What if Atheists are right - there's no God?

Answer 1

to those who respond with 'what if they're wrong?'

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"

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.

* The assumption that people can believe in something simply because it benefits them. Would you believe goblins exist for twenty bucks? Why not?

* The assumption that any god won't see through the "believing just to get into heaven" ploy.

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

Hey eldad9: Let me guess you keep that handy to paste anytime this subject is brought up. Look me also!

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"

Some of the problems with the argument:

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

I WILL TAKE THOSE ODDS IN VEGAS ANYTIME!!

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

YUP! MOST OF HUMANITY BELIEVES IN SOME FORM OF AFTERLIFE.

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

YES, I'M SURE IF THERE IS A GOD HE WOULD NOT CARE ABOUT SO WOUNDERFULL A CREATION!!

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

THE QUESTION IS NOT ADDRESSING THE NAME OF THE TRUE GOD, ONLY THE BELIEF IN ONE.


* 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.

YES, HOW TERRIBLE IT IS TO SEEK THE GRACE OF GOD ON THE BEHALF OF OTHERS. IT IS ALSO PROVEN THAT A PRAYER LIFE AIDS IN YOUR OVERALL HEALTH.

* The assumption that people can believe in something simply because it benefits them. Would you believe goblins exist for twenty bucks? Why not?

NOT A TRUE ASSUMPTION, I DON'T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND "BELIEF".

* The assumption that any god won't see through the "believing just to get into heaven" ploy.

AGREED!!

Answer 3

Then the question becomes: How should I live, my life? Instead of how should others live their lives to make me feel better. The belief in God is naturally very unsettling. Just look at the results! They have been doing this for so long. It's time we tried something else. Don't ya think?

Answer 4

What if's don't concern me. My experience shows God exists.

It is not like I am a blind believer - believing what I have been taught or read in a book.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 5

Well, since the fact can't be established one way or the other, I guess you'll have to take responsibility for your own thoughts, acts and deeds, doesn't it!

Answer 6

then that means we are in charge of our lives. But fear not, there is a God above us, though you can't find him in the skies.

Answer 7

then we are right, and everyone else missed out on a lot of time living life because of attending church

Answer 8

I guess nothing - isn't that what they believe? (I am in no way providing that even the possibility is there, I am answering only in they hypothetical.)

Answer 9

for assistance with or clarification about foolish humans, such as atheists or evolutionists, contact:
Satan's Second Hand Shop
1-666-THEBIGLIE
the call is toll free for fools!

Answer 10

then someone owes Jesus a big apology for the Crucifixion!!!