I say that if you believe there is a Hell, then you will live a better life than the other way. What do you think? Try to be rational rather than just attacking Christianity. I know that is hard for some.
2007-11-07 11:40:42 · 18 answers · asked by plezurgui 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hm, I never heard of Pascal's Wager, but I am not surprised the question has asked before.
I was a little surprised at the number of people who used the term "know" when speaking about Hell or Heaven. How can someone "know" the non-existence of something?
2007-11-07 13:33:40 · update #1
I love how atheists always say they can live a "moral" or "good" life without any mythical being or fear of eternal punishment.
Moral by whose standards, I ask them? Define "good" I say.
And now think of how good we all are at justifying, excusing, defending, explaining, rationalizing our every thought, action and behavior - no matter how vile, heinous or reprehensible.
And now imagine a world where we get to define our own morality, where we decide what is "good".
Just one of the many illogical precepts of atheism.
2007-11-07 11:55:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Being motivated by fear is why 'some' wars were started. Also, if a person has other knowledge, it doesn't take that into account. And, I seriously doubt the Dalai Lama, as devout and peaceful as he is, would be categorized and sent to the same place as Hitler.
Paulo: 'And now imagine a world where we get to define our own morality, where we decide what is "good".'
OK. How about the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Aztecs, Norse, Celts and anyone else I might have forgotten to list? Were you aware the 'Golden Rule'-Treat others as you would have done to yourself' was stated by Plato around 1,000 years before?
What makes a person moral was answered in another question but the fear of Hell didn't prevent Jack the Ripper, Jeffrey Dahmer, the Zodiac killer, etc from doing what they did and there were plenty of mass murderers brought up Christian. Take a poll at any jail and see what the main religion is.
2007-11-07 15:02:57 · answer #2 · answered by strpenta 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think I would rather believing there is a Hell than not. If there is a Hell which I believe is a real place. I like a lot of people wish there is no place as Hell. To me it scares me even though I am one that has God as my creator and he destroyed this earth at one time with the flood. The reason it scares me is I know that I do not live the life that he wants me to. Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins, but I still wonder if that is a free pass or if I commit one sin do I commit them all. Great Question!!! I wish we did not have the doubt about it. I know it is hard to believe and that is what makes it scary to me.
Stay Safe,
Bulldog
2007-11-07 19:09:20 · answer #3 · answered by BULLDOG 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Another crappy attempt at Pascal's Wager
My life is better knowing that hell is made up.
EDIT: I am quite comfortable saying I "know" there is no hell in the same way I "know" there isn't an invisible fire-breathing dragon in my garage. I have no reason to think otherwise, though I am of course open to anyconvining proofs you may have. There are too many odd things people can make up or imagine, I really don't think there is a need to believe any of them wtihout some kind of evidence.
My knowledge of the non-existence of the Christian concept of hell is because of my extensive study of the Bible and Christianity, which shows the Bible to be false, and Chrisianity to be equally false.
2007-11-07 11:50:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
i don't believe that a loving god would send someone to everlasting torment upon their death, plus the bible says the dead are conscious of nothing at all - so what would be the point of hell? so, i don't believe in hell, but i was raised christian and i believe in god (which is where i learned my viewpoint on hell not existing), and i consider myself a moral, spiritual person who lives a really good life. i have a bible-trained conscience, which is better than being threatened with hellfire and brimstone, if you ask me.
2007-11-07 12:03:58 · answer #5 · answered by hh 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I *Know* I live a better life knowing that there is not a hell and just being responsible for my own actions rather than fearing eternal punishment or wanting enternal reward. People who need eternal reward/punishment in order to be moral are probalby the least moral people in the world.
2007-11-07 11:46:02 · answer #6 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Whatever works. If one needs the threat of eternal punishment to live a better life, so be it.
I am quite capable of leading both a moral and a fulfilling life without any belief whatsoever in a place called Hell.
2007-11-07 11:44:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
if you believe in heaven then there must be a hell...if you believe ther is a hell, then you must believe there is a heaven..if you dont think there is a hell, then there must not be a heaven,,,in which case every person on earth has a choice to make and to live by...if you feel guilty or insecure about whether there is a heaven or hell, then maybe you should believe in them to play it safe...better to believe in god and find out there isnt one, than not believeing and finding out there is a god...
2007-11-07 11:51:40 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe everyone should live by the truth. Attempting to instill fear to gain a following is sick. Heaven and Hell is a fabrication of man and people should know that. Starting with the children.
2007-11-07 11:52:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You have already given good answer of your question.
Some people need fear of punishment and some need love for God to live a straight life.
2007-11-07 12:36:18 · answer #10 · answered by majeed3245 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