“Belief” is defined first as the acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof. It is also defined as something one accepts as true or real, as in a firmly held opinion.
These two variations of “belief” are actually in conflict. Many even those reading this will disagree with this assessment, however that is why this is being written to address this very point.
The former definition leans more toward an acceptance that, for the most known example, God is real. This however is not how the second definition of the word works.
Let’s look at the wording of the second definition, yet phrased differently.
“I accept this (blank) to be true for it is a firmly held opinion.”
First off we must look at the word “opinion.”
Opinion – A view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
Now here is where someone will state that this also matches the first definition, especially when belief in God is applied within the belief model. That actual statement confirms the second definition. It is them accepting a firmly held opinion.
Acceptance in God is based upon the teachings, not just within the Bible. True there is no solid proof. However, there is historical and archaeological evidence that supports events, places and people found within the Bible. There is even evidence of Jesus outside the Bible.
“And now Caesar, upon hearing the death of Festus, sent Albinus into Judea, as procurator. But the king deprived Joseph of the high priesthood, and bestowed the succession to that dignity on the son of Ananus, who was also himself called Ananus. Now the report goes that this eldest Ananus proved a most fortunate man; for he had five sons who had all performed the office of a high priest to God, and who had himself enjoyed that dignity a long time formerly, which had never happened to any other of our high priests. But this younger Ananus, who, as we have told you already, took the high priesthood, was a bold man in his temper, and very insolent; he was also of the sect of the Sadducees, who are very rigid in judging offenders, above all the rest of the Jews, as we have already observed; when, therefore, Ananus was of this disposition, he thought he had now a proper opportunity. Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the sanhedrin of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned: but as for those who seemed the most equitable of the citizens, and such as were the most uneasy at the breach of the laws, they disliked what was done; they also sent to the king, desiring him to send to Ananus that he should act so no more, for that what he had already done was not to be justified; nay, some of them went also to meet Albinus, as he was upon his journey from Alexandria, and informed him that it was not lawful for Ananus to assemble a sanhedrin without his consent. Whereupon Albinus complied with what they said, and wrote in anger to Ananus, and threatened that he would bring him to punishment for what he had done; on which king Agrippa took the high priesthood from him, when he had ruled but three months, and made Jesus, the son of Damneus, high priest.
Flavius Josephus: Antiquities of the Jews Book 20, Chapter 9, 1”
So this alone disqualifies the use of the second definition of the word “belief,” because it is not “opinion,” but history.
Again those that wish to belief in opinion over fact show that it takes a greater leap of faith, than it does to belief in God and His Son Jesus Christ.
This need to deny God. This need to believe that there is no moral authority. This allows those that are open to opinion that is not based in fact. Permitting them to live their lives as they wish too, to their own personal satisfaction. Allowing them to set their own personal gage of morality in their own existence.
This amorality allows most within this world to live lives that per the Bible will not lead to heaven, but to damnation. However since they live through opinion and not fact this allows people to come into greater and greater conflict with other people. Thus tearing apart society.
Those that live their lives in the beliefs of opinions swing this way and that way. As opinion changes day to day, to new ones that fit the need of the day. Like a boat cast adrift upon the ocean. Being pulled this way and that, but never seeing land ever again. Causing those within the boat to die of starvation and thirst.
This is what is beyond belief. This need to live in the opinion and not the fact. This need to place oneself before God. Thus breaking the very first commandment. To place no other god before The Lord our God.
For those that live upon opinion, and wish to live by their own moral compass will never see true north. Thus living lost to all and everyone, especially themselves.
Coming to understand that there is more evidence that supports that God is real. Is something that is extremely hard for those that live in the belief of opinion. For it is easier and less painful to “live” in the great lie. Not realizing that in reality they are not alive at all, until it is too late.