Here are some simple odds for ya, with possible outcomes for each scenario:
If there is God:
Christians Win, Atheists Lose
If there is no God
Christians: Nothing; Atheists: Nothing
So its simple math, doesn't take a genious to realize that Win or Draw is a better bet than Lose or Draw.
You rational thinkers should be able to comprehend this I think.
2006-11-15 06:02:17 · 10 answers · asked by Rick 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Christians don't necessarily win.
There are many people who consider themselves Christians who won't make it to Heaven.
And, I hope that at the time of final judgement the Lord will allow all of those people that have denied Him to repent and enter the Kingdom.
2006-11-15 06:05:45 · answer #1 · answered by jinenglish68 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Gee, you're right--I've never heard this before--I'm gonna become a Christian now. Your example is a classic logical fallacy. Here's how it works:
If there is a CHRISTIAN God: Christian Win, Atheists AND ALL OTHER NON-CHRISTIANS lose
If there is a Zeus: Ancient Greeks win, Everyone Else loses.
If these is an Allah: Muslims win, Everyone Else loses.
Get my drift? "Simple odds" only work when there are 2 options. Odds are my dear, that YOU are the loser.
2006-11-15 14:07:42 · answer #2 · answered by Elphaba 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you've very clearly illustrated Pascal's Wager. Kudos.
Now the next step is wondering why belief in a religion based on fear is wrong. When you get to that step, then we can talk.
And while you're at it, throw some of the other gods of world religions into the equation. What would that mean for christians? Oh dear! ;)
2006-11-15 14:06:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there is no God:
Christians - have wasted their time and money going to church week-in week-out, making donations etc etc and have failed to see the true wonders of cosmology and evolution.
Atheists - will have lived their lives based on humanity's innate moral code rather than outdated scriptures, living a life all the happier for it.
2006-11-15 14:07:54 · answer #4 · answered by btomkins88 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
entirely correct - but only as long as your belief does not affect your actions in life. Is there a point to it if it doesn't???
Given the high number of atrocities done throughout history in the name of religion do you really think we are better off believing in god just as a kind of insurance?
It is a very stupid argument.
2006-11-15 14:17:12 · answer #5 · answered by convictedidiot 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I comprehend alright. Still no reason to believe in something that does not exist.
2006-11-15 14:17:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No see then the question becomes:
Is God so easily misled, that he can't see when someone pretends to be Christian just to get into heaven?
2006-11-15 14:15:20 · answer #7 · answered by Southpaw 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
everyone will follow their own heart as to what they think is the truth
2006-11-15 14:06:48 · answer #8 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is that your life's work
2006-11-15 14:08:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are totally right.
There is no god, we all gain nothing.
The earth remains as it is.
We all still die.
The end.
Fantabulous idea my friend! I like the second scenario!!
2006-11-15 14:05:42 · answer #10 · answered by Heck if I know! 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