Why believe in God at all?

[nobspeople]

The obvious, selfish answer is 'to get into heaven'. But why else? Why should one believe in god? A god that plays aloof, many times allows the bed to prosper while the good suffer; a god that can create the whole of everything yet needs your money for his churches and spreading his word; a god that allowed the whole species to fall into sin right off the bat; a god that required himself/his son/himself to live and 'die' as a sacrifice to cover the sins of his creation - sins which he allowed; a god that allows 'wolves' into his flock to guide his 'sheep'; a god that won't allow himself to be proven and, instead, relies on faith - faith of flawed creatures - then allows eternal damnation (again, according to some) for not having enough faith; a god that allows his own disciples to argue amongst themselves over, many times, small, ambiguous things; a god that couldn't even write his own story; a god that seems to favor some over others; a god that can't be fully understood. And so on.
What benefits, outside of heaven, does God give that no one or nothing else gives?

[Miles]

(...) How about a lack of any persuasive evidence? However, if you do indeed have such persuasive evidence, what is it?

It seems that it is very difficult for some forum participants to understand the ideas that are posted.

In other words: even if I had no relationship with my parents, or had never even met them, I would be sure that a man and a woman participated in my formation. I do not need any "persuasive evidence" to know that the Universe was created by God; it exists, as I do.

As I understand you're knowledge, wherever it may be it supersedes any persuasive evidence. However, I do have to wonder where such unpersuaded knowledge comes from and why on earth you'd ever rely on it.


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[Diagoras]

<Replying to Eloi>

Which was why I asked - your mention of parents in context of the preceding posts suggested something along those lines.

Perhaps you would share what you see as a benefit, and we could debate whether it fits the OP (i.e. can only be provided by God).

[brunumb]

Here's my current take... I have found, that many Christians believe in god for one ultimate reason. They feel they have, or do experience his presence. Christians will contest a 'witness of the holy spirit'.

In my opinion, that comes after they have been inculcated with their belief. Children are taught to believe largely through a carrot (heaven) and stick (hell) approach. I see no other reason why young, uncritical minds would accept the concept of God. All of the negative stuff that nobspeople mentioned in the OP would surely be a deterrent unless one already had a deep seated belief in God. If God could really be experienced, then how come it is only by those who already believe in his existence? Confirmation bias. But, in the end, there would appear to be no benefits to belief in God other than the possibility of going to heaven and avoiding hell. When you look around the world today there is no evidence of any other benefits from believing in God. God is not actively showing any preference to believers over non-believers, except maybe for those who regularly misplace their car keys.

[nobspeople]

The obvious, selfish answer is 'to get into heaven'....

That is not very wise, because eternal life is not promised for believing that God is real.

Wise or not, that's the reason christians believe in and love god - at least initially. They fear going to hell, yourself included. Otherwise, there's little, initially, to draw someone to the christian god. Which is probably why, at least in part, it's said to 'fear god'.

[1213]

...They fear going to hell, yourself included....

Why do you think I fear hell?

[nobspeople]

...They fear going to hell, yourself included....

Why do you think I fear hell?

You feared hell at one point, otherwise you wouldn't have become a christian.

[JehovahsWitness]

What benefits, outside of heaven, does God give that no one or nothing else gives?

I believe :

1. A personal intimate relationship with ones Creator is the most fufilling experience a human can have. No one and nothing else equals it.

2. Fail proof advice: Through following his word the bible, God provides counsel with 100% success rate; whether that be in family life, personal relationships , work, health, happiness ... all the counsel from God if applied by those He loves and that love him is beneficial.

3. A living hope: Only through God can one have a sure hope this our planet paradise earth will very soon be free from sickness, death, war, climate damage, terrorism and hatred...

4. A true brotherhood: Humans have set up many international organisations and communities, but these tend to break apart and fracture under extreme conditions of social unrest, famine or war. Only those united in worship of the true God can live knowing that no matter what, their brothers will never take up arms or support a war movement and more than that will supoort their decision to keep their integrity to Jehovah, recognisong him as the only true and living God. This brotherhood of worshippers is a precious gift in these times of distress and open only to those that worship Him.

JEHOVAH'S WITNESS

To learn more please go to other posts related to...

FAITH, GOD and ... EVOLUTION

[TRANSPONDER]

(...) How about a lack of any persuasive evidence? However, if you do indeed have such persuasive evidence, what is it?

It seems that it is very difficult for some forum participants to understand the ideas that are posted.

In other words: even if I had no relationship with my parents, or had never even met them, I would be sure that a man and a woman participated in my formation. I do not need any "persuasive evidence" to know that the Universe was created by God; it exists, as I do.

That does not follow as it is not comparing like with like. The nature and process of parenthood is well - known and scientifically understood. Of course you would assume you had parents even if you had no idea who they were.

That is not an analogy of the origins of the universe. Nobody really knows the process of cosmic origins (the debate seems now less about the Big Bang and more about the origins of the Stuff that the BB event was made from) and so 'knowing' that it has to be a god (never mind which one) is not at all as sure as knowing that one's own origins is very likely to be from human parents.

[1213]

...They fear going to hell, yourself included....

Why do you think I fear hell?

You feared hell at one point, otherwise you wouldn't have become a christian.

I think I have been a Christian as long as I can remember. But, maybe this also depends on how Christian is defined. In Bible Christian means a disciple of Jesus. And a disciple of Jesus is a person who is baptized as Jesus taught.

Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Mat. 28:19-20

I think I was baptized almost right after I was born.

I don’t think I have ever feared hell.

[nobspeople]

...They fear going to hell, yourself included....

Why do you think I fear hell?

You feared hell at one point, otherwise you wouldn't have become a christian.

I think I have been a Christian as long as I can remember. But, maybe this also depends on how Christian is defined. In Bible Christian means a disciple of Jesus. And a disciple of Jesus is a person who is baptized as Jesus taught.

Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Mat. 28:19-20

I think I was baptized almost right after I was born.

I don’t think I have ever feared hell.

I would challenge that last assertion as, without fear, there's no need to 'go with God' as there's nothing God can be shown to offer more than freedom from heaven.
Even for 'as long as' you can remember, your parents and or church leaders instilled fear in you of hell. Otherwise, there's no need to 'go with God' as there's nothing God can be shown to offer more than freedom from heaven.