I tell them we all make our own Hell here on earth and that hate only dams the hater. They should focus on their own house before they try to judge mine.

I normally joke around and say something like there's so many brilliant scientist down there it's probably air conditioned by now if there talking about hell or sometimes I'll just laugh at them and walk away

I'm laughing at your example of (i.e. Hell/Jahannam) because when a christian asks me if I'm afraid of going to hell, I ask "but aren't you afraid of being condemned to jahannam?" They typically don't know what it is, so after a brief explanation, their answer is always "well, no I'm not afraid because, I'm not Islamic so I don't believe jahannam exists!" and they've responded to their own threat for me.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but your dillusions do not have the power to send me to a non-existant place after my death."

My reply is that there's probably some pretty awesome people in hell if we pretend it exists. Tons of comedians, scientists etc that I would love to spend time with. How many serial murderers and rapists repented to enter "heaven" again? That usually stops the conversation.

Your carrot that you entice me with says that God love me unconditionally...even my sins as long as I repent. You say he loves me "1,000 times 1,000" I was quoted once. So if God loves me so much why would be punish me so harshly and for infinity to burn in the fires of hell, just because I don't believe in Him? Surely he knows (or should) that I am fallable,could make a mistake. Doesn't he take that into consideration? NO??? What kind on MONSTER do you believe in anyway!!! How about all the near-mentally inferior people? He makes them burn in hell because maybe, they made a mistake and don't believe in Him?? Your God sounds very very small and unforgiving to me.

I have very little response. I am not afraid of the nothing. It does fill me with wonder and a bit of pity on their behalf.

Laughter

To me these ignorant people do not deserve a response.

Well first I don't get mad, I get even. (joke kinda) I let them know in a very calm voice that if there is a God who created Hell for people who don't believe, if that's true and I'm suffering in Hell for all eternity, then I'll be suffering there knowing I'm more moral than the God who created me. Be careful not to say God sent me or insinuate that in any way because you've just lost your message. They ignore the ramifications of what you said and start talking nonsense about how you sent yourself.

Why do those on "death row" always, ALWAYS seek the comfort of a rabbi, priest, minister, etc., etc. ? I will NEVER seek the services of one of those "believers" because I will never end up on death row. Just goes to show how much religious people will believe, I think.

it is stupid. Sounds they need to be threaten with Hell so they do not harm others !

I will NEVER seek the services of one of those "believers" because I will never end up on death row. Just goes to show how much religious people will believe, I think.

I just ignore them. Someone taught them and they have not been able to think objectively.

Heaven and hell are states of mind that exist on earth. Until you've met somebody that died, and went down there or up there, your comments are irrelevant to me.

I laugh as I am looking at that stupid person.

I just say there is no hell, so I don't fear it. Which usually leads to them saying that there is, and me saying no, science has proven there is no god, so there is no hell.

I had a client once tell me that he was sorry to say, but he believed I was going to go to hell for not believing. I simply asked him if he were going to be going to Heaven. He answered "Yes, I believe so." So, I said, "I guess I'll see you there because THAT would be my hell."

I smile and start speaking in tongues

Laugh

laugh

Funny thing is the only time this has ever happen to me personally was when I was a "Christian" and we did not agree on a point. So while I was never inclined to confront or defend my eternal soul I always found it humorous. Most of my family is very religious very few are what I consider spiritual so I tend to not engage in any topic of a religious nature because I "love " them and respect their views. I can only change myself and it would be pointless to try an change them. My truth and journey is mine I strive to be the best person I can be and a better person then I was yesterday.

Surprisingly, I haven't been threatened recently (I moved to the south from the north and was expecting it more). But the few times I have been threatened I tell them that they are going to hell in another religion and ask them if they are afraid. They say no and I tell them that's how I feel about their threat.

Saw a great response to this the other day.

A Christian telling an atheist they're going to hell is as scary as a child telling an adult they're not getting any presents from Santa. - Ricky Gervais

Before I heard this one I just asked them if they were also scared of what Sauruman, Captain Hook, and the Wicked Witch of the East would do to them if they weren't obedient.

I laugh!