It's important to recognize that not all religious people behave in the same way, and generalizations about any group can be misleading. However, I can provide some insights into the dynamics you mentioned.
Belief and Subjectivity: The nature of religious beliefs is often deeply personal and subjective. People's religious convictions are shaped by a combination of factors, including cultural upbringing, personal experiences, emotional attachments, and philosophical reasoning. To them, their faith may feel like a self-evident truth, and they might not perceive the need to provide external proof or evidence.
Different Epistemologies: Religious beliefs often fall under matters of faith and spirituality, which are based on different epistemological foundations than empirical evidence and scientific proof. While scientific claims typically rely on empirical evidence and observable data, religious claims may be rooted in personal revelation, scripture, tradition, or mystical experiences.
Fear of Challenge: Presenting one's religious beliefs to others can be intimidating because it opens the possibility of criticism or rejection. Some people may hesitate to share their beliefs because they fear they won't be able to defend them adequately or don't want to engage in debates that challenge their faith.
Burden of Proof: The burden of proof concept is sometimes misunderstood or misapplied in religious discussions. In formal debates or scientific contexts, the burden of proof typically lies with the person making a positive claim (e.g., "God exists"). However, in personal belief systems, individuals may not see it that way. They might feel that they are sharing their experiences and perspectives, rather than making an objective claim that requires proof.
Varying Interpretations: Within any religious tradition, there can be diverse interpretations and beliefs. While some individuals might assert they have "proof," others may hold a more nuanced view, acknowledging the subjective nature of their faith.
Coping Mechanism and Community: For many religious believers, their faith serves as a source of comfort, guidance, and a sense of belonging to a community. They might not see the need to prove their beliefs to others because their faith fulfills an important emotional and social function in their lives.
It's essential to engage in respectful and open dialogue when discussing matters of belief, whether religious or not. Both believers and non-believers should be willing to listen to each other's perspectives and be open to learning from different viewpoints. Such conversations can lead to better understanding and foster mutual respect, even if there are disagreements on matters of faith.