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Question to religious people: why do you believe?

I grew up in an orthodox jewish family in Toronto. We strictly followed all the laws of judaism such as pray daily, keep kosher and observe sabbath. When I was growing up, we were maybe a 7 on a scale of 1-10, 10 being fanatic. The minutia of rules lived in every moment of every day. There were specific blessings to say when you ate, slept, went to the bathroom. Rules about what women may not do, say, be. Rules for men too, but much less limited.

For me, it was too much. I defected from that world 20 years ago. (It was hard.) My parents and siblings have only become more fanatical as the years go by, they’re all at a 9 by now. We do speak to each other and get along OK.

But I have trouble understanding how they or anyone can truly be happy in that life.

So I ask, why do YOU believe?
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iamnikki · 31-35, F
Why do I believe?
Because I have had things happen to me, and it does not seem to be a coincidence that I walked away unhurt, unharmed, escaped just in time etc... seems to me like someone is watching over.
Then things I see help to confirm

Edited to add, the someone's name is Jesus
@iamnikki Thank you for giving credit where credit is due...to Jesus! 👍❤️🤗🙏
Akimbo75 · 46-50, F
@iamnikki By best friend loves Jesus. He often reminds me I’m so blessed, if I could only see it.

I mean yes I am fortunate and have made it through a lot of tough times, not unscathed but in one piece, but is that because something/someone was watching over me or because I worked my ass off, tried to be a good and moral person, loved with my whole heart, gave my children the emotional care and time they each needed, and so on?

Yes I am in a good place but why would I think any higher power is paying attention to any of it? If I didn’t do all the work, I wouldn’t be here.

I know it sounds self centered. But to me, it’s more egotistical to think some higher power was taking care of things on their end - like why would I merit that?
iamnikki · 31-35, F
@Akimbo75 I have been searching for an answer to your question since I read it about an hour ago. I am still learning things about Christianity myself. So what I will do is ask for guidance and get back to you tomorrow 😊
iamnikki · 31-35, F
@Akimbo75 I didn't get a straight-forward answer from the group leader as she kind of rushed because she had other things to do and the meeting got cut short. I could try to ask again perhaps