Bad Resons to believe in things

[kilt]

Just wanted to know if some Christians or atheists believes that believing in anything can be for the wrong reason. Like for instance, from Christians I hear people always saying atheists doesn't believe because something bad happened to them. In some cases, depending on their definition of God, it can make sense. But a God based on free will, which is the Christian God, I believe that is a terrible reason to become an atheist.

I can imagine someone becoming a Christian simply because they were grown up into it(IE mom and dad said so) being a bad reason also, but an understandable reason.

edit: wow, great, now the whole world can see my fail.

 

[joey_downunder]

People can believe different things for all different kinds of reasons such as:

* is most socially acceptable for them, born into a certain faith "don't rock the boat"
* what is easiest for them to understand
* what suits them personally

The important question to ask is what Pontius Pilate asked: "what is truth?" (John 18:38)

 

[Ana the Ist]

Just wanted to know if some Christians or atheists believes that believing in anything can be for the wrong reason. Like for instance, from Christians I hear people always saying atheists doesn't believe because something bad happened to them. In some cases, depending on their definition of God, it can make sense. But a God based on free will, which is the Christian God, I believe that is a terrible reason to become an atheist.

I can imagine someone becoming a Christian simply because they were grown up into it(IE mom and dad said so) being a bad reason also, but an understandable reason.

edit: wow, great, now the whole world can see my fail.

I think "faith" is a bad reason to believe in something.

 

[Faulty]

I think "faith" is a bad reason to believe in something.

Those are two entirely separate things. Faith is another name for trust. Having faith, or trust, in a friend or family member for something specific is not the same thing as knowing they exist.

In a Christians case, we know God exists, but we also have trust in that God that he has done all the work necessary for our reconciliation to Him.

 

[kilt]

People can believe different things for all different kinds of reasons such as:

* is most socially acceptable for them, born into a certain faith "don't rock the boat"
* what is easiest for them to understand
* what suits them personally

The important question to ask is what Pontius Pilate asked: "what is truth?" (John 18:38)

So do you think those are bad reasons to believe in anything?

 

[bling]

God is not expecting a person without Godly type Love to believe in Him out of Love for Him. The non-believer really has no reason to “Love” God since God has only given him an opportunity and at this point is hell bound.

The person should come to a trust in God really out of selfish reasons: 1. the huge burden from remembering the times you have hurt others, 2. The failures from trusting in self, 3. Avoiding a meaningless life, 4. Avoiding even the possibility of hell, 5. The need for help.

 

[Ana the Ist]

Those are two entirely separate things. Faith is another name for trust. Having faith, or trust, in a friend or family member for something specific is not the same thing as knowing they exist.

In a Christians case, we know God exists, but we also have trust in that God that he has done all the work necessary for our reconciliation to Him.

What are two entirely separate things?

Yes, the original definition of faith is "trust". On that point I would also say trust is a bad reason to believe in something.
The other modern day common usage is the one I was referring to.
From dictionary.com:
2. belief that is not based on proof

So again, in answer to the OPs question, I think faith is a bad reason to believe in something.

 

[ChristianT]

What are two entirely separate things?

Yes, the original definition of faith is "trust". On that point I would also say trust is a bad reason to believe in something.
The other modern day common usage is the one I was referring to.
From dictionary.com:
2. belief that is not based on proof

So again, in answer to the OPs question, I think faith is a bad reason to believe in something.

I agree also, that "faith.2" is a bad reason to believe anything, anything at all!

 

[razeontherock]

I agree also, that "faith.2" is a bad reason to believe anything, anything at all!

None of those dictionary definitions have anything to do with Biblical Faith

 

[Ana the Ist]

None of those dictionary definitions have anything to do with Biblical Faith

Sure they do.

 

[ChristianT]

None of those dictionary definitions have anything to do with Biblical Faith

Exactly.

 

[Ana the Ist]

Exactly.

Again, its the same thing.