In the vicinity of Gliese 559 c, there exists a group of people who wear masks to avoid inadvertently inhaling and killing tiny insects; gently sweep the ground as they walk to avoid stepping on ants or bugs; and completely abstain from agriculture because turning soil would destroy countless life forms. Some pierce their backs with metal hooks to drag enormous floats, or stab their cheeks and tongues with spears to demonstrate loyalty; they beat themselves with ritual instruments (such as maces or spiked balls) until bleeding, showing a state of divine possession without pain. To us, these actions may seem unimaginable, or even frightening, yet there exists a group of physiologically normal humans who willingly perform what appear to be insane acts.
Introduction
No matter whether in China or abroad, there are always devout religious followers. They come from different backgrounds, with different social and family circumstances, yet they firmly believe in things that cannot be theoretically proven. There are countless beliefs in the world, and the study of theology covers a broad range. Different religious sects may even contradict each other in their doctrines, lifestyles, and fundamental questions such as “What is a human?” or “Why do humans exist?” People hope to obtain truth through faith, but each person interprets it differently.
For believers, even if objective issues exist, their faith remains unwavering and is not easily shaken by “objective truths.” Why is this so? How do people become so firm in their beliefs? Could any of us potentially become a devout follower of some religion in the future? The answer, yes or no, is a personal choice. But the fact remains: a significant portion of the world’s population are devout believers.
Generally, devout believers fall into two categories:
- Innate Believers – Children born into religious families or individuals whose worldview has been reshaped by religious doctrines. Their worldview is built upon faith, and they constantly reinforce their beliefs through daily life. They are unlikely to voluntarily engage with ideas that contradict their faith and may lack the capacity to discern the truth of their beliefs.
- Converted Believers – Individuals who undergo significant life events (such as surviving a disaster or experiencing repeated misfortune) and integrate religion into their worldview as a way to explain events and seek spiritual support. Their brains may subconsciously or deliberately avoid questioning religion to prevent existential anxiety, and when their faith is challenged, they may respond with anger or fear rooted in internal unease.
Believers who build their entire value system on religion (the first category) tend to be more tolerant of dissenting opinions, because disagreements are interpreted as differing worldviews rather than personal attacks. For example, a person raised with a moral sense that killing or stealing is wrong may instinctively view disbelief in God or consumption of forbidden food as morally wrong within another value system. Disagreement in such cases is a clash of values rather than malevolence.
We cannot change other people's value systems, nor can we provide conclusive evidence that our own worldview is correct. Hence, it is important to respect others' cognition when there is no interference.
In summary, faith is easier to maintain for those who view it as a core value, but many treat religion as a tool to alleviate inner struggles. People adopt religious practices differently: some retreat to monasteries after success, some join religious groups despite opposition from their families, and some seek guidance from spiritual masters during life crises. For believers, what forms the basis of their faith? Do they receive divine instructions that make them unshakable?
1. Innate Believers
1.1 Faith Formation in Childhood
Some people are born into religious families, so their values are rooted in faith from birth—considered the most orthodox form of religious upbringing. However, there are also individuals who, regardless of past behavior, undergo sudden spiritual awakenings or convert to a different faith during adolescence or adulthood.
For children, understanding religion is limited. In Piaget’s preoperational stage (ages 2–7), children think concretely, magically, and egocentrically. Their concept of God is often anthropomorphic—a powerful old man living in the clouds, who may be physically present in the church or listening to prayers in the room.
This concretized image of God provides:
- Safety: Children feel understood and protected from harm.
- Hope: Even in despair, miracles are possible.
- Companionship: God is always present, offering support wherever they are.
Children’s belief is reinforced by:
- Trust in authority: Parents and religious leaders are absolute authorities.
- Desire for belonging: Evolutionarily, human infants are highly dependent on caregivers; social acceptance becomes a core psychological need. Religious rituals provide communal experiences and reinforce belonging.
- Preference for comforting explanations: Religion offers simple, comforting answers to fears like death and loneliness.
1.2 Value Reconstruction During Growth
Children interpret religious stories literally, like fairy tales, without questioning metaphorical or scientific content. During adolescence, as rational thinking develops and hormones fluctuate, doubts arise: “Is God truly benevolent if people suffer?” Some reconcile these doubts and enter adult faith, while others may modify aspects of their belief, or abandon religion entirely.
1.2.1 Struggles with Doubt
Believers face internal pressure to maintain unwavering faith. Even if heaven offers eternal reward for belief, the evidence for faith may rely only on scripture or persuasive preachers. Children’s unquestioning acceptance of authority helps instill faith early on, but adults face cognitive challenges. Philosophers like Descartes and Aquinas attempted logical proofs of God’s existence, yet their reasoning exposes vulnerabilities. Different religions offer contradictory “ultimate truths,” making it difficult to ensure one’s faith aligns with absolute reality. Maintaining faith requires courage, as it may conflict with observable reality or personal experiences.
1.2.2 Inner Conflict
True believers must align their inner thoughts with religious teachings. They cannot indulge in personal distractions (e.g., forbidden pleasures), as God observes the mind itself. Internal struggles, guilt, and fear compound this pressure, creating a persistent cycle of tension and self-regulation.
2. Converts
2.1 Faith Construction in Converts
Some individuals experience crises or existential emptiness and turn to religion. Modern life may provide material comfort but often leaves spiritual voids. Religion offers:
- A framework for meaning: Answers to questions about life, suffering, and death.
- Certainty and order: Predictable structures and divine guidance reduce anxiety.
- Community and identity: Religious groups provide belonging, unconditional acceptance, and a clear sense of self.
Example: An individual struggling with identity may find belonging in a church, forming strong emotional attachment and subsequently converting.
2.2 Challenges After Conversion
2.2.1 Temptation of Secular Life
Modern distractions—smartphones, social media—stimulate dopamine release through random rewards, making focus on religious practices challenging. Practices like meditation, prayer, or ritual can reshape dopamine responses via delayed gratification and structured goals, reinforcing belief over time. Biological factors (e.g., dopamine receptor gene variants) also influence susceptibility to distraction. Persistence through early challenges allows the brain to adjust and strengthens commitment.
2.2.2 Test of Time
For a devout believer, faith is a lifelong practice. Daily rituals, dietary rules, and prayer schedules must be observed consistently, often for decades. Initial novelty may sustain motivation, but long-term discipline requires internalization and adaptation. Over time, ritual repetition produces runner's high-like satisfaction via endorphins, providing deep fulfillment beyond short-term dopamine-driven pleasures.
Summary
Faith arises from a complex interplay of childhood conditioning, physiological factors, psychological needs, and life experiences. Innate believers form early, reinforced by upbringing and authority, while converts often embrace religion for existential, emotional, or social reasons. Both face ongoing challenges: resisting secular temptations, enduring internal pressure, and reconciling doubt. Understanding these mechanisms highlights why people maintain belief and how it can change over time.