People often use the phrasal verb "believe in" when they ask you questions about gods or certain scientific theories. I think this phrase causes a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. It's probably best to avoid using it.
Off the top of my head I can think of three meanings for “I believe in X”. (Later while browsing at a bookstore I checked a big fat unabridged dictionary and my initial guesses below proved to be mostly correct.) Here they are:
1. I think X exists.
2. I have a trust or confidence in X. (eg. I believe in America! Of course the person isn’t saying America exists, or I believe in you honey, said to a spouse or child.)
3. I approve of X. (Usually used in the negative. Eg. I don’t believe in watching TV.)
Depending on the meaning intended by someone asking a question using "believe in" quite different answers are appropriate.
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2 comments:
Are you saying you don't believe in believing in? Just kidding! :)
In my Bible, “believe in” means to trust, to rely upon, or to know about. It caries a certainty. I have good reasons for “believing in” Christ.
I do see the need to define the term, however, and I often avoid it for the same reasons you state.
I’m glad I had the chance to visit you again,
J. K. Jones
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