with my own answer.
2. States that you believe just because you believe or have faith.
3. Insults others.

This question is in no way meant to be offensive to anyone beliefs; I honestly would like to know your reasons for believing.

Plato-Girl · Accepted Answer

I am a convert. A long time ago I had a quite violent conversion. But it wasn't until long after that I understood why I -- who had a month earlier (with my great IQ and education) rejected all things religious -- became a believer and knew that though I could argue with more former self and understand the difference perfectly -- why I could not explain it to someone else.

But John Henry Newman explains all that, and makes that crucial distinction. You can be absolutely convinced and yet not be able to explain it to someone else. Yes, you can give reasons but you have to understand they are after the fact. 

Have you ever meditated on what the violently converted Pascal said :

Blaise Pascal - “We are usually convinced more easily by reasons we have found ourselves than by those which have occurred to others.”

You have to quit making it a 'curiosity' and make it a personal pursuit.

darth_maul_8065 · Answer

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. We know a cause from its effects. This is, for instance, the proof that Jesus existed. We know He existed not from a birth certificate or contemporary biography, but from Christianity. If there were no Jesus, there would be no Christianity.

Likewise, the existence of personal God is proved by His interaction with humanity. If God loves humanity, He would interact with humanity. What is the evidence of this throughout history? The great world religions, i.e. Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith. Each of these faiths has essentially the same core moral teachings. They use a different terminology to suit the time and place, they have laws relating to varied circumstances, they each reveal fuller and more progressive elements of truth. However, they all represent the same essential teaching: love your fellow man, have good thoughts, good words, good deeds, etc. Each of the older of these religions has formed a new civilization and started a new dawning of human knowledge and technology, a springtime of science, culture and learning. They unite and fuse together diverse races, kindreds and peoples. The Baha'i Faith is in the process of building a new civilization, a world civilization, and is the youngest of these great world religions.

The proof of God is that each of these great Teachers have appeared, Krishna, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Baha'u'llah among others. If you investigate the stories of their lives, you will find so many commonalities. It cannot be a coincidence that each of these individuals appeared and founded a new world religion. Their existence is a proof of God's continued interaction with His creation.

The proofs of God's existence are innumerable, but the biggest for me is His interaction with humanity. A Baha'i (follower of Baha'u'llah), by the name of William S. Hatcher, has written a book entitled "Minimalism: A Bridge between Classical Philosophy and the BahÃ¡'Ã­ Revelation" which offers "a virtually bulletproof argument for a single, universal, and eternal First Cause -- something that is very much like God the Creator as named in all of the world's major religions". You may wish to investigate this further. For another Baha'i explanation of proofs for the existence of God, you may wish to see 'Abdu'l-Baha's chapter in "Some Answered Questions", which is available online at the Baha'i Reference Library: http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/SAQ/saq-2.html This relates to His chapter on the "Need for an Educator" which explains why beings such as Buddha, Jesus, etc. have appeared throughout history: http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/SAQ/saq-3.html

Noneof · Answer

An analysis of the content and structure of the Bible will suggest to many that it is no ordinary book.

Relative to the structure of the Bible, the following is a quote from "The Companion Bible" originally published in 1922.  It uses the text of the King James Bible and does a verse by verse analysis of the entire Bible.

Here is the quote, "The Structures...seen to be one of the most important evidences of the Divine Inspiration of its words.  For these structures constitute a remarkable phenomenon peculiar to Divine Revelation; and not found outside it in any other form of known literature.  This distinguishing feature is caused by the repetition of subjects which reappear, either in alternation or introversion, or a combination of both in many divers manners."

All 66 books that constitute the Bible exhibit this phenomenon.  This is remarkable when you consider the number of human authors and the span of time over which the writings took place.

Ed H · Answer

Here is one:  Jesus Christ - The Only Person Ever Pre-Announced :

http://pachome2.pacific.net.sg/~exxco/actje02.htm

Similar to one of you points.  There is no other claim on earth where God lived as we do and suffered and gave up his own life.  How could the man we follow die a criminal on a cross and have so many followers, reform the world to love, and not be genuine.  For me, it makes sense.

Ultimately, we have to find our own reasons.  I think that is why you are getting so many answers.  Plato-girl is exactly right.  And the number of answers and convinced individuals is another reason to believe.

Anonymous · Answer

While there are too many point to adress I will address some of them

Intellgenent being can anything 


2 You forgot that relgion has held back soceirty for generations.  Imagine how advanced we would be if the spansih inquistion didnt keep killing everyone who belived the world was round


 5. You do realise that people who have mental health problems also belive God is speaking to them.  OF course I guess that is why they say relgion is the opiate of the masses


16 ,17  I want to belive in the tooth fairy and Santa Clause as well but we all know that isnt true

18  Pascals Wagers again

20)  Have you got proof

Light and Truth · Answer

That is the function of the Holy Ghost, to give the faith and evidences that what you are doing is correct before God.  Otherwise, you have nothing to have faith in. Quoting...

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:12-17.) Similarly Paul found some converts in Ephesus who supposed they had been baptized by a legal administrator. To them Paul said, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" Finding they were misinformed as to their church status, Paul arranged for a proper baptism. Then "when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19:1-7.)

g3e2n753 · Answer

Sometimes a question like this is hard to explain in words alone.

Unless you yourself actually experience a touch of God Himself in your life you will never fully understand or accept any answer listed.

The only thing I could say for myself is that God has done too many things in my life to ever deny Him or His existence.

I truly hope you find the answer you are looking for.

Anonymous · Answer

I think Lando missed by a bit. Religion = Belief without proof. There are lots of educated religious folks.

Edward O · Answer

First, I'm not a religious person.  A religious person would be a nun, brother or a deacon.  I am a lay person who practices my faith.  When you die, you will have all the proof you need.

lebron&#39;sclone · Answer

Dude you just read 20 freaking answers about why some believed. Do you need more?

Trending News

I keep getting new answers every time I ask it; so is there any more answers to this question?

13 Answers