Reply #94: Not a Christian, but I believe in God [View All]

[sangh0]

for those that have been able to retain their faith- or have found their way to it...Why? what is it that makes you believe?

I believe that the purpose of life is to pursue happiness, and that believing in God's existence helps me in that pursuit. My readings of religious texts and literature on religious philosophy has convinced me that religions promote values such as "turning the other cheek", "loving's one's enemies", compassion, mercy, etc. I believe that holding such beliefs makes it more likely that one will have a happier life.

IOW, I believe in religion because religion works for me.

it just what you were taught and ingrained from an early age?

I was raised by non-religious parents. My mother said the Bible was a bunch of fairy tales, and the only thing my father ever said about religion was "When you're dead, you're dead. And that's it". I was an atheist until I was almost 40. I am 45 now.

How much do you know about the historical origins of your religion, and it's "sacred" writings and their origins?

I do not belong to any organized religion. However, I do know a bit about the origins of the Bible, and other religious texts. Anything in particular you want to ask about?

do you ever question your faith? and how are those questions ultimately answered?

Regularly, and I don't come to final answers on this. No one can. If anything, my decision is to continue to ask questions.