Why is belief necessary?

Hi Morte.Morte wrote: I have ask Christians for many years how I could obtain actual knowledge of the existence of their God, not just generate hope or faith. They have shown me many ways how I could perpetuate belief in something that isn't true, but have never demonstrated that I can obtain, or that they themselves have, knowledge of a God.Think about it. Some things you just know: where you went to school, where you house is, what country you live in etc etc. In order to maintain belief in those things, do you regularly have to:- meet only with other people who believe the same things
- have the existence of those things constantly preached to you
- sing songs about those things
- read the same book that confirms those things
- avoid information contrary to your belief in those things
- constantly repeat ideas about those things in your mindThese are all thought control techniques used by all totalitarianisms, religious or political. The obvious answer as to why Christians use such techniques is because what they believe in is false and not evidenced by the world.If salvation is by faith/belief alone, the only way to the Christian concept of heaven is through naivety, gullibility and ignorance. I can't imagine a deity would have any particular reason for rewarding possession of those qualities alone.

Morte wrote: It's not only an injustice, it's really, really daft.Despite the conceptual difficulties Christians have with their God concept that they and their Bible have made up, Christians constantly insist that their God represents the pinnacle of all admirable qualities. Do you think such an entity would merely only bless those humans who pander to his ego by having faith in his existence?What a daft concept. We all have a strong compulsion to believe in something. It is arguably an evolved compulsion. Keep looking: I hope one day you do find a theology that provides you with the answers you need.Some of the very sensible people on this forum hold religious beliefs. They might help you.Stay away from the fundies! If you try to lead a good life as defined by yourself and the people that matter most to you, I can't see how you can go much wrong in this or the next life.Don't eat too many chips, yummy as they may be. I'm sure you have identified those people on this forum who have found many sensible answers to their questions (not me: I'm still banging my head against the wall). You might learn something from them, as I have.Many years of study have shown me that niether you nor I, have anything to fear from what Christian's conceptualise as God.

Rusty wrote: You obviously made a typo.Replace the word atheists with theists and it's fixed.