I don't think of myself as enlightened, but I often think people who follow religions like Christianity don't think about it. Not that they're stupid, necessarily, but possibly try not to think about it? I wonder how someone who is 40 could still be completely rational about it and still believe it.

But I keep seeing people who claim to have thought just like I do but then "grew out of it." I mean, I think of rational thought and logic as growing out of blind faith, yet these people claim people like me are psuedo-intellectuals, and the concept of taking a logical stance is immature.

But, what the shit? Some of the beliefs they follow are just so insane that I can't understand how someone could follow them after really thinking it through. But the way they describe how people like me think is dead-on.

So, has anyone here converted like this? And why? Or does anyone understand why this would happen?

They have the maturity to put their happiness over logic.

You want a logical explanation to why logic doesn't work?? Obviously that is illogical.

Because they want to believe?

It is easier to believe that someone out there is watching you all the time, taking care of you, making sure that everything goes nicely; rather than realising that life sucks and is usually unfair.

People like to live with their heads in the sand.

Although i can speak only for myself.. let's try something.

You mentioned, "I wonder how someone who is 40 could still be completely rational about it and still believe it."

Well, i'm 40. I am Christian (Lutheran, Wis. synod.. just info for background). As i've aged, my faith has grown (and just so you know, i sometimes wish that my faith was what you call, "blind faith".. i think it would be an easier path, but easier is not always better) I am on vacation this week, so i may have more time to respond to posts than i've had recently.. after this week, its back to the hectic life of a UPS, with Christmas on it's way.

I'll do my best to answer questions that you have. As many in this forum know, i take the Bible quite literally. I'm not here for the purpose of argueing, but i know that it is the nature of the topics.. i just ask that you or anyone else that responds in this thread be honestly searching, not out looking to "pwn".. i just dont have that kind of time.

Also, bear in mind that i do have a family and responsibilities that come first.. but i'll do my best to reply.

God Bless.