“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist”—Charles Baudelaire. And one from Rabbi Harold Kushner: "There is objective right or wrong. If there isn't, then why was it wrong for NAZI Germany to kill 6 million Jews. It was legal."
I don't consider myself religious due to my lack of participation in what I consider expected attendance ect. I do speak to God and thank him for everything. Good and bad and never ask for anything for myself. I at one time went to church fairly regularly. I just had a hard time with the clicks. Lol. The preacher was great. He told me to not let Satan Keep me out of church. It made sense but I'm just not the kind of person to do anything over and over as far as bowling , church, anything like that. But I'm what I am and that holds true for everyone else. I don't argue or try to convince anyone or put them down for most anything. I have had good times and bad like everyone else. Basically I'm harder on myself than anyone else can be on me. Sorry for the rambling. I have so much to say but to much to say if that makes any sense. Lol. Have a great day and enjoy life as we should.
Just like democrats are that way for fear of being attacked if they tell the truth about how evil and corrupt their party actually is.
As far as religion, nothing lost in believing. Real religions currently teach love and peace which is a good thing. Additionally if it is all made up, no harm, no foul. But if it is true, would it not be better to have believed and followed than not and face the wrath of the God you mocked and denied?
Just like democrats are that way for fear of being... (show quote)
The God of love punishes people he doesn't like for ever and ever by torturing them, for all of eternity.
Well said in my opinion. Those people who do not believe in God or who are against organized religion generally do their best to put forth some sort of negative toward the rest of us who do believe in God or a higher power being in charge. Like you, for most of us, there is no fear involved but more of a desire to do good. I completely believe in God and in Jesus Christ being my savior. I have absolutely no fear because, as a sinner I know that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins. That one act on His part took away all fear any Christian might have. Yet the anti Christians and Left Wingers continue to make claims against religion and God that are based only upon lies or just plain ordinary BS.
People who don't have faith in themselves have to put their faith in someone/something else. The mind is a powerful thing, and your wife's state of mind could easily (?) have helped her body overcome the illness. It really does not matter where her faith or belief was placed as long as it affected her health in a positive way. Your wife's example is an excellent reminder of the good that God can do for his believers. But remember that many believers are also not so lucky, and that begs the question of why God lets such awful things happen to good people. The answer is often a whitewash of "it is God's plan" which is really just yet another way of easing one's emotions and allowing the mind to control the body (ie, avoid severe depression over the loss of a loved one). Some people can just accept that "shit happens" and maybe someone just drew a short straw. All life is fragile, and all life will end at some point. Is that God... or nature?
People who don't have faith in themselves have to ... (show quote)
I know people of faith that have more than enough faith in themselves.... They can accomplish anything they set their minds to including building that beautiful home of yours..... So no, you spun it well John but you missed the mark.
Faith is faith. There is no totally logical answer. But, to be a good person for fear of a God’s punishment for not being a good person, flies in the face of truly being a good person.
Now that is a truly logical and realistic answer. Thanx!
People who don't have faith in themselves have to put their faith in someone/something else. The mind is a powerful thing, and your wife's state of mind could easily (?) have helped her body overcome the illness. It really does not matter where her faith or belief was placed as long as it affected her health in a positive way. Your wife's example is an excellent reminder of the good that God can do for his believers. But remember that many believers are also not so lucky, and that begs the question of why God lets such awful things happen to good people. The answer is often a whitewash of "it is God's plan" which is really just yet another way of easing one's emotions and allowing the mind to control the body (ie, avoid severe depression over the loss of a loved one). Some people can just accept that "shit happens" and maybe someone just drew a short straw. All life is fragile, and all life will end at some point. Is that God... or nature?
People who don't have faith in themselves have to ... (show quote)
You will likely scoff at this, which is fine, but God promises us eternity in heaven. He doesn't tell us what heaven is, but I can wait to find out. Perhaps our 70 or 80 years on earth are so infinitesimal compared to eternity that our ills or injuries here, just don't matter much.
Are people religious believers because they are afraid not to be?
No. You can't come to faith without the work of thew Holy Spirit. Granted, there are some groups who give lipservice to belief in God without having had the Spirit work in their lives.
The OP is an interesting question that deserves a serious response. I am sure that the answer will vary from person to person, but in my case I can tell you that my religious beliefs have nothing to do with fear.
If you are a Rabbi, you faith has no hell planned for you.....