# Why don't people believe in God? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [August 21, 2013, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766 "2013-08-21T00:49:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 23
**Author:** ![Timo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c4cdca/32.png) [@Timo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timo)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/441 "2013-08-22T15:07:08Z")
> [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](#): > > I’m not a christian, but I doubt I could enjoy heaven knowing that there were people burning for eternity, for the simple sin of not believing in a god that chooses not to introduce itself. I don’t think I’d have the last laugh. > > A god with the power to torture someone for eternity, who exercises that power, does not deserve praise. Right, and again, sorry for saying “the last laugh”, there are so many good people on this thread. However, are you helping yourself or others by thinking this way? Assuming, for you, that God is true, aren’t you just going to add another good person to hell, regardless of whether you like the idea or not? Read Romans 1, and maybe a little bit of Romans 2 to remind ourselves that we’re not better. I’m not sure if that could help. But can maybe give you an idea. ---
**Author:** ![Timo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c4cdca/32.png) [@Timo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timo)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/442 "2013-08-22T15:09:50Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > 1. Technically, it is spelled “Sodom”. > 2. There is practically no evidence such a city ever existed. > 3. Some Biblical scholars believe that the sins that got the city destroyed were inhospitality and greed, and we’ve got plenty of that to go around. > > Judging from this post and some of your previous posts, it might behoove you to actually _read_ the book instead of waving it around like a weapon. Why should any of us listen to you if you seem ignorant about your own religion? Oops, haha, Sodom. Right, well I never force any of you to listen to me…or in this case, read what I write. I stated that I didn’t know everything, that I’m seventeen, and from the kindness and nonjudgemental people here, have shown me that I still have a lot to know and learn. However, what I am not posting on these posts, is what may help because it’s more spiritual and not factual. Maybe it may be comforting to know that so called “Holy” saints who are materialistic and boastful will not get their reward in Heaven just because they mindlessly claim to “follow” God. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/443 "2013-08-22T15:11:07Z")
> [@Timo](#): > > Yeah, I’m going to have to investigate on the Bible… No-just sit down, open it up, and read the thing from front to back. Don’t pick out verses that agree with what you already believe. Don’t follow someone’s “study guide” that tries to tie a chapter from one book to a verse in another. Just sit down and read the book, _then_ decide what you believe. ---
**Author:** ![Timo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c4cdca/32.png) [@Timo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timo)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/444 "2013-08-22T15:12:15Z")
> [@Tequila\_Party](#): > > **Timo** , if you want to reach people and minister to their souls, hope they convert and further spread a gospel that you believe in, the way to do that is by living an exemplary and helpful life. Look at all this time you’ve spent on here. Look at all the time you’ve apparently spent memorizing scripture. And you’ve also apparently spent a great deal of time in church. > > Now, if you were to reach me and get me to change to your viewpoint, none of those things would do it. No, what it would take would you being a humble servant. Someone who puts others needs above your own. Someone whose whole life is about helping, in such a way that it highlights the best of your God. If you spent all that time that I outlined above working at a soup kitchen, building homes for the poor and reading to the elderly, I’d be more apt to believe there was something more worthwhile going on than simply a fear of hell. > > Anyway, I’m hoping you’re young enough to learn. I also appreciate you responding to me about being gleeful. It’s good of you to admit a mistake. A lot more contemplation in general may be in order and less frustration might not rule your days. Totally agree 🙂 actions speak louder than words haha I was praying that you would read the post, I felt really guilty after you pointed that out. I thought that the post would get lost in the other posts and that you wouldn’t see it- I don’t really know how this website works. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/445 "2013-08-22T15:13:28Z")
> [@Timo](#): > > Maybe it may be comforting to know that so called “Holy” saints who are materialistic and boastful will not get their reward in Heaven just because they mindlessly claim to “follow” God. With the ignorance about the Bible you’ve shown us so far, you just might want to look in a mirror. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/446 "2013-08-22T15:17:04Z")
