Understanding How Personal Experience, Community, and Emotion Shape Our Beliefs
Introduction
It’s something you see everywhere: people holding onto beliefs that feel right to them—even if those beliefs don’t quite line up with what’s written in the Bible or other holy texts. Whether it’s everyday ideas or bigger questions about God, faith, and spirituality, human nature seems to nudge us toward believing what we want. But why does this happen, especially when it comes to matters of faith? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
The Power of Personal Experience
One of the biggest reasons people believe what they do is personal experience. The way we’re raised, family traditions, and moments that stand out in our lives shape the way we see the world. For instance, if someone grows up in a home where kindness is the top value, they may believe that being kind is the most important part of following God—even if the Bible talks about other aspects of faith.
We all look at life through a “lens” created by our experiences. When we read something in scripture or hear a message at church, we filter it through what we already know and feel. If it matches what we believe, we’re likely to accept it. If not, we might ignore it or come up with reasons why it doesn’t apply.
Culture and Community Influence
Culture and the people around us have a huge impact on what we believe. Different countries, communities, and churches often highlight certain parts of the Bible or interpret them in their own way. Some focus on love and forgiveness; others put emphasis on rules and rituals.
Human beings naturally want to fit in. When a whole group believes something a certain way, it feels good to go along—even if that belief isn’t exactly what scripture says. Over time, what “everyone knows” can become stronger than what’s actually written in holy texts.
Making Sense of Scripture
Let’s face it—the Bible and other holy books aren’t always easy to understand. They were written long ago, in different cultures and languages, and they include stories, poems, laws, and letters. Sometimes, different verses seem to say different things.
Because of this, people tend to pick out the parts of scripture that make sense to them or feel comforting, and leave out the rest. If a passage is confusing or seems to clash with what someone has always believed, they might skip it or rely on a pastor or spiritual leader to explain it.
The Role of Emotions and Desires
Belief isn’t just about facts and logic—it’s about feelings, too. If a certain idea about God or Jesus brings comfort or hope, people are more likely to hold onto it, even if scripture says something different. On the other hand, beliefs that cause discomfort or fear might get ignored.
For example, some believe that God is always forgiving, no matter what, because that idea feels reassuring. Others focus on God’s justice and punishment, which fits their view of the world. In both cases, emotions play a key role in shaping what people believe.
Confirmation Bias: Seeing What We Want to See
There’s a term for this: confirmation bias. It means we notice things that support our existing beliefs and ignore things that don’t. If someone wants to see God as loving, they’ll focus on verses about love and overlook passages about judgment.
This isn’t just about religion—it happens in politics, sports, and everyday life. But in matters of faith, where beliefs can be deeply personal, confirmation bias is especially powerful.
Tradition Versus Scripture
Churches and faith communities often have traditions that have been passed down for generations. Sometimes these traditions match scripture; other times, they drift away. Rituals, holidays, and certain teachings can take on a life of their own, and people follow them because “it’s always been done this way.”
When tradition and scripture clash, many people stick with tradition—sometimes out of habit or loyalty, rather than checking what the holy texts really say.
Selective Belief and Interpretation
Even dedicated Bible readers interpret verses differently based on their worldview. One person might see Jesus as a champion of justice and another as a spiritual savior. Both can find verses to support their perspective, and both might downplay verses that don’t fit.
This doesn’t mean anyone is lying—it’s just how our minds work. When faced with complicated information, we try to make it simple and relatable.
Role of Leaders and Influencers
Pastors, priests, and religious teachers play a big part in shaping beliefs. If a leader interprets scripture a certain way, many people will follow that lead—even if other interpretations exist. Trusted leaders can influence entire communities, and their teachings can become widely accepted, sometimes even going beyond what scripture says.
Fear of Doubt and Uncertainty
Questions about God, the meaning of life, and what happens after death can be scary. People want answers and certainty, so they hold onto beliefs that comfort them—even if those beliefs aren’t exactly in the Bible. Admitting doubt or uncertainty can feel risky, so many cling tightly to what makes sense to them.
Accessibility and Language
Not everyone has access to the Bible in their own language, or finds it easy to understand. Some versions use old, complicated language, and many people rely on what they’re told by others. When someone hasn’t read scripture themselves, it’s easy to end up believing something that isn’t really in the text.
What Can You Do?
If you want your beliefs to match up with scripture, try reading the Bible yourself, asking questions, and talking with people who think differently. Be open to learning and changing your mind. It’s normal to want comfort and certainty, but faith also means wrestling with tough questions and accepting that not everything is simple.
Nobody gets it perfectly right. Our beliefs are shaped by scripture, tradition, community, and personal experience. Understanding this can help us be more compassionate toward others and honest about our own journey.
Conclusion
People believe what they want for many reasons: personal experience, culture, tradition, emotion, and the need for certainty. Faith is complicated, and it’s natural for beliefs to drift away from what’s written in holy texts. Still, those scriptures are there for anyone who wants to dig deeper and discover what they really say. Being willing to question our beliefs and explore scripture for ourselves is a powerful step toward greater understanding—of both our faith and ourselves.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 