Aren't most christians really just doing a Pascal's wager?

Question

This probably isn't the case in the USA where 45% of people take Genesis seriously. But in the rest of the christian world, most people dismiss the parts of the bible that don't fit with their own morality or understanding of science, and hold onto the bits that back up what their morals would probably be without religion while getting assurance of life after death.

Isn't this stance not much different from Pascal's wager?

Why bother with the silly book at all if you accept most of it as false?

Answer 1

Your stats are wrong, its much less. And no, we are not...were it not for this forum and your drinking idea with Pascal most would not know who he was...or care.

The Ol' Hippie Jesus Freak
Grace, Peace and Love in Christ
Peg

Answer 2

Uncle Wayne, let me see if I can put this analogy into a way you and others might understand.

The Bible was written over the course of hundreds of years, right? So, some of the items, parlticularly in terms of the laws changed with time. When Jesus came, many of the laws changed.

It's the same way with our US constitution. At one point, we outlawed drinking with one of our own amendments, then repealed that law with a further amendment. Does that mean that our US constitution is a bunch of lies or we're only picking and choosing which laws we follow?

Time and circumstances changed the facets of following the Old Testament Laws, because when Christ came, he became a substitute for following those laws. According to the Bible, there are two ways to get into heaven. The first is to be completely perfect and no sin - ever. The second is to accept God's grace. Does that mean that the BIble is irrelevant if we don't follow all of the laws, no. It means that we realize that grace has given us a forgiveness from our mistakes that we make. But in all things, I realize that God has told us one central theme overall in the Bible. That central theme is love.

When you look at the Old Testament, take a look at the time frame. If you think the hygienic rules of the Mosaic Law were bad, what type of hygiene would be in other cultures of that time? Those laws and rules and regulations were given to us for a very smart reason. In either Galatians or Ephesians, God sums it all up for us pretty well. That central theme,and the reason for all of those laws is one concept: agape love.

While I'm sure that there are those that like to pick and choose verses in the Bible to state why Christians are such hypocrites because we ignore certain verses, we also look at those verses in context and take them into consideration whether they apply today.

Do I think that Jesus would have us stone someone who is disobedient today? No.
Do I think I have to do this or that with an animal or bring a sacrifice to a temple for slaughter? NO, because in the New Testament, those rules no longer apply.

P.S. to the regulars, I think that this question applies to the drinking game, because it's been asked a few times now.

Answer 3

I think they would be if they had a clue about what Pascal's Wager was. I don't believe most Christers understand the wager or how it is flawed.

Edit: Please Skalite, not sacramental wine, that stuff will give you diabetes and wreck your kidneys. It has far too much sugar and tannins in it. I suggest a mellow sipping whiskey instead.
Ok Skalite, i can join you in that drink because Fish asked another drinking question below.

Answer 4

Most Christians have never heard of Pascal or his wager. Why do you care if we bother with the "silly book." And why do you care about Christians?

Answer 5

If evolution is survival of the fittest, what makes you think that the moral code of the so called civilised world would be based on values similar to the religion based values, such as we have today ? And thank you for taking upon yourself the onerous and thankless task of speaking for most of the christian world. Boy, is that a load off my shoulders.

Answer 6

Many conservative Christians in the US seem to fall back on it as well – at least judging by their Q&As on YA!.

It has always seemed to me that if there is a God, the last thing you would want to do is to try and jack him around by tying selfishness to your faith; and if you are just covering your eternal butt, God will punish you twice: once for ignorantly believing in something without any empirical evidence, and second for trying to fool the Big Guy.

You know that, given the choice, God would rather hang-out with Atheists because of their superior intelligence, purer souls, and good looks.

Answer 7

I am always amazed that any individual thinks they know what most people in this world believe and why they believe it, that is what is sad to me. People see a few individuals and determine the majority of America based on the few individuals they have actually encountered. You are no where close to why I believe in God and do you really even care?

Answer 8

Ahhh you see..you do have a point.
The Bible does speak of those who do believe, but are not saved. Even the Demons believe in Jesus and they tremble at the sound of His name but are they going to heaven?

You see, you can believe in Jesus, and still go to hell.

Matt 7;21 says that clearly; Mat 7:21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.


Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?


Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.


Their are many false Christians, who only use what parts of the Bible that make them feel "Comfortable"

These are False Christians

Answer 9

Pascal's Wager is simply a pragmatic notion. One that you intellectually surmise.
Religious belief is just that--a belief system; using your heart to feel that your religious belief true.

Answer 10

Probably true. But then, most Christians really aren't. Remember, narrow is the gate, and few that find it. Most people are just fooling themselves.