Is the last ditch effort of all Christians the "what if" question?

Question

After you (as in those who don't believe) put up valid arguments about why you do not believe, it always seems to end up with this question:

"well, what if you're wrong?"

--I'd be very, very surprised if I am.

hahaha! I like Jewel flowers sense of humor. good shot!

i'd be surprised if there was a heaven/hell, if there was an afterlife don, but yes the other side of your point..if I just died, I wouldn't be anything but dead.

Answer 1

Such dialogues almost always end in " what if you're wrong" or "well, you'll find out after you die" or similar threats.

When they do that, it's victory on your part. It means you pushed them to limit, and odds are that fact will gnaw on them long after the conversation is over.

Relish it rather than being frustrated by it.

Answer 2

Well, I'm not much for the "what if...?" line of reasoning. Used as such, sure, it's a last ditch effort in any sort of conversation by either side.

The broad possibilites must be considered, true, to determine what the cost might be for our choice and our willingness to stake our lives on it; but variations on what's commonly known as "Pascal's Wager" don't really result in any lifelong commitments or life changes.

I think many intellectual discussions (or even arguments) over faith issues have their expectations far too high ... winning someone over. Realistically, all an argument can really do is articulate our positions, while challenging holes / false roadblocks in our thinking so that we can explore more possibilities; it can't really make anyone choose to believe anything.

These philosophical/religious discussions would probably be more impact simply being expressed by living side-by-side and building relationships with each other. That's the level where people determine what is worth living for and what they think is worth believing.

Answer 3

Last ditch effort is torture and forced conversion, but most people don't go that far. Usually today, even the most zealous stop with trying to fuse government and religion.

Most christians don't aspire to strictly follow the bible either, they just don't know it because they haven't read it. The only thing you need to read to prove that the Bible is not exactly brimming with 21st century morality is the Bible itself (one would think the word of god would be timeless).

If you're atheist, and you come across the "what if you're wrong" argument, then I'd suggest saying that you've lived your life as a good person, and you didn't need God or anyone else to tell you how to do it.

Answer 4

People don't seem to understand that you can't just wake up and decide to believe or not believe in something. They often say why don't you err on the side of caution, what would it hurt. Well since you would be lying if you just said that you believe in something you didn't, and since they believe God knows all, then what would that do for you. Other then lying to yourself and others daily, not a thing.
Most what if questions are asked to start a discussion and make people think, but that one I think is just a way of them saying they think you will be going to hell.

Answer 5

I'm astounded at how immature your question is when it concerns something as serious as your own fate.

When others exhibit an interest in your well-being, you shouldn't callously mock them for it. When a Christian goes down the path of "what if", it is a genuine attempt on their part to keep you from burning in hell.

At some point in our lives, we need to grow up, and start acting like adults. We need to quit acting like we're in junior high and start seriously considering what the rest of this life and the afterlife holds for us. We should either listen to those trying to help us, or just flat out reject them and go on about our lives, cognizent of the fact that we will have to endure the consequences of our own actions.

True Christians sincerely believe that those who reject Christ's gift of salvation will burn in hell. It's not a funny thing to mock those trying to help you. If you don't want their help, just say so. Most will leave you alone after that. But if you decide to listen, you may just find what they have to say comes from a sincere desire to help you.

Answer 6

No it isn't. It may not sound very Christian, but if you have heard the accounts and philosophies of people who believe and you obviously have been exposed to the Word, then I would have no interest in attempting to convert you to any Christian belief. How could I?

The "what if" argument is, indeed, a weak argument that makes faith sound like (after-)life insurance. It isn't, and people who make that argument do not know their fatih well enough.

Answer 7

Hey..that IS a good question when you think about eternity being spent in either Paradise or Hell. And God Bless those Christians who do use last ditch efforts to warn people that they are really playing with their Souls by staying hard headed and closed hearted to God's Love.

Answer 8

I won't miss you in heaven. I don't know you so why should I care? It will not make any difference to me if you perish in hell. I am only trying to warn you so you can prevent a horrible mistake. If the bridge washed out up the road, I shouldn't tell you I suppose. I should just let you drive straight off into hell.

Answer 9

Actually, it's the atheists who seem to have the market cornered on "what if" questions that deal with impossible -- and often ridiculous -- scenarios.

For instance, they ask things like "What if Jesus lived on the moon and had a spaceship?" and stuff like that.

How is one supposed to logically answer a question like that?

I see that sort of question from atheists a lot on this board.

Answer 10

That is with everything in life. Me I am always surprised if I am right lol I always seem to be wrong about something or another..