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by lostjuggernaut on March 6th, 2006

lostjuggernaut

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Why do people believe in God or a god?

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Answers. 72 helpful answers below.

  • by nickworks on July 24th, 2006

    nickworks

    Everyone has faith. It takes just as much faith to believe in nothing as it does to believe in something.

    For most people, there is a feeling that there is a God. But it doesn't really fit into what we can understand, so we use the idea casually.

    Some people believe in a human-like God, other believe that God isn't as sentient - "he" is just the name we apply to the force of good in the universe.

    In this day and age it's easy not to believe. But the more some philosophers ponder and study the believes of those that came before us, the more we find truth.

    Our ancient forefathers, were hardly primitive. They understood deep important things about the world, about society, and about relationships. The more I study ancient Judiasm, the more I personally feel like there is so much there that we are missing.

    However, many Christians don't know what it means to be a Christian. We have our faith screwed up. We think that instead of living a welcoming life of love and growth, we have to spend our time convincing others that they need to join us.

    We end up oppressing and alienating people - the very things Christ hated.

    As for science, it'll prove whatever people want it to prove. For me it, the more beauty and complexity I see in the explaination of how the universe works, the more I believe God.

    Yes, there are things we don't understand. But we only perceive 3 spatial dimensions. Think of 2D: a circle and a rectangle can never be the same object. But when we move into 3D, a circle and rectangle can coexist as a cylinder. Similarly, string theorists now predict that the universe must have 10 or 11 dimensions. What things can coexist in higher thought? Free will AND predestination? Evolution AND creation?

    In our understanding, there are a million different reasons why God "can't" exist. That's the beauty of faith. We can choose to believe in God, while at the same time questioning him, challenging him. We don't have to have blind faith - in fact God seems to prefer it when people actively wrestle with him.

    But in the end, we have this feeling that there is something bigger than us.

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  • by Anonymous on March 10th, 2006

    Anonymous

    One of the weakness of man is the inability to understand the world he lives in or to understand questions he is unable to answer so he invents a god to answer questions like where do we come from etc. Peoples ego is a bit on the weak side and has trouble realising that when he dies so does his ego so man creates an ego that never dies. Think of god as an adult fairy tail. But do not tell your friends. because they will condemn you to their make believe hell.

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  • by Valparaiso on January 22nd, 2007

    Valparaiso

    Because we exist and matter exists and as yet science has not a single clue as to how matter was even formed and only some rudementry theories as to how life may have been formed.

    And God speaks to some people, me amoung them.

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  • by cambsman on January 22nd, 2007

    cambsman

    People beleive in God because they have faith.
    An inherent beleif that God exits

    From wikipedia :-
    Faith is a belief, trust, or confidence, not based on logic, reason, or empirical data, but based fundamentally on volition often associated with a transpersonal relationship with God, a higher power, a person, elements of nature, and/or a perception of the human race as a whole. Faith can be placed in a person, inanimate object, state of affairs, proposition or body of propositions such as a religious creed

    Sometimes science tests peoples faith and sometimes religions change to meet scientific data.

    Copernicus and Galileo were very badly treated by the Pope etc. for saynig the world was not the centre of the universe etc. but not many Christians do not accept that wisdom now.
    Similarly so for evolution but not quite so clear cut.

    Im an atheist. Always feel I should put that, not that it makes any difference to this answer.

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  • by Amy on January 22nd, 2007

    Amy

    People have faith.

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  • by scar3cr0w on January 18th, 2007

    scar3cr0w

    Science, true unbridled science supports the supposition of a supreme being.

    Take the religion of creationism vs evolution out of the debate and consider, from our human perspective they are both theories. A scientific fact (it is not a theory but a proven fact) is the process of enthalpy - a tendency for things to move towards decay.

    Now consider evolution - the basic premise is that we started as unordered, indiscernible 'stuff' and then through mutations and the principle of 'survival of the fittest' we ultimately became what we are - based on this theory in a few more millions of years we will be even better than we are now.

    However creationism - with a basic premise of being created perfect has as an ongoing state the decay of our perfection.

    If I was a betting man, and I had no bias one way or the other, from my own observation of the human race and the state of the world, I would be betting on creationism and our declination not evolution and the idea that we are 'getting better'.

    On a side note, an atheist friend (PhD honours student in the field of Microbiology) converted to Christianity after studying and seeing the perfect symmetry in plants - he calculated the odds that it could have 'evolved' that way and the number was truly astronomical - so large it caused his conversion.

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  • by davoomac on January 18th, 2007

    davoomac

    I find it impossible to believe that everything in nature, the universe came into being by pure chance.

    Some people would say "intelligent design". I call it "God" :)

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  • by bunceee on January 18th, 2007

    bunceee

    If I didn't believe everything happened for a reason I'd be so depressed I'd be tempted to commit suicide. I need to believe that something is being accomplished through my life. I see this in a lot of people - it's a light at the end of the tunnel so a lot of people are just trying to get there.

