Thank you. You just helped me make my point.
When the consequences of being wrong are small, people are willing to express their belief. So what if you got "What number is 5 more than half of 80" wrong? No big deal. There's no negative consequence.
What would the consequence be if an atheist is wrong? By some accounts, he'll be thrust into hell for eternity. And yet, atheists are willing to express their belief that there is no God.
On the other hand, what is the consequence if a believer is wrong? Not much, in my opinion. That's why so many people hold this view.
2006-12-27 15:14:00 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Pascal's Wager...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal's_Wager
2006-12-27 15:21:27 · update #1
If you are trying to say it is easy to believe because there is nothing to lose you are very much mistaken. Why would Jesus admonish people to count the cost before converting if there were no consequences? The moment you become a Christian you have become a target for Satan and life is more difficult...contrary to that atheists are left alone to slide along the default path. Try moving toward God and see what happens...resistance appears from every side...Being a Christian is very difficult (if you do it properly) and to find out it was all for nothing would be devastating just as it would be for an atheist to find out they were wrong. We all have to make our judgments very carefully because there are consequences in this life and the next regarding this issue.
2006-12-27 15:25:42 · answer #1 · answered by Pilgrim 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
So what you're actually saying is that atheists are condemned for their beliefs whereas believers are not. That's certainly not true, especially on this site. I've seen far more Christians raked over the coals for what they believe. However, I do agree with you on one point, when you say that people are more willing to express their beliefs when the consequences of being wrong are small. But it doesn't necessarily hold true in all situations. If you are an atheist and you hold certain beliefs, you should feel free to express them regardless of any real or imagined consequences. What's important to you is how you feel, and not what others think. And most believers feel the same way about their convictions.
2006-12-27 23:28:21 · answer #2 · answered by gldjns 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
45 and if you got it wrong you should go back and take fifth grade math again. Maybe you think it is OK to go through life blissfully uneducated, but it isn't.
And after like 300 years (Pascal) can't you come up with a better argument? You really think that you should believe merely because of the fact that you might be wrong? There are thousands of other equally bad consequences with all the other gods man has made up. Are you trying to follow them all??? On what basis did you make the call to follow the one you did?
2006-12-27 23:26:32 · answer #3 · answered by Alex 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting. Are you saying it takes more guts to be an atheist? I hold the Truth and it provides meaning and hope. I have an understanding that goes beyond "normal". Part of the beauty is the internal peace and joy I live in- it comes out all over me like sun spilling through a curtain.
I was never so alone than before I asked Jesus to be the boss of me. So it's not only easy for me to pass along my secret to happiness, it's impossible not to. Do you think Christians don't take a risk? History tells a different story. People are murdered /martyred all over the world- daily, simply because they are Christian. Atheist risk hell upon death- Christians deal with it daily. Oh, 45. Love you!
2006-12-27 23:49:55 · answer #4 · answered by skayrkroh 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
But, you leave out one very important detail in your reasoning. The answer to your question can be found. I do not have any trouble believing that 45 is the answer. I cannot make myself believe in God, no matter how hard I try. I could go to church, pray everyday to be forgiven, and live a Christian lifestyle as perfectly as humanly possible, but if I don't BELIEVE, it does me no good. In the end it matters what is in my heart. If the true belief of God isn't there, I'm screwed. No one can make them self believe. You either can or can't, end of story. I really wish people would realize this, and stop posting questions like this. You must realize that no matter how I live my life on this planet, if God is there he's sees my heart fully, and I cannot change what is there!
2006-12-27 23:22:49 · answer #5 · answered by Amanda D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually there are consequences to my being wrong and following Jesus if it was a lie...
1. I will have missed out on a lot of things I desired to do and did no because I obeyed God.
2. I will have lived a lie...and I would hate that...
3. I will have taught my kids to live a lie...double hating that
4. I would have pursued others things in life and been more acceptable to society because of it...
SO, I would have to be sure of what I chose...and, I am. I totally believe in Jesus...of that I am sure and have no fears about being wrong about it. The hard part is believing he keeps his promises...and being brave enough to stand up to my own desires in that aspect.
2006-12-27 23:21:46 · answer #6 · answered by debi_lockwood 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pascals wager - brought up once an hour. What if you picked the wrong god? Eternal hell from the other 9,999 worshipped at the moment. I think we've got about the same chances of burning in hell - that is to say, none.
2006-12-27 23:17:24 · answer #7 · answered by eri 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
45
2006-12-27 23:16:30 · answer #8 · answered by Hemant S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
45
And are you familiar with "Pascal's Wager?" Your going around the barn to refute it. The simple matter is that it is a threat posed by Christians, mirroring the one they believe they've gotten from God.
I would refuse to obey that God if it did exist, the power-mad, abusive bully.
.
2006-12-27 23:17:01 · answer #9 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
45.
And I disagree that there is no consequence when a believer is wrong. A believer risks that he wastes all his life for something that is merely a figment of his imagination.
2006-12-27 23:21:51 · answer #10 · answered by ragdefender 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