[robinhood]

An interesting feature of threads like this one is how often phrases like "I believe", "IMHO", "I feel", "I think", etc. are used as if matters of religion are nothing more than what one happens to believe at any given time.

It has to be that a) religion, b) which religion, and c) what facets of any religion, are like anything else. They are either true or false. And if someone says there is no true or false, please also prove that such a statement is true. Otherwise, why should anyone believe it?

Some might say it doesn't matter if any of the religions or their teachings are true or false, only that you believe them, or one of them.

However, if a particular religious belief is true and it holds that it does matter a) which one you believe, or b) what you believe, then believing the wrong thing won't be rewarded even if it is fervent belief because the false belief has no authority, i.e., is not in control.

It is not enough to say that you don't believe that any religion has any authority, because "belief" in and of itself doesn't dictate whether there is authority. There either is authority or no authority whether any of us believe it or not, and we live by that principle everyday.

For example, if you go to work tomorrow and decide you're boss has no authority over you and you act accordingly, how long will you have a job. Further, the boss won't reward you just because you believe they will (i.e., heaven) nor will they refrain from discipline just because you choose to believe they will refrain (i.e., hell).

Our belief, in and of itself, has nothing to do with a) causing the boss to act the way we want, b) making God act like we want Him to, or c) have any effect over whether He exists. We simply don't have that kind of power or authority. It is external to us. We can't control someone if they possess more authority over us. We are reminded of that everytime we test the speed limit. Heck, if we have the authority to simply believe something and cause it to be so, I'll just believe myself to be the boss. Hmmm. .... won't work, guess I have no authority to do that, (even though I had the "ability") to believe what I wanted to.

Does this mean that we forget faith altogether? No, we look for the truth and when it is found align ourselves with it and not let go. How do you find the truth? Look for what is supported by the evidence, not just fervency, sincerity, fanaticism, etc. Look at what has the authority over life decisions, including life and death.

For your consideration: Acts 17:22-31