I categorize people’s reasons for believing this way. Dumb Reasons ------------------ 1. An authority figure told me it was true. (They all lie) 2. It’s written in a book. (So is Spiderman) 3. How else could reality come into existence? (Ignorance is not evidence.) 4. My holy book accurately predicts things (So does Moby Dick. It’s been proven.) 5. I was raised this way. 6. It’s just obvious that God exists, you stupid heathen. Slightly Better Reasons ---------------------------- 1. I talked to God and he answered. (The Mormon method) 2. I feel Jesus/God/Allah inside me. 3. My prayers are sometimes/often answered. Excellent Reasons ---------------------- 1. I’m hedging my bets just in case it’s real. 2. Belief gives me immediate real-world benefits, socially, health-wise, and happiness-wise. And if it turns out to be true, that’s a bonus. 3. I have studied the historical and scientific evidence and concluded that there is plenty of reason to believe in God.