Do atheist worry about eternal damnation?

[Big Jim P]

It is rather funny that you don't realize how passive aggressive your final statement was. I guess it is kinda like how many Christians don't realize how insulting the idea that people deserve to be in hell is.

Well, if I were aggressive, I wouldn't be just posting like this, so...

I think you're wrong, but everyone is not like me, so he or she can have different opinions. Certainly, if you want to call God, "my God", that is entirely up to you. Whatever floats your boat.

statements like "I'll pray for you" as anything but a slap in the face when you've heard it used that way so many times.

Yeah, I'll refrain from doing that. In CDT and this thread, I'm being honest, but, particularly in this thread, those posts may be taken offensively.

It all depends on context. Some prayers are genuine good wishes towards someone, in which case, I think it is rather dumb to be offended. For instance, my wife Roan, and my father-in-law, Pope Joan are both Christian, and include me in their prayers. Generally I will taken such in the spirit it is given.

They don't get offended when I extend Satanic blessings to them either.

[Gim]

It all depends on context. Some prayers are genuine good wishes towards someone, in which case, I think it is rather dumb to be offended. For instance, my wife Roan, and my father-in-law, Pope Joan are both Christian, and include me in their prayers. Generally I will taken such in the spirit it is given.

That is what I wanted to convey, but I think people misunderstood my honesty. It's nice that your wife and father-in-law are Christian. Best of wishes on their future endeavour.

[Neutraligon]

Well, if I were aggressive, I wouldn't be just posting like this, so...

I think you're wrong, but everyone is not like me, so he or she can have different opinions. Certainly, if you want to call God, "my God", that is entirely up to you. Whatever floats your boat.



Yeah, I'll refrain from doing that. In CDT and this thread, I'm being honest, but, particularly in this thread, those posts may be taken offensively.

It all depends on context. Some prayers are genuine good wishes towards someone, in which case, I think it is rather dumb to be offended. For instance, my wife Roan, and my father-in-law, Pope Joan are both Christian, and include me in their prayers. Generally I will taken such in the spirit it is given.

They don't get offended when I extend Satanic blessings to them either.

True, much of the time I accept it as them wishing me well. It was simply in the context of this particular thread, and in response to my type of post that I took it as being passive aggressive.

[Big Jim P]

It all depends on context. Some prayers are genuine good wishes towards someone, in which case, I think it is rather dumb to be offended. For instance, my wife Roan, and my father-in-law, Pope Joan are both Christian, and include me in their prayers. Generally I will taken such in the spirit it is given.

That is what I wanted to convey, but I think people misunderstood my honesty. It's nice that your wife and father-in-law are Christian. Best of wishes on their future endeavour.

Thanks. We've managed Twelve years so far. In your case, I would assume you mean well towards me if you are praying for me. If I have any doubts, I will ask for clarification.

[Gim]

True, much of the time I accept it as them wishing me well. It was simply in the context of this particular thread, and in response to my type of post that I took it as being passive aggressive.

I mean, we differ in opinion, but we've been raised and we've undergone different paths and environments. I think it's best to say that, although I have my beliefs, I should also respect your opinion as well.

[Big Jim P]

It all depends on context. Some prayers are genuine good wishes towards someone, in which case, I think it is rather dumb to be offended. For instance, my wife Roan, and my father-in-law, Pope Joan are both Christian, and include me in their prayers. Generally I will taken such in the spirit it is given.

They don't get offended when I extend Satanic blessings to them either.

True, much of the time I accept it as them wishing me well. It was simply in the context of this particular thread, and in response to my type of post that I took it as being passive aggressive.

Yes, and text doesn't convey nuances very well, further complicating the issue.

[Gim]

That is what I wanted to convey, but I think people misunderstood my honesty. It's nice that your wife and father-in-law are Christian. Best of wishes on their future endeavour.

Thanks. We've managed Twelve years so far. In your case, I would assume you mean well towards me if you are praying for me. If I have any doubts, I will ask for clarification.

You're very welcome. I don't know if you remember, but I think about a year ago, you posted a photo of you and your wife once, and you guys looked beautiful together. I've always wished good luck for both of you since then.

[Belle Ilse en Terre]

After reading about Pascal's wager, do atheist worry about eternal damnation, or the possibility of it occurring (according to the bible)?

Personally, fear of eternal damnation is not my reason for belief in the bible however how can people be so dismissive of infinite loss compared to finite gains? Even though you may not accept the bible, does it not worry you slightly?

Atheists probably do not, since they see nothing as eternal, at all; except perhaps the universe (am I right, those who are knowledgeable on atheism?). They are probably more worried about the species as a whole, (which explains the correlation of atheism and communism). Of course, some of them are I bet. I think when ought to follow some religion, even if one is an atheist, because then, if atheists are right, everyone is dead, even the atheists, but if they are wrong, then you could go to Heaven or wherever.

[Big Jim P]

Thanks. We've managed Twelve years so far. In your case, I would assume you mean well towards me if you are praying for me. If I have any doubts, I will ask for clarification.

You're very welcome. I don't know if you remember, but I think about a year ago, you posted a photo of you and your wife once, and you guys looked beautiful together. I've always wished good luck for both of you since then.

I haven't posted pics in a while, but it might have been us.

[Neutraligon]

After reading about Pascal's wager, do atheist worry about eternal damnation, or the possibility of it occurring (according to the bible)?

Personally, fear of eternal damnation is not my reason for belief in the bible however how can people be so dismissive of infinite loss compared to finite gains? Even though you may not accept the bible, does it not worry you slightly?

Atheists probably do not, since they see nothing as eternal, at all; except perhaps the universe (am I right, those who are knowledgeable on atheism?). They are probably more worried about the species as a whole, (which explains the correlation of atheism and communism). Of course, some of them are I bet. I think when ought to follow some religion, even if one is an atheist, because then, if