> [@Timo](#): > > Oops, haha, Sodom. > > Right, well I never force any of you to listen to me…or in this case, read what I write. > > I stated that I didn’t know everything, that I’m seventeen, and from the kindness and nonjudgemental people here, have shown me that I still have a lot to know and learn. > > However, what I am not posting on these posts, is what may help because it’s more spiritual and not factual. Maybe it may be comforting to know that so called “Holy” saints who are materialistic and boastful will not get their reward in Heaven just because they mindlessly claim to “follow” God. You need to read more - [QUOTE=Paul @ Philippians 1:15-18 (New International Version)] 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. [/QUOTE] ---
**Author:** ![Timo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c4cdca/32.png) [@Timo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timo)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/447 "2013-08-22T15:17:10Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > No-just sit down, open it up, and read the thing from front to back. Don’t pick out verses that agree with what you already believe. Don’t follow someone’s “study guide” that tries to tie a chapter from one book to a verse in another. Just sit down and read the book, _then_ decide what you believe. Right, but if I can help a little now, why wouldn’t I? It doesn’t hurt to tell them… If God isn’t true…well then you now know a little bit more about him, it becomes knowledge. Again, because I’ve had personal experiences, which you might roll your eyes at, and regardless how small, I already know He’s true. If you may flip to contradictory places, I’ll already know that it’s not contradictory, but we just don’t understand. For example I know that there are two verses in proverbs that are contradictory. This isn’t it… but to give you an idea it’s like… Don’t walk blindly for it is foolish Walk blindly for it is foolish not to do so And those two verses are on the same page Why? I don’t know. Does it make sense? No. But I know there’s a reason behind it that is deeper and that I just can’t figure out. ---
**Author:** ![Timo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c4cdca/32.png) [@Timo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timo)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/448 "2013-08-22T15:19:59Z")
> [@simster](#): > > You need to read more - Please explain what you mean by that. Do you disagree that those who claim falsely that they believe in God will get their reward? If you do, I’d be more than happy to pull those verses out for you. ---
**Author:** ![Timo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c4cdca/32.png) [@Timo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timo)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/449 "2013-08-22T15:24:55Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > With the ignorance about the Bible you’ve shown us so far, you just might want to look in a mirror. Okay, touche. So you’re judging me based off of the facts I don’t know about the Bible? Do you disagree with all the posts that were posted before? I’m not going to, and as you already know, I’m not going to give you a sudden revelation about God. I know little, yet I can give you that small taste, a small insight of what is still to come. What might not help you now, can help later. ---
**Author:** ![Timo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c4cdca/32.png) [@Timo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timo)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/450 "2013-08-22T15:30:35Z")
> [@simster](#): > > Who’s fault is it if they are following ‘their understanding’ of the bible after having been baptized and receiving the ‘holy spirit’ ? You said all a person needs to do is ‘show a little faith and get baptized to receive all these deep insights into the holy book’ - who are you to question the holy spirit in these other people? > > And you dared to call me clueless - Wait…when did I call you clueless? How did I question the Holy Spirits in other people? If a “Holy” person-like politician claiming to be spiritual and a God lover were to be caught in being corrupt…isn’t that a little bit to doubt? Even unbelievers know there’s something wrong… ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/451 "2013-08-22T15:32:14Z")
> [@Timo](#): > > Please explain what you mean by that. Do you disagree that those who claim falsely that they believe in God will get their reward? If you do, I’d be more than happy to pull those verses out for you. Its quite simple - Paul did not presume to judge the reward (or lack there of ) or the motivations of other preachers - he was simply glad that ‘Christ is preached’. Following that model, you should quit judging the motivations or rewards of others and simply be rejoicing that Christ is preached and show your ‘faithfullness’ in actions and deeds, not ‘words’ only. The bible is your crutch - it appears you would not have faith without it - which means you have very little faith at all. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/452 "2013-08-22T15:34:21Z")
> [@Timo](#): > > Okay, touche. > > So you’re judging me based off of the facts I don’t know about the Bible? > Do you disagree with all the posts that were posted before? > > I’m not going to, and as you already know, I’m not going to give you a sudden revelation about God. I know little, yet I can give you that small taste, a small insight of what is still to come. > > What might not help you now, can help later. I have no need of your revelations…and if you read the book instead of waving it in our faces, you _just_ might find that you don’t either. Until you know what you’re talking about, you might be one of the reasons people don’t believe in your god(to answer your original question.) ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/453 "2013-08-22T15:34:41Z")
