Given Pascal's Wager ("God is, or God isn't"), why is it we still can't get along?

Question

Why the need to prove ones belief to another?

What is, is.
-Native American Wisdom

It doesn't matter. It just doesn't matter.
- Buddhist Wisdom

The Truth will set you Free
-Christian Wisdom

You must be the change you want to see in the world.
-Gandhi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal's_Wager

For those with an adversion to readi

"The Wager can be stated by the following explanation provided by Pascal in the Pensées--

God is, or He is not. "











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Answer 1

The answer is right in front of you. Notice the first two little pearls of wisdom are about letting people live their lives and be happy. Gandhi is along similar lines, leading by example, being good and hoping others will follow. The christian one? Oh yeah, that one's about how they know the truth and you don't, nyah, nyah. They left out the burning in hell because you don't know their "truth" part, but you see what I mean?

As for Pascal's wager, that doesn't make believers, that makes hypocrites. It makes people who are just going through the motions. I'm an atheist myself, but if god did exist, I don't think he'd like that too much.

Answer 2

You know I find that people have tunnel vision. I include myself in this on some regards. The more passion that they have about something the longer the tunnel. :)

I try not to ever argue about the existence of God. It is counter productive and serves no purpose. This includes getting in to most 'arguments' about religious issues.

To add to your quotes is a favorite song of Micheal Jackson. Dont let the singer take away from the message, It is call 'Man in the Mirror.' Basically says that if you want change in the mirror then you need to look at your self first. Kind of like your Gandhi quote. Music is full of great wisdom if you look.

Answer 3

That's not Pascal's Wager...

Pascal's Wager is saying that since God either exists or doesn't, you might as well believe in him. If you believe in God and he exists, you go to heaven. If he doesn't, then it didn't matter what you thought. If you're atheist and there is a god, then you will go to hell. Pascal's Wager has been criticized and debunked so many times, anyways.

Answer 4

I join you in wishing that all human beings would get along.

Having said that, it is relevant to note that Pascal's Wager makes the point that it makes more sense (it is more rational) to live as a Christian than as an Atheist.

I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ (e.g., see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html ).

Answer 5

Because we are not God!!!! and life isn't fair but it's better than anything else I've been offered. Try some gratitude for awhile along with an adjustment in attitudes and who knows the questions may get better for you....and never ever ask WHY!!!

Answer 6

Pacal's wager is even stupider than Aquinas' prime mover argument.

It's hard to believe a man who was otherwise so brilliant, could be such a moron in some aspects of his life.