Since you all have been non believers, has it ever crossed your mind "what if im wrong"?
I refuse to participate in Pascal's Wager
A lot of people do participate in Pascal's Wager. Good odds!
Do you mean debating it with believers? On that, I agree. Or do you mean refuse to participate in terms of simply having an answer to the question "Have you ever thought...."?
Both actually. It is a question that they will keep asking, maybe rephrasing, but it is always the same premise to the question and always meant to try and scare you into believing. I generally speaking will not use the same premise of pascals wager on any decision.
Once in a blue moon, I've had that thought. It has always been fleeting. Though I believe there are no gods, if I am wrong, I have no doubt I'd pass the litmus test to get to go to wherever it is they all want to go. Personally, the place sounds pretty boring to me.
Yeah, my thoughts exactly. When I discuss 'heaven' with believers, I ask what exactly do they imagine it to be like. Many have never even thought about it; others have unrealistic visions. They're perturbed when I point out that in order to get to 'heaven' you pretty much have to give up anything that gives you please in this life; so, what exactly is the attraction of 'heaven'? It must be a hellaciously boring place (assuming it actually existed). The mumbling answer usually has to do with not wanting to fo to 'hell' being it's such an awful place. Therefore ... belief is based on fear of punishment and suffering. Is there a more effective method for mind control?
Yes this is me, I am morally and honest and I am sure I would get a high distinction in that test!
@zucicciu One thing I occasionally ask believers is what happens when a husband or wife dies while happily married; and then the living spouse gets married again; and eventually they are all three dead; when they all get to this "heaven" who is reunited with whom? Or do they have a heavenly threesome? It makes some believers think, and for others, they laugh nervously, admit they don't know, and change the subject quickly.
I don't know how many people would agree with this but the question, "What if you're wrong? is meaningless. I gave traditional theism a chance. I asked if any divine being would reveal his/her/itself to me. I have waited for an answer. I have sought and really found nothing. I am not going to chase after phantoms, if that makes any sense. If any divine being wants me to believe that s/he/it exists, then such a being ought to be perfectly capable of getting my attention and setting me straight.
Well said!! I won't believe in bigfoot till somebody shows up with a carcass.
I think when an individual transitions from a believer to a non believer this may cross your mind ,like it did mine occasionally,until you completely break free of the brainwashing and have a crystal clear mind and are then capable of thinking logically.
I like the Eric bit. I get bored with the proof arguments, but at least Eric has a cute smile.
Sure, & one can get all "Pascal's Wager" here, but I have to go with my reason (tho most religions frown on that!). Show me any proof for a creator god, & I may then "believe", but as to worship it will take even more than that. I'm a proud Yank, bending the knee does not come naturally! Up to this point I have seen no credible evidence for a god, specious locic tricks used by apologists notwithstanding. Wishful thinking is no way to go through life, in my opinion.
I have been and will continue to be wrong about a great many things
OK, I'm wrong. A jealous tribal god did create 2 people and put them in a garden, and there was a talking snake.
If we tickle, tease, and please this god enough he willl let us live with him in the sky. We can sing his praises forever and forever. That would get old fast.
Now if you mean some other god besides the ones in sacred writings it would not matter anyway. That's because this last god gave us no instructions of any kind.
yep... but never stops to argue the point.
Yes, and all I can say if a God appeared and asked why I didn't believe, I'd be honest and say, "You didn't give us enough evidence!"
If God is truly all powerful and all knowing then she will forgive me for not believing in a god who has provided no tangible evidence of her existence. She will understand, if she does not then she is not God
Not a for a second.
Too much scientific evidence disproves every religious myth
Not a for a second.
Too much scientific evidence disproves every religious myth
Not a for a second.
Too much scientific evidence disproves every religious myth
Not a for a second.
Too much scientific evidence disproves every religious myth
Not a for a second.
Too much scientific evidence disproves every religious myth
Of course...and it should! We should always be looking at the available evidence in support of or opposition to our beliefs, so they can remain those most likely to be true.
Now, I've never seen any evidence that even comes close to suggesting that gods, spirits, souls, ghosts, etc. are real, so I don't believe in them. But I'm open to evidence--real, documented, tested scientific evidence--if it comes along!