> [@Timo](#): > > Wait…when did I call you clueless? > > How did I question the Holy Spirits in other people? If a “Holy” person-like politician claiming to be spiritual and a God lover were to be caught in being corrupt…isn’t that a little bit to doubt? Even unbelievers know there’s something wrong… You asked “why would you want to stay clueless” - that is calling me clueless and using loaded language to suggest you know more than I do - You also said that everyone baptized got the holy spirit - assuming there is only one holy spirit - then those voices should be unitied and of one mind - or atleast have the same “light into the scriptures” as you believe - if any of that were true - then their message is just as valid as yours - ---
**Author:** ![Timo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c4cdca/32.png) [@Timo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timo)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/454 "2013-08-22T15:34:53Z")
> [@monavis](#): > > Take note of the psalmist who writes" I said you are gods, and son’s of the most high. Jesus backs this up in John 10. Would you please reference that? John 10 as in…The Good Shepherd and His Sheep…? ---
**Author:** ![Timo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c4cdca/32.png) [@Timo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timo)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/455 "2013-08-22T15:38:49Z")
> [@simster](#): > > You asked “why would you want to stay clueless” - that is calling me clueless and using loaded language to suggest you know more than I do - y No… okay, I see what you mean, sorry if it seemed that way. But what I meant is disregarding all the facts and worldly knowledge that you obviously know more than I do, in terms of having a relationship with God, which can’t be known through facts and worldly knowledge, why would you want to stay clueless to what you could experience? I wasn’t saying you were stupid…because I’m far more clueless than you, as has already been proven in previous posts ---
**Author:** ![Timo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c4cdca/32.png) [@Timo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timo)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/456 "2013-08-22T15:41:30Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I have no need of your revelations…and if you read the book instead of waving it in our faces, you _just_ might find that you don’t either. Until you know what you’re talking about, you might be one of the reasons people don’t believe in your god(to answer your original question.) But as I said before, personal experiences trump to just reading verses in the Bible. Wouldn’t you say applying/experiencing what you know makes your learning stronger? Or belief in what you learned stronger? But yeah, I hope this isn’t what people think…when they read the posts… ---
**Author:** ![CurtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/457 "2013-08-22T15:41:53Z")
> [@simster](#): > > it was much easier when all you had was 1s and 0s to work with. Sometimes we didn’t even have 0s. I once debated the cosmological argument with a guy using only 1s. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/458 "2013-08-22T15:44:34Z")
> [@Timo](#): > > No… okay, I see what you mean, sorry if it seemed that way. But what I meant is disregarding all the facts and worldly knowledge that you obviously know more than I do, in terms of having a relationship with God, which can’t be known through facts and worldly knowledge, why would you want to stay clueless to what you could experience? > > I wasn’t saying you were stupid…because I’m far more clueless than you, as has already been proven in previous posts So - learn from this - go do some actual studying with the intent of actual learning (not just disproving one thing or the other) and quit preaching until you are in a position to actually do so. You keep saying that others (or me) are “clueless” as to what they could experience - you keep ignoring the fact that I, and others in this thread, have been exactly where you are now and did not have those same ‘experiences’ - so quit claiming others are ‘clueless’ when they simply disagree with what you claim to experience - which you just stated could not “known thru facts” or even “shared”. THink about that for a bit. ---
**Author:** ![Timo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c4cdca/32.png) [@Timo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timo)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/459 "2013-08-22T15:45:09Z")
Wait…haha…messed up quoting on this post, I ended up quoting myself, don’t know if I can delete this post… ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766/460 "2013-08-22T15:46:18Z")
> [@CurtC](#): > > Sometimes we didn’t even have 0s. I once debated the cosmological argument with a guy using only 1s. most impressive - [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766.md?page=22) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-believe-in-god/666766.md?page=24)