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  • by Answers101 on March 21st, 2006

    Answers101

    Speaking as a Christian myself, I believe in God because He's our Heavenly Father and He created everything in and around us. My belief is God is based on my faith in Him and our Saviour Jesus.

    If you'd like to better understand Christianity, then I would highly suggest that you go to the following Bible website:

    http://lwww.biblegateway.com

    I hope this helps to answer your question!

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  • by strongARM on January 20th, 2007

    strongARM

    We were made to worship God its just some people worship other things

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  • by smart9426 on January 18th, 2007

    smart9426

    Look around at Nature, might have something to do with it

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  • by 1luckyducky on August 9th, 2006

    1luckyducky

    because he created all of us. he died on the cross for my sins.

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  • by Answers101 on July 24th, 2006

    Answers101

    I believe in God because the Bible is God's inspired Word and because of my faith in Him.

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  • by free4life79 on April 21st, 2006

    free4life79

    God has revealed himself to mankind through nature,our conscience,love.I believe in God because he gave me a book called the bible and told me He is real! The other alternative is that my great, great, great......grandfather was an ape! There is proof God exists and the "atheists" dont want to believe that because that would mean that we are accountable to someone.Check out Kent Hovind on the net and his free downloads.

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  • by MrJosh on June 29th, 2009

    MrJosh

    That depends on how you define "God." Throughout human history there have been many different gods, 99% of which are no longer believed in. To answer your question very generally, we tend to seek explanations. A god is a very convenient way to explain a great many things.

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  • by tomsims on January 22nd, 2007

    tomsims

    We believe many things we cannot prove scientifically. I cannot prove scientifically that i love my wife, but I do. In fact, i know I do. Now, i can know that within myself without making you know it. I believe in God in a similar way.

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  • by 1Simmy on January 22nd, 2007

    1Simmy

    """"

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  • by Sunblynd 5.0 on January 18th, 2007

    Sunblynd 5.0

    When people lose faith in themselves, it is only natural to put your faith into a higher power. All humans do this, every human brain has a small part of their brain dedicated to this activity. Located near the pituitary gland, embedded within the brain near the primitive instinctive part of the nerve stem which is the primitive brain itself, has been reffered to by science as the god head, or seat of god, or simlar terminology. When a subject is in prayer, or meditation, this part of the brain lights up with activity, it has been mentioned in Vedic and biblical texts but I will need time to cite those sources.

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  • by nevets - badgicide on January 4th, 2007

    nevets - badgicide

    To understand why people believe in God you need the right frame of mind. People do not believe in God because they are illogical and stupid, the belief in God is just as logical as the non-belief in God.

    Can you tell me where the universe came from? No, you can't, we don't know. It is possible that God was created to fill in our gaps of knowledge and to help build a society based on laws and morals, but it is also possible that God does exist.

    You have to understand, we are very small, we know very little about the world. We are simply not capable of comprehending the full picture even if we wanted to. God is a possibility.

    I am not satisfied with any answer and so I say with defiance to both Atheists and Theists, neither of you can be proven right, and I am going to wait with an open mind until I learn more or until I die... for that is when I will truly know the answer. I might just die and decompose, I might be judged for my deeds in life... or something completely different could happen.

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  • by Ziggydoom on August 19th, 2006

    Ziggydoom

    because of what they were taught and what society accepts.

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  • by pieclamp on August 8th, 2006

    pieclamp

    A number one reason is the voice inside that is installed in all flesh along with the instinct in all species that directs it what it must do; from the high order down to the dividing amoeba and all cellulose life. The wonderfull free choice given by the creator that men war and die for. No-one not one can give you this or security for that matter in just saying you believe and singing praises neither! You will find it if you just simply accept it and then go from there,use your God-given talents,single out and count your blessings. watch your own behavior and not so much what others do wrong. Strive to also help when you can without butting in the privacy of your neighbors. Respect to gain respect and live,live, live

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  • by Sunblynd 5.0 on July 24th, 2006

    Sunblynd 5.0

    Every human being on this planet has a sense of something greater than themselves. It is genetic, and is developed in the brain, science is not sure yet, but there is a particular part of the brain called the "God Head", it is a part of the brain that requires such a seat, without it the human brain can go mad. This "God Head or Seat of God" is the pituitary or pineal gland, or the matter which surrounds it.

    There are referances in the bible and other religions that speak of the releasing of light into mans eyes, the pituitary is triggered by daylight to release certain hormones to the body. A full discription of these hormones is available on wikipedia.

