If God Doesn't Exist, Why Believe In God? (theist, agnostic)

[Sunstone]

For the sake of discussion, let's assume God doesn't exist. Assuming that God doesn't exist, would there still be some benefit to believing in God?

[Wilder]

No and yes. No, because God doesn't help people like me, and yea some people feel comfort in believing in something that is NOT there, even if the truth of them being mortal is right in their face.

[doppelgänger]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

For the sake of discussion, let's assume God doesn't exist. Assuming that God doesn't exist, would there still be some benefit to believing in God?

There'd be tremendous benefit in others "believing" in God. Just ask agnostic Karl Rove.

[Dream Angel]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

For the sake of discussion, let's assume God doesn't exist. Assuming that God doesn't exist, would there still be some benefit to believing in God?

On the assumption that God doesnt exist, I would say yes as many people compare it to meditation. Its just relaxing, calms the mind, helps you think clearer and make better decisions and lead a (on the most part and in a perfect world ) happy life! I suppose its sort of like speaking to your conciousness. If you are confused about something ever spoken it allowed to yourself to make it clearer? (obviously with noone else looking! )

[Guitar's Cry]

Viewing existence through a theistic paradigm provides great strength and hope for some people. It's one way to provide meaning to an otherwise mundane life.

Objectively, I doubt the existence of God (though I remain cautiously agnostic). But I maintain a personal belief because it works with my worldview. Imbuing the universe with a conscious will provides me with an answer to the feeling that there is greater meaning behind this phenomenon of life.

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

For the sake of discussion, let's assume God doesn't exist. Assuming that God doesn't exist, would there still be some benefit to believing in God?

There could be no instance in which a God that can be believed in does not exist, because if we have created even a concept of God then God exists as a concept.

[Peace]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

For the sake of discussion, let's assume God doesn't exist. Assuming that God doesn't exist, would there still be some benefit to believing in God?

Sorry I can't answer your question Phil, for my mind can't imagine even for a second the non-existence of an Eternal that EXISTS forever and without whom you and I wouldn't even be able to type these few words.

Peace

[Nanda]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

For the sake of discussion, let's assume God doesn't exist. Assuming that God doesn't exist, would there still be some benefit to believing in God?

Well, in my opinion, things would be exactly as they are right now.

[ChristineES]

I can't even imagine God not existing.

[BruceDLimber]

>If God doesn't exist, why believe in God?

IMHO the premise is defective, hence rendering the conclusion (and question) meaningless.

Peace,

Bruce