Why one might believe in God
The most powerful incentive to being a theist is the comfort of thinking you’ll
live forever. Above all, humans throughout history have been afraid of
death. The added pleasures of going to a place after you die where you will
see and be with your family is also very tempting (for some people). For
many though, it is almost impossible to give up their religion. Their life,
culture, and family are just so intertwined with it. I know quite a few people
who are of this bunch, they don’t actually believe it anymore but they know
it is important to their family. Historically, religion has also inspired some of
the most beautiful creations through art. And I would never want anything of
the culture, history, or art to be molested by destructive forces. It is much
like how I still absolutely love Christmas – yes, Christmas is amazing. How
could an Atheist love Christmas? The very same way that you love
Halloween or the Tooth Fairy. You don’t actually believe those things are
real, but they are fun, and part of our culture!
I derive my ethics and worldviews from great philosophers, authors, and
scientists. Most importantly though, I don’t just accept what I am told. If I
am told some new idea or philosophical concept, I will think it through for
myself. And, if I find flaws in it, I will not annex it. There is something to be
said for thinking for yourself. I pity the people who ignorantly submit to
nasty bronze-age myths just because they were raised that way. For, as
Christopher Hitchens said, “Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more
happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way.”
Original Article URL: http://www.atheistrepublic.com/blog/robertpoe/deartheism-pragmatic-letter-religious
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