    Update; 9/22/06
    I am currently researching the accuracy of this. I know its out there somewhere, when I find it I will let you know. Meanwhile check the link below.

    http://www.language-of-light.com/mysteries_of_body/the_brain.htm

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  • by ENOCHbethany on April 24th, 2006

    ENOCHbethany

    It is self-evident (axiomatic)* that the God of the Bible exists. However, it is possible get one's understanding obscured with futile speculations. It is also possible to refuse to have God in one's knowledge.

    And, as Romans 1 says:

    1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, [even] his everlasting power and divinity that they may be without excuse; 21 because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings and their senseless heart was darkened.
    22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of
    corruptible man and of birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things.

    1:24 Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto
    uncleanness that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves, 25
    for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshipped and
    served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

    1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions, for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature; 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. 1:28 And even as they refused to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29

    *Merrium Webster: axiom: "1: a maxum widely accepted on its intrinsic merit 2a: a proposition regarded as a self-evident truth . . . ."

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  • by Sandman on September 25th, 2009

    Sandman

    Any analyst or therapist can tell you that homo sapiens is hard-wired to believe in SOMETHING. Just as we are pre-programmed to survive and reproduce.

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  • by Zebulon on December 12th, 2008

    Zebulon

    Because we have never experienced death. Because of that, we can't imagine what it would be like and have to manufacture some idea to keep us from panicking. It's a defense mechanism.

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  • by 6H34TH9 on February 22nd, 2007

    6H34TH9

    There are a lot of different reasons that people do. I think you would have to ask each person individually why.

    Most of the time people believe in God simply because they where raised to believe in God. Some people need something to believe it after deaths of close ones have happened. Some people need to believe in a higher power to make their lives "click".

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  • by Eagle2 on February 22nd, 2007

    Eagle2

    Because they need some sort of hope after death - everyone fears death so belief is the only way for some people to escape the fear! - not me though - i think (not beleive) death will be more exciting than life - you wont have to do anything - lol

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  • by Little Miss Dangerous on February 6th, 2007

    Little Miss Dangerous

    Because the complexity of life seems too much to leave to environmental chance.

    When you look at how much work has gone into the design and creation of man made things, it boggles the mind to think that human life and all else in nature could just occur solely by chance. The complexity of the workings of the human body alone still baffle scientists. How could such unexplained complexity arise from single cell organisms with no force behind the design and creation?

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  • by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on January 18th, 2007

    8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009

    Because we see how screwed up Creation is and need someone to blame.

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  • by Anonymous on January 18th, 2007

    Anonymous

    Because it is easier to believe in someone higher and that there is purpose for this life rather then believing in nothing, and when we die we become nothing, that's kind of depressing.

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  • by QueenAlith on January 18th, 2007

    QueenAlith

    I think it is to give themselves a sense of hope.
    Nobody wants to be alone, and perhaps this higher power that some people believe in gives them that "company" in times of need.
    Personally, I also think that people are scared not to believe in a higher power, because what if there is one and you've spent your whole life saying that there isn't?
    I'm not a religious person to any level, so my opinion is totally based on my own little life and what I have seen and learnt, but I believe it is quite a selfish thing believing in a higher power. It's a sense of security.

    Maybe I'm wrong...

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  • by The_Professional on January 13th, 2007

    The_Professional

    People don't believe in God or a god.

    We are social creatures and can't turn it off even when we find ourselves unpopular and alone - so we make up imaginary friends.

    We grasp at God when we are scared - just in case and in hopes.

    We use the fear of him for control over others.

    We say we do - just to be included in Sunday funtions and to avoid being burned at the stake.

    But people don't really believe. They want you to know they do - but they don't.

    They want you to believe that God supports them also - but he doesn't.


    "Jesus support the troops" no wait - that doesn't sound right.

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  • by Gonzo on January 13th, 2007

    Gonzo

    God knows..!

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  • by AntigoneRising on September 22nd, 2006

    AntigoneRising

    People believe in God for many reasons and a lot of them are already covered in the other answers. I would like to address why they continue to believe. People continue to believe because the existence of Deity cannot be disproven. It is impossible to conclusively prove an unrestricted negative, because you simply cannot look everywhere. I have heard reasoned arguments that it takes MORE faith to be an Atheist than a Deist because we have explored only a miniscule portion of the known universe; therefore, to hypothesize about what is not in that space is a great leap of faith.

    Personally, I believe in Deity because I have had things happen to me that I (as yet) cannot explain. I do not call these things supernatural (beyond the natural) or paranormal (beyond the normal) - to say what is beyond normal/natural requires that you first define what IS normal/natural...and science has not yet done that, either. We have new discoveries to make. However, since these things have happened to me, I am a Deist.

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  • by anonymous on August 13th, 2006

    anonymous

    Because some people need to feel like someone is there for them and loves them. Also, some need guidance through life. I think it's a way for people to be united really

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  • by jazzerlady on August 7th, 2006

    jazzerlady

    why not?

