What do you think of the atheist's wager?

Question

This is a response to Pascal's wager.

"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."

http://www.philosophyofreligion.info/atheistswager.html

Answer 1

The atheist wager is closer to the 'real' god by at least getting rid of most of the negative ego-projected images of god. There still is the final part of maintaining a reward/punishment-based god based on merits which is still all about the ego/self. For both atheists and theists, the key should be to just concentrate on reducing the self and not posit anything that has to do with the self; everything 'good' will come after. This means no striving to do good, no striving to make the world a better place -- just removing the ego/self. All the striving reinforces the concept of the self/ego (no matter how 'spiritual' or 'loving' it's perceived to be) which is the root cause of all the problems. Once self-interest and striving are gone, the best result naturally occurs.

Answer 2

It's slightly more logical that Pascal's Wager, but still not brilliant. For one thing it completely ignores the possibility of a god that demands faith rather than just good deeds. Or a malevolent god, who might reward bad deeds.

Answer 3

Why do you friggen care? If you're so secure in your own beliefs, is there really any reason to worry about Atheists? Live you life how you see fit, and I'll live mine as I see fit. End of discussion.

Answer 4

I agree that it sounds iffy.
For an athiest to assume he understands how G-d will act seems unwise. Especially since we're discussing how G-d will react to people specifically not doing His will.
But more than that, as a Jew, the concept behind this "point" seems somewhat ludicrous. I won't elaborate b/c it would take a long time.

cheerio

Answer 5

It is just as flawed as Pascal's argument. While Pascal failed to take into account the possibility of gods other than his own, this argument does not take into account the possibility that God is malevolent, and would send you to hell just for kicks.

Answer 6

I like it, although for me there is not even a chance that there is a benevolent god. But I like it anyway.

Answer 7

Psalm 14:1 says "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" and "There is no one who does good." Trying to "earn" your way to God and "impress" Him by doing good deeds is like trying to climb an infinitely high staircase in hopes of reaching Heaven. The Bible says that all our good deeds are like filthy rags to Him (Isaiah 64:6). You can never be "good enough" for God, because the Bible says that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). But the good news is, it is not good deeds that God wants from us, it's our faith and love for Him. God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross and pay the death penalty for our sins. Then He showed that He has power even over death itself, when He was raised back to life, so that we could have eternal life through Him. He did it all for us, because He loved us. All we have to do is believe in Him, ask for forgiveness, and accept His free gift of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

For any of you who have kids, how would you feel if one day they walked out on you, saying "I think it's better to assume I don't have parents, but just in case, I'm going to go out and do good things so I can earn their love." God feels the same way about His children, and all He wants is to share His love with us, not because of what we do, but because He is our Father.

Today, you can find forgiveness for all your sins, and begin an eternal relationship with your Heavenly Father. All you have to do is ask Him. "For all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13)

Answer 8

for a while it stumped me.

but it has some chinks.

1. many christian denominations believe that no amount of good deeds can save you, only faith. if this is true...(which i hope not)

2. if you live a good life but badmouth God...

perhaps an agnostic wager? believe in A god, that there is a god, and do good regardless?

Answer 9

Wow. That sounds impressively right. See guys? Decent atheist people rock!

Answer 10

Sounds like the same circular illogic that you don't like Christians using. What is so wrong with just letting people believe and live their life as they want.