If Atheists are right, what have Christians lost by living as Christians?

Question

At the same time, what if Christians are right. Then what have the atheists gained?

This is a derivative of what is known as "Pascal's Wager:"

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

Thanks to the Atheists who didn't get personal and honestly answered the question.

Answer 1

What if both lead moral lives, because that makes living a bit better for all.

Answer 2

Pascal's Wager
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal's_wager

Atheist's Wager
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheist%27s_Wager

Answer 3

Good question.

I think if the Athiests are right, the Christians have lost the ability to experience the joy and satisfaction that comes with working together with your fellow man to find the answers about life and the universe that Christians now claim they have already answered.

Also many Christians and other religious people have chosen religion over family or career or friends or even a beloved hobby due to certain decisions they have made. They will have lost whatever it is they sacrificed, whether it be an artistic ambition, a frienship, or a meaningful relationship with an estranged son or daughter, all for nothing.

If Christians are correct and God and the universe exist exactly the way that is described by the Christian bible, depending on how understanding God is, they could either be:

1) Tortured for all eternity by a sadistic supernatural being and face the wrath of judgement of an arbitrary and terrible God, or

2) Treated with understanding and kindness by God for purusing their own truth in the face of no credible evidence of His prior existence.

Answer 4

Pascal's wager in the form of a question, ey?

Well, the Christians have lost an hour every sunday of their lives, they have lost much more time doing other things. They have lost open-mindedness. They have slowed the progress of science.

Consider this instead:

It is better to live your life as if there are no gods, and try to make the world a better place for your being in it. If there is no god, you have lost nothing and will be remembered fondly by those you left behind. If there is a benevolent god, he will judge you on your merits and not just on whether or not you believed in him.

Answer 5

I've gained a lot being a christain, and if I hadn't become a Christian i'd probably be dead right now (very very true). I've met my wife through Christianity, and done many wonderful things through it and my church. Atheists on the other hand also do amazing things, but if they are wrong, they're not going to enjoy it, and believing in god, is sort of like insurance so hey, even if i'm wrong at least I have a 50% chance

Answer 6

Interesting question.

Historically, Christians have been obsessed with the idea of spending eternity in hell, for all manner of offenses. Its a very vindictive religion. So, they have abstained from pleasures of the flesh, flogged themselves, and worried endlessly about their fate after death. Thats what they lost.

Atheists have lost some of the comfort and support that religious or spiritual beleifs can provide.

But this whole atheist/Christian dichotomy is, in my opinion, simplistic. Most atheists are just that because they are sick and tired of some of the rather silly things christians say. But it is possible to have spiritual beliefs without being a christian. In my opinion, both positions are based on lack of knowledge and imagination.

Answer 7

Its a fair question for Christians (not Muslims cause the answer would be "your lives in sensless early suicide").

Look, as long as you dont let that rationale stop you from seeking truth, like 99% of the rest of the religious population, then theres no horrible flaw with that reasoning.

The problem is, people say this and turn off the brain...which is the problem with this reasoning.

Answer 8

Well, I'm not going to say "all" Christians, only the fundamentalist who ruin friendships, shun loved ones, etc. because they do not believe the same way. So many beautiful and wonderful relationships are ruined only because of a difference of belief, it is very sad. They miss out on sharing joy and happiness and fond memories of good people.

If Christians are right? I've still gained in morality. I refuse to love and worship a god that would torture mortal man for finite sins, regardless of how big or small those sins are. That is twisted, sick and evil god, one that is not worthy of worship.

Answer 9

If atheist are right then we have lost nothing.
If Christians are right atheist have lost eternity.

If there is no afterlife...I have lived according to biblical principles like loving my neighbor...giving to the Church and the poor....spending time helping others in need....I have lived a good and prosperous unselfish life. Never having doubt that I can achieve anything. So what have I lost?

Answer 10

If Im right, youve lost 10% of your money and havent had much of a real life living through many experiences, ridiculing others beleifs, and wasting time hanging out with only like minded people. And if youre right, then Ill be judged by someone who is all loving - and thus wouldnt really condemn me to Hell for living a good, righteous life. And if he did, I wouldnt want to go to Heaven.... And, If youre right, 99% of you will be joining me in Hell, because I have yet to meet a REAL Christian.

Old OLD argument buddy....

Answer 11

Christians have lost the ability to think critically and to question the "realities" of their life beyond the confines of their "unquestionable" beliefs. Christians lose the choice to make hard decisions when it comes to grey areas and instead are required to live by the black and white commandments of their deity. Christians have to live with the feeling that they are never good enough and never free and clear and guilt and doubt. Christians live a deluded life.