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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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Pfuzylogic · M
I was confirmed Lutheran Missouri Synod. I do believe that Jesus kept all of the Law on my behalf and other Christian believers.
I think there were either 613 or 615 laws to keep from the Torah.
Wow!
Akimbo75 · 46-50, F
@Pfuzylogic Yeah it’s 613, many serve to create an ethical society and I think that’s great. Some are oddly mysterious and have no reason given, requiring blind faith and building a life separate from those who don’t follow ( which are some interesting reasons right there)