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  • by The Godfather on March 28th, 2006

    The Godfather

    If your question equates to "Where did religion come from?" there is a theory that I have come across that I think is quite satisfying. Many thousands of years ago in Africa humanoids (species similar to humans but not technically Homo Sapiens) began to become very efficient at hunting. Soon only a few hours a day were required to get sufficent food, water etc. This allowed a lot of time for socialising, and thought. This has a clear evolutionary advantage, as more time can be spent pondering the world and solving pressing porblems. However, enevitably, one day somebody asked the question "Why are we here?". In a world with many preditors, diseases and dangers coming to the conclusion that there is no real meaning and life is the product of chemical reactions would have led to widespread depression! Even losing the desire to live. The idea of, not a God during those early times, but a 'creator' and the idea of an unknown 'purpose' to life would have been a lot of comfort. This idea of a 'creator' gradually evolved into the idea of a God. I stress again this is just a hypothesis, but widely accepted at as plausable one.

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  • by Anonymous on March 26th, 2006

    Anonymous

    The real answer to that question is simple. When man/woman were able to gather enough food so they were not worried about feeding themselves. They had nothing better to do around the camp fire, one was a bid delusional and dreamed up the whole GOD thing. If you are really hungry to the point of starving are you (a) going to look for a BIG MAC. OR (b) pray .

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  • by LarryH54 on November 19th, 2009

    LarryH54

    It's how most people are wired. When we are born, we are cared for by seemingly all-powerful, giant beings who love us. It is only natural that such an imprint would leave a permanent mark on us.
    Which suggests that atheists didn't have that early formative experience. How sad.

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  • by xDani-School-Kidx on February 6th, 2007

    xDani-School-Kidx

    If there is no God then where did we come from, n where do we go when we die? Where did my Nanna and sister go?? *rip* xx

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  • by xDani-School-Kidx on February 6th, 2007

    xDani-School-Kidx

    sorry M

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  • by urizen on February 5th, 2007

    urizen

    Does my cat's brain light up when she sees me?

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  • by cambsman on February 6th, 2007

    cambsman

    People beleive in God / gods for many reasons.
    We are a curious species that does not like not knowing. Religion can be used ot explain everything. - Its Gods will or God created it.
    People are afraid fo what is going to happen to them when they die. Religino gives them a spiritual well being. A belief that they will be able to continue to live in some way.
    When people are desperate - they turn to anything. The hope that there is something powerful that they cant explain.

    But in most cases - it is becuase they have faith. They have been told wonderful stories whih they believe.

    Its just a pity that so many of the religions are so similar yet cause people to be so divided. With each religion beleiveing that it is the right one....

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  • by Anonymous on March 13th, 2007

    Anonymous

    to have faith to have a reason for being because the bible says so look at the chemical makeup of human we have to come from somewhere and i dont personly belief i come from ape

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  • by Greg Griffin on July 24th, 2007

    Greg Griffin

    Probably because there parent's did/do by and large.

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  • by k-burc on May 30th, 2007

    k-burc

    well how can u explain it?

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  • by urizen on February 5th, 2007

    urizen

    I think there is a difference between mono-god and multi-god systems.
    Monogod: reflex from having parents.Immaturity. Unable to face that parents are mortal. Dictatorial uni-sex social systems.
    Multigods: more nature-oriented, less unisex dominance. You get the idea. I think the Jew-Xtian-Arab unigod is a cultural disaster comparable to the Mongols in Europe - only longer.

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  • by kellygorski on January 19th, 2007

    kellygorski

    People believe in a deity because it makes them feel better. There's no evidence to prove a deity's existence, period. It's all about a person's comfort, and most people are willing to believe anything if it's easy.

    Of course, just because something is comforting doesn't make it true.

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  • by k-burc on July 26th, 2006

    k-burc

    cuz hes real

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  • by Anonymous on April 21st, 2006

    Anonymous

    Hear is the real reason. The cave man and woman were sitting around a camp fire when one of them threw a bunch of dried leaves on the fire and a gust of wind stirred up the smoke while the group just happened to inhale at the same time and they all had visions we call now call god. That smoke they inhaled we call grass, weed. It is written. I would not lie. And since they did not have TV newspaper or other people to kill and they had nothing better to do but inhale that funny stuff believe in the big G. Thank god for boredom. In fact if people were not bored or hungry there would be no GOD. I could not agree more it is stupid and I wrote the dam thing. But you would be surprised how many people believe in the boogy man.

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You're reading Why do people believe in God or a god? - which can also be phrased in the following ways:

  • Why do people believe in God?
  • Why do people believe there is a higher power (a deity, god, etc.)?
  • Why do people believe in God, even though there is nothing scientific proven it? dont get me wrong i belive?
  • Why do people believe in "God"?

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