Why belief in God is a choice, not a sign of madness

Have you ever questioned the existence of God? As a society, we often encounter individuals who raise this very point. Many of us are raised to believe in a higher power, but as we grow, doubts may arise. This article aims to address the common skepticism towards belief in God and provide a rational perspective on why disbelief does not equate to madness.

Understanding the skepticism

From biblical miracles like talking snakes and parting seas, to resurrection stories and ascensions, the narratives of faith can seem hard to believe. Even at a young age, many of us have expressed doubt about such tales. For example, when the author was eight years old, they asked a simple question: 'Do grown-ups really believe that stuff?'

By the time we grow into adults, this question often transforms into a resigned one: 'How do adults actually believe those things?'

The numbers and context

Recent official data from the Australian Census shows a significant trend towards non-belief. The 'religion' section on census forms overwhelmingly shows that the majority choose 'no religion'.

This indicates that a normal, educated individual, who has had the benefit of free and compulsory education, is more likely to opt for 'no religion' as their preferred belief. This is a societal trend that reflects a growing skepticism towards religious claims and a recognition of the delusional aspects of many religious beliefs.

The influence of religion

Even in religious contexts, many terms are derived from ancient deities. For instance, the English days of the week are named after gods and goddesses, demonstrating how deeply ingrained these mythical figures are in our culture. The phrase 'all made up' aptly describes the existence and actions of many gods and supernatural beings in religious texts.

Skepticism as wisdom and freedom

Skepticism towards God or religion is not a sign of madness. In fact, embracing this skepticism and questioning the foundations of belief can be seen as a sign of enlightenment and critical thinking. The author encourages readers to understand that while knowing about a god may be possible, a personal relationship with him is not compulsory.

The author suggests that if one desires to know more about the perceived divine, investigating the concept can be a valuable exploration. Nevertheless, the choice to believe or not should be left to individual conscience.

The minority view

While many agree that skepticism is a healthy and rational stance, some religious texts and figures may suggest otherwise. The author cites Psalms, which refer to non-believers as foolish, further emphasizing the division between believers and skeptics.

However, the author also warns against being influenced by those with a financial interest in promoting or discouraging belief. It is crucial to make personal and informed choices free from external pressures.

Ultimately, the decision to believe in God or not is a deeply personal one that should be made based on individual convictions and rational thought, not merely societal expectations or religious dogma.