How can smart educated people believe in faith? And why is faith believing wise?

First, the question of evidence. We were social beings perhaps several million years before we were toolmakers, so we readily accept explanations in terms of purpose and agency. So we have people claiming that the existence of the universe, or its structure, is evidence for a Creator. This shows up in the 18th century argument from design, whose pale pathetic shadow is today's "intelligent design" movement.

I am a little bit surprised that no one has raised the "fine tuning" argument for the existence of God. Perhaps out of sheer ignorance - you actually have someone answering who thinks that the word theory in science denotes uncertainty. There's a great deal to be said about that, coming and going, but what people lose sight of is that even if there was a purposeful Creator of the universe, we know nothing about the nature or purposes of the Creator, and certainly don't need to imagine that the Creator is anything like the savage tyrants described by most religions, or even particularly interested in us.

Secondly, there are powerful pressures to be a believer if you have grown up among believers. You learn something as a child, and it is difficult to accept that all your authority figures are misguided, and that the social cohesion of your church is based on a shared fantasy.

Thirdly, terror of what might happen if you question the existence of God. There are places in the world where it is regarded as wickedor even illegal to ask such questions, and we have the horrific example in Pakistan of anyone who questions the blasphemy laws being themselves, in the eyes of the clerics, a supporter of blasphemy and therefore also worthy of death.

Finally, this leads to what Kurt Vonnegut regarded as the prime function of religion; holding a group together, and giving a way of distinguishing "our lot", trustworthy allies, with "them", wicked unbelievers against whom we should unite.

The words "under God" were added to the U.S. Pledge of allegiance during the Cold War, to help distinguish virtuous capitalism from what was actually called at the time "godless communism".

You gave a really big part of the reason why they do in your question, when you wrote:

"One of my best friends clearly states that she cannot even admit to the possibility of being wrong because she is so afraid of what God will do if she “thinks” the wrong thing."

I used to be a believer and I used to think this EXACT way. I thought I would be damned to hell if I so much as THOUGHT the THOUGHT that there might not be a god. I figured he could read my mind.

The bottom line here is that a lot of smart and well-educated people claim to believe in a god because of fear. They are afraid that their god will read their minds and send them to hell, They are afraid to consider the notion that they will cease to exist after they die, so they cling to their faith.

I think that if religions in general and Christianity in particular, did not have a threat of hell, nor a promise of heaven, a lot fewer people would stay with their so-called beliefs. How can a belief be considered as genuinely offered, from a place of love, if it is given under such a terrible threat? If the only benefit of believing was to have this personal relationship during your one and only life, who would be motivated to go to church?

No one.

Terrific question. Long, but you had a lot to say.

Lady Morgana

Atheist

Christians have spent 2000 yrs perfecting their indoctrination techniques

especially with early childhood coercion & constant adult reinforcement,

They know how to press a persons buttons

I've found that faith can take many forms, from the casual to the devout

You'll never nail down a simple compelling answer, it's different for each

& you won't find it using reason & logic.

As to your 2nd question

the only people who see faith believing as wise, are other believers

as an atheist surrounded by christians, i have struggled with this question too. but after watching this documentary about this little schizophrenic girl who had an extremely high IQ, i realized that she is capable of being intelligent while also believing, hearing, and seeing things that just aren't there.

also.. it's very intense conditioning as a child. it's hard to break. and it's the fear of death. and its the supportive community and good feelings they get from church... for christians, there is positive reinforcement for their conditioning EVERY where... just try to teach your child critical thinking skills.. and hopefully every generation will start to rid of these delusions

I do consider in birth control. I'm christian as good and sure, I would prefer 4 children, i'm waiting a just right at the same time before having extra. Without birth manipulate, i'd really possiy be pregnant right now and i'm no longer financially steady sufficient to have more. And that i agree, with the entire matters occurring in Michelle Duggars lifestyles, I consider that she traditionally wont be having to any extent further. I think that yes, beginning control is foremost because every body could be having quite a couple of children, and a few of those youngsters don't desserve to go into that style of atmosphere.

be that as it may, there's no evidence to the big bang theory either, if that's what you are getting at. That's why they still call it a theory.

"Smart, educated" people often have a problem with the sin of pride, which makes it difficult for them to believe.