What is the harm in believing

#1 22-12-2011, 02:32 PM

What is the harm in believing in an intelligence and wisdom greater than our own, when acted upon can overcome all our difficulties? I know difficulties are part of life, but the lesson is learned when we know how to overcome them. I believe that it is more benificial for us to believe that we can avail ourselves to a higher source that has answers for us, so we can learn to live a life of harmony, love, health, and abundance.
What is the harm in believing in a God, a creator, a higher intelligence that wants and desires nothing but the highest good for us? Would'nt that take a lot of weight off our shoulders and give us more peace in our minds. To be able to rest in the idea that we do not have to be stuck or be a victim in any situation we do not want to be in. Having a belief like this, I think would do away with most depression. Believing I can have happiness in my life. Not believing this, seems to me, leaves a lot of room for hoplessness. Like I asked, "what is the harm?" I'm not saying you have to believe this, but would'nt you feel better if you did? I do. As a man believes in his heart so it is. Just some food for thought. Be well and have a great day.

#2 22-12-2011, 03:28 PM

Everything has a use and a misuse. Everything.

There are no ready formulas or easy answers. The universe seems to reward awareness. Dogma is stepping out of awareness, whether secular or religious.

As history shows, there can be great harm from religious fervor, just as there can be great good. It all depends on moving forward appropriately (in awareness) to achieve one's desired goal.

WhiteWarrior · #3 22-12-2011, 03:56 PM

I believe in the Powers That Be. A possible group of higher entities affecting this world. The God concept I have a lot more trouble with, as it implies all power and therefore also all responsibilities lies on one single desk, begging the question of how someone all powerful can allow a world this full of pain and contradiction and still claim to be pure love. You kind of EXPECT a committee to mess up a bit here and there :)

#4 22-12-2011, 04:09 PM

I don't think there is any harm in believing in a God as long as we know that it's a belief. If we believe it is true and real then what are we saying about those that don't believe in a God? This is where the belief in a God could be harmful and cause suffering.

#5 23-12-2011, 02:15 PM

Those that do not believe in God or somthing greater than themselves still have the choice to believe that some how good can come into their lives. They can choose to accept the idea of believing in some power that only wants the best for them or not. If you believe you will receive that which you believe I think it would be a good idea to check in on what your believing. If want to know what you have been believing look at you life and circumstances now. If you want to know what your life will be like in lets say a year from now look to what you are now believing. We experience what we choose to believe no matter what it is.

#6 23-12-2011, 02:20 PM

Interesting discussion..

Why believe we are weak and in need of a greater power?

Where does this belief come from?

3d

#7 23-12-2011, 02:42 PM

3d, I never said we are weak. I was just suggesting that maybe we limit ourselves by what we believe to be true for us. If you believe that there is nothing helping you and you have it all under control, you have what you believe.

#8 09-01-2012, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shabby

I don't think there is any harm in believing in a God as long as we know that it's a belief. If we believe it is true and real then what are we saying about those that don't believe in a God? This is where the belief in a God could be harmful and cause suffering.

What?

Believing in God is uh, Believing in God , as in believing it is true. If you don't believe it is true, That is called not believing. The belief in God is not harmful and does not cause suffering. ( would love to see the evidence on that statement) And what we are saying about those that don't believe? Well I am saying I think they are making a huge error in judgement.

#9 09-01-2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vger

What?

Believing in God is uh, Believing in God , as in believing it is true. If you don't believe it is true, That is called not believing. The belief in God is not harmful and does not cause suffering. ( would love to see the evidence on that statement) And what we are saying about those that don't believe? Well I am saying I think they are making a huge error in judgement.

Well said.

Miss Hepburn · #10 09-01-2012, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vger

And what we are saying about those that don't believe? Well I am saying I think they are making a huge error in judgement.

I know how you feel, vger, great name, not lost on ME!
But, if I may suggest, - don't even think anything about non-believers - they are just fine on their Path.
It's just baggage in our own minds - we know nothing about
what is in store for them - God, Source, whatever has a way of drawing us all in, all in good time.
(That will make an atheist mad - but, oh well.)
Welcome here, vger.

Miss Hepburn