If each faith's documents declare God is revealed to THEM alone, how do you weigh the risks of faith?

Question

Almost all religions claim some divine sanction of their faith, including holy writings that declare within them that they are handed down from God.

Because of this, isn't every belief equally risky?
Are Jews and others taking a big risk if Hindus have the bead on the divine revelation?
Are Muslims and others risking the wrath of God if Christianity's belief in Jesus divinity ends up being true?
And are atheists at no greater risk than believers for dismissing all of the faiths?

It is equally risky to declare any faith, because there will never be any proof of it. You risk ridicule, but you also risk wasting your preciously brief time in this life.

Answer 1

This is one of the refutations of Pascal's Wager.

"If god exists, it's infinitely better to believe, since you get heaven instead of hell for eternity. If he doesn't, it doesn't matter since you're dead anyway. So overall it's better to believe"

This is, of course, false.

Some of the problems with the argument:

* The implied assumption that god may exist (with a 50% probability, no less!)

* The assumption that there is an afterlife with a heaven and hell

* The assumption that the god cares about belief in him/her above all else

* The assumption that if you believe in a god, it will definitely be the same god that actually exists.

* The assumption that you lose nothing if it's false. You have lost a great deal, from time praying to a nonexistent entity (somebody mentioned just today praying several hours a day!!!) to morality (your god may ask you to hurt other people) and much more besides.

For more:
http://www.abarnett.demon.co.uk/atheism/wager.html
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pascal-wager/
http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/theism/wager.html

Answer 2

i don't comprehend if Luther did that, notwithstanding word that the premier bible in German in recent times is one created with the aid of a joint catholic/protestant group. yet faith is taught appropriate with the aid of Paul's letters, and additionally in John's gospel lots. there is many different passages that still do not make experience if doing God's will is an attempt of the flesh. Romans as an entire is displaying that salvation is in the time of religion a million) Romans 3: justification (because of the fact our good deeds are actually not good sufficient, with the aid of Jesus on my own are we common) 2) Romans 5-8 we reckon on understanding of the greater beneficial factors of salvation, and so with the aid of our faith our "previous guy" is seen as crucified, our existence is joined to Christ's, and so we learn how to stroll interior the Spirit. James became only speaking of folk with the main scanty information of salvation, and so the place only thinking they have been saved with the aid of religion in what Jesus had carried out, whilst they hadn't an entire comprehension of what he had carried out, and what materials have been at their disposal. So in case you have a faith it incredibly is suited and geared up on finished understanding of Christ's salvation for us, it is going to produce good deeds. it incredibly is a pity James did not positioned this in his letter, yet then we can look into Paul's letters and John's gospel to get the recommendations not in James' letter.

Answer 3

It's hard to get masses of people on your side if you espouse your beliefs to them and end with, "But, hey, what do I know? This could be toooootally wrong."

It's natural to say that you're the one with the right answer. Therefore, everyone else is wrong.

Faith isn't exactly "risky." It's not like you've got money riding on it. It's the equivalent of holding deep, deep conviction in the fact that you like chicken salad more than tuna salad. There's no way you can prove to everyone that chicken salad is, in fact, the only true salad... aside from making them think that tuna salad is evil and whatnot.

So, no, faith isn't risky... but it's not very intelligent, either.

*xors

Answer 4

Also add into the mix the devil figures who intentionally deceive people into worshipping false gods. For people who "know" that the being they interact with is real, how is it possible that they know it is actually benevolent? I've never seen the devil portrayed as less intelligent or capable than people, so how can they know if they're avoiding his tricks?

Answer 5

The biggest lie of any faith is the claim of exclusivity of Revelation. God is One and in All. Again I have to mention my famous quote that "Religion is politicised spirituality." So the claim that God is found in one faith alone is a political excercise camouflaged in Spirituality.

Answer 6

By asking that question you are telling us you are not sure which 'religion' is the correct one. Since ultimate reality has no place for relativism, you understand that a particular 'religion' or 'theology' is either true or false. Unfortunately, there is no established religion that can produce empirical data that proves the validity of their theology. So, you'll just have to take my word for it and go Protestant Christian.

Answer 7

On the surface it may appear to be a very deep question, but it's actually one that's frequently asked, and very simplistic. If you really want to know the TRUTH, read the BIBLE, and BELIEVE it! I say REALLY; Hoping you do!

EDIT:

I already KNOW Jesus as my personal Saviour; He's a very Real, Tangible part of my everyday life. How can YOU offer me NOTHING when He is my EVERYTHING for eternity?