I'm assuming the gist of this theory is if you don't believe in a certain religion, you're doomed to whatever than religion holds for non-believers (ie. Hell for some Christians), so what have you got to lose... is this correct?
If I am correct, then how can someone actually *believe* in their religion if they are worshipping in that mindset (oh well, what have I got to lose?) It seems false to me. Not trying to spark debate, I just want to know if my understanding is correct.
2007-02-21 07:59:23 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Interesting answers so far. I'd actually never heard of Pascal's wager until today. Are there any pro-Pascals Wager people out there? I'd like to hear your rebuttal?
2007-02-21 08:13:42 · update #1
Congratulations, you found one of the many flaws in the Wager.
Feel free to think on, or read up on:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal%27s_wager
2007-02-21 08:04:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
And that is the other side of the argument... not to mention that pascals wager only works if the initial assumption is made that the Christian god is the only god... Otherwise you are pitting atheism against ALL other gods, and thus making it more logical to be atheist... I like the way the argument gets turned around and dropped in the lap of the person suggesting it though.
2007-02-21 08:04:31 · answer #2 · answered by billthakat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you--I would think that a truly omniscient God would recognize that a person is worshipping only outwardly and out of fear. In fact, Jesus spoke of having more respect for private than public faith in the Bible. I have never heard of Pascal's Wager converting anyone.
2007-02-21 08:07:36 · answer #3 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pascals wager says that it doesn't hurt at all to believe in god despite the evidence against the god concept.
If you're right, then you might go to heaven, if you're wrong though, then you will go to hell.
However, seeing as there are hundreds of religions in this world, you can still be believing in the wrong one. And, if it isn't true, you wasted your life being a slave to doctrine.
2007-02-21 08:06:27 · answer #4 · answered by RED MIST! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you've got the gist of Pascals Wager. I think it's a very weak argument. If there is a God who parcels out divine judgment, I'm sure its smart enough to sort out the true believers from those who are just hedging their bets.
2007-02-21 08:03:31 · answer #5 · answered by Subconsciousless 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Where is Chippy today?
He loves these Pascal's Wager questions.
2007-02-21 08:04:16 · answer #6 · answered by Char 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anyone who agrees with Pascal's Wager should rub every lamp they come to. They might be missing out on their three wishes.
2007-02-21 08:06:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
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Therefore......isn't it worth a finite sacrifice of $5,000 to ensure that you don't risk inifnity in hell?
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2007-02-21 08:04:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're absolutely correct. It shows they're more into hedging their bets than Believing Truth (as they supposedly see it). So not only is it a silly arguement, they denounce their faith every time they use it. Hilarious!
2007-02-21 08:03:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is an interesting concept but would not recommend believing just because you are scared not to. That isn't faith, that's shotgun religion.
2007-02-21 08:11:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