There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

Hamlet, scene v

Scepticism is a rule to guide the edge of reasoned thought. It should never be embraced as dogma. Dogma closes the door to new discovery.

As far as I'm concerned, I have absolutely no proof that a god exists. That's why I don't believe in the concept.

I have witnessed things that I can not explain. That is why I believe somewhat in the supernatural/paranormal/aliens. As far as I'm concerned I have proof that for me, proves that it is possible. I don't insist that people believe, but I do believe. If you want to call me delusional, go right ahead. But until I see conclusive proof that it isn't posible, I will believe. By the way, you not having the experiences that I have had isn't proof.

Well, I am an atheist and was brought up in an atheist household so, so not Hocus Pocus or rituals in that house. Mum died less 2 months ago, and I am struggling with the pain and loss so much, it has made me want to go to a psychic or do some kind of anything. I guess superstition and the supernatural are tools that make human beings feel they have some control where they have none. It’s a way to try too seek comfort or connection with something unattainable. Obviously my brain stops me doing anything so dumb, but the urge was suddenly there.

Foraging on the savanna, you hear a rustle in the grass. It could be the wind or it could be a lion. Do you run or stay?
We are descended from the ones that ran.

Lack of evidence is not proof. I can use scientific reason to deduce there is probably other life in the universe, but without proof it can neither be confirmed or denied. The big difference with believers like in religion is the refusal to admit there is no proof. If you can't prove them wrong then they are right, and worse, we are expected to agree with them.

Not only superstition, but there some real whack jobs out there.
Like the chem trails people, the moon landing deniers, The flat Earthers, and many more.

Good point. Supposed evidence of God going back just a few thousand years are sketchy, yet we have enormous evidence of dinosaurs from tens if not hundreds of millions of years ago.

I think the human mind has evolved to see possibilities. And while this has allowed us to come up with some wonderful art, literature and inventions, it also causes some people to create fantasies that involve religion.

people find all that stuff comforting. it doesn't comfort me, but it apparently comforts many. it also sometimes give them a feeling of superiority -- ever hear someone say "god is not on my side! god is on someone else's side!" -- not i! once you've got one delusion going, it's easy to add onto it. (i did visit loch ness once! nessie wasn't home.)

g

Thank you so much for posting. In my studies gods were supernatural. When I was a believer my mind speculated on all of it, and I also believed many supernatural things. Not today. No ghosts or any other nonsense. No demons, no devils, etc. I can't even enjoy a good horror film these days. I laugh myself silly with most of them and just give up. A proper approach to god belief shows there is no evidence for any of it. I have no room today for gods or superstition.

What I find amazing is that they really do take pride in the fact that they can believe things that they know aren't true. It means that their faith is strong,

“Faith is believing what you know ain't so.”

― Mark Twain

Lazy (not interested in performing sufficient research/evidence and accurately analyze belief)
Dullard, (not able to analyze the merit or lack of merit of their belief).
Indoctrination (programed at a young age to believe assertions without merit)

People believe because they want to, it gives a sense of purpose for some however false it is, other use beliefs as a crutch or scapegoat to avoid self responsibility or even having to acknowledge a lack thereof. Its an excuse, a cover and a tool to different people for different reasons.

I don't know why, but most people seem to want there be something marvelous to believe in. Is it possible that it is due to natural selection as we evolve? Would the tribe that had religion be more able to push other tribes out of the hunting grounds when things got tight? Any thoughts anyone?

And also in order to search for evidence of said belief, you must first have the belief that it's possible, otherwise you wouldn't try. Motivation people!

Hey now athiest vampire here

I think it's about the placebo effect

people are idiots all people when we encounter something we can't explain our beliefs take over strange noises must be ghosts bright lights in sky must be aliens our brain fills in gaps all the time leading us down thought ways far removed from what we actually see and no one has the time to properly research every phenomenon we encounter we are at best smart monkeys look how many people on this site deny a god figure but happily nod their heads towards ghosts alien visitations tarot cards psychics etc theres to much shit to know and not enough time to critically think about anything but a tiny part of it

There is an evolutionary advantage for offspring who rely on parental authority. Some never mature out of this and need to believe in a "higher power" upon whose precepts they can depend.

Witches are real. They are adherents to the Wicca religion (and other pagan sects use that term also).
I think you mean sorcerers and wizards...enchanters, enchantresses....
although some pagan sects have also re-claimed wizard.

Perhaps just say "people with verifiable supernatural powers"
that will cover mediums and psychics too.

Comforting lies vs (at least initially) uncomfortable truths. Most people still choose beliefs based on their needs and desires and wishes and hopes rather than based on what actually is.