Belief Is Not A Choice

[nailit]

Our beliefs (or non-beliefs even) are based upon our present understanding of available evidence at any given moment in time.

I don't believe in fairies because I am not presented with any evidence (at this moment in time) that would satisfy me that fairies exist. That could change if evidence became apparent, or even a possibility!
Likewise for Unicorns, Thor, the Bermuda Triangle or Dracula.

So the question is, how can I believe in something that I evidently *CAN'T* believe in?
I dont dismiss the Bible/God/Christianity etc because I WANT to. I dismiss it all because I CAN'T.
What is so hard to understand?

What would make an atheist a believer?
I dont know. But an Almighty, Supreme being would know. And he hasn't showed up yet to convince me....

[nailit]

//I dismiss it all because I CAN'T.// Accept it.
(should have read) ;-)

[woofgang]

Nailit, are you ok?

[nailit]

Nailit, are you ok?
Err, yes thanks. Is that rhetorical?

[andy-hughes]

I have always understood that the definition of faith is believing in something you cannot prove to be real - such as any god you choose.

[Tilly2]

I do believe in fairies because I have seen one. I have my proof. Therefore, I agree...seeing is believing.

[nailit]

//I do believe in fairies because I have seen one//
Had a friend once who was a bit camp, does that count?

[bhg481]

Some people say that there is no evidence that there is a god, therefore God does not exist. Do these people have evidence that God does not exist?

[Old_Geezer]

:-)
If one can not chose what to believe in, then where does that leave free will ? Are we all unwitting slaves to an automatic subconscious that controls us rather than vice versa ?

[nailit]

// Do these people have evidence that God does not exist?//
You cant prove a negative.
Do people have evidence that fairies dont exist. Or Thor. Or Dracula?

[nailit]

//If one can not chose what to believe in, then where does that leave free will ?//
Believe (or at least profess) what you will.
What we really mean is a different matter.

[david small]

Don’t believe in fairies? Have you never been to Brighton?

[nailit]

DS, see my reply @ 16:34 ;-)

[Tilly2]

My fairy was heterosexual but she was dressed in the colours of the rainbow.

[Tilly2]

Sorry to be fey. This is a serious category so I'll leave you to it. :-)

[nailit]

//This is a serious category//
LOL
That will be the day...

[Tilly2]

Should I go or should I stay?

[fcc]

Why would you be the chosen one?

[woofgang]

no, not rhetorical, just sometimes when you post stuff like this its because you are having a bit of a bad time. My answer to your question is if you can't believe in it then you can't and why would you worry?

[ToraToraTora]

take me to your dealer...

[Tilly2]

That's a low blow, T3. Was it supposed to be funny?