Belief a CHOICE?

[rstrats]

A number of folks on these boards are saying or at least implying that they can consciously CHOOSE to believe things. If you are one of them perhaps one of you can help me. I have never been able to consciously CHOOSE any of the beliefs that I have and I would like to be able to do that - for example to effect a belief that it is possible for me to become a more compassionate person. If you think that you can consciously CHOOSE to believe things, I wonder if you might explain how you do it. What do you do at the last moment to instantly change your one state of belief to another? What is it that you do that would allow you to say, “OK, at this moment I have a lack of belief that ‘x’ exists or is true, but I CHOOSE to believe that ‘x’ exists or is true and now instantly at this new moment I do believe that ‘x’ exists or is true?

Maybe you could use something like leprechauns to demonstrate your technique. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, a leprechaun is “a fairy peculiar to Ireland, who appeared in the form of an old man of minute stature, wearing a cocked hat and a leather apron.” So, assuming that you don’t already have a belief in them, how about right now, while you are reading this, CHOOSE to believe - be convinced without a doubt - that they exist. Now that you believe in leprechauns, my question is, how did you do it? How did you make the instantaneous transition from lack of belief to belief?

[Chuckt]

I read the Bible and wrestled with it for three years before I became a Christian. I did all kinds of mental gymnastics. It wasn't a capricious decision.

[Lily]

Belief is dertermined by life experiences.

EG : After trying two different types of washing powder, I believe one to be better than the other.

Maybe you could use something like leprechauns to demonstrate your technique. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, a leprechaun is “a fairy peculiar to Ireland, who appeared in the form of an old man of minute stature, wearing a cocked hat and a leather apron.” So, assuming that you don’t already have a belief in them, how about right now, while you are reading this, CHOOSE to believe - be convinced without a doubt - that they exist. Now that you believe in leprechauns, my question is, how did you do it? How did you make the instantaneous transition from lack of belief to belief?

I believe this to be a leading trick question

[rstrats]

Lily,

re: "I believe this to be a leading trick question."

How so?

[Lily]

Well just because I have never seen a leprechaun doesn't mean they don't exist eh ?

[canny]

OI,, who says they don't !!!
Dun shatter my illusions about this as well purleeeease.. !

Someone once told me Santa didn't exist... Huh ! what do they know.

[Lily]

OI,, who says they don't !!!
Dun shatter my illusions about this as well purleeeease.. !

Someone once told me Santa didn't exist... Huh ! what do they know.

Look, just because I ate the Easter bunny, don't shout at me.

[canny]

Look, just because I ate the Easter bunny, don't shout at me.

OH NO !!!! it was YOU ?

[rstrats]

Lily,

re: “Well just because I have never seen a leprechaun doesn't mean they don't exist eh ? “

Maybe they do, maybe they don’t. It is irrelevant to my OP. I’m simply hoping to hear from someone who thinks that they can consciously CHOOSE to believe things. Is that something that you can do?

[inquisitive]

I’m simply hoping to hear from someone who thinks that they can consciously CHOOSE to believe things. Is that something that you can do?

Yes it is, simply put