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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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pdockal · 56-60, M
One starts out believing what your parents/ grandparents/ family believe
Your life experiences will dictate if you continue to believe what your taught
Akimbo75 · 46-50, F
@pdockal I wonder because my brothers definitely had a different childhood than me. they didn’t need to spend every holiday working in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning for the feasts that needed to be made. or sit and watch quietly in temple while the men did all the rituals.
pdockal · 56-60, M
@Akimbo75

My sister and mom have different ways to partake in our beliefs then i do because of our differed experiences