Ha I suppose you could say to them that if god is perfect and he gave us free will then any mistakes or choices you make in life is on god.if god sends you to hell then it is admitting it's mistake and is not perfect.if god puts you in heaven then you can say there is no justice for evil in the next life so why pray to a god like that. There is also the beneficent and willful god argument other Jesus died for our sins argument. Infact there are so many get out of hell free clauses that you never need fear god's wrath again.
On the rare occasions when that has happened, I push the question back to them and ask if they think that I deserve to go to hell. They will often try to avoid the question by saying that it is not their decision and "only god can make that decision". I then ask if they agree that their god would send me to hell for using the 'free will' I have been given to not believe. Watching the cognitive dissonance and grappling for nonsensical excuses is entertainment of the highest order.
That's pretty good because it then means that if you go to hell for any mistakes it is actually good mistake for giving you free will. As god is perfect it their eyes then it causes a paradox.
Well, if it is a serious, respectful conversation, I try to inform them that the concept of Hell was implemented as a control feature, and try to point out the obvious contradictions between a loving God and a God that sends frail, fallible primates to an eternal deep fryer.
Mark Twain's "Letters from Earth" comes to mind. Why would I want to be surrounded by stupid people, who can't sing or play a musical instrument, try to do both to praise God? That cacophony alone would be Hell.
I think I'd rather be where all the philosophers, scientist, and interesting people are.
Laughter and merriment. Followed by walking away.
I laugh because the way Christian religion works even Hitler and Stalin are in Heaven. The get out of hell card is to simply confess your sins to Jesus and believe in him and all your sins are forgiven. Sorry if folks like Hitler and Stalin can be admitted to Heaven thats a club I'm not interested in spending an eternity with.
Reminds of the great line by the immortal Groucho Marx, "I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."
I tell them to prey for me. I don't think it has had any effect thus far, if indeed they have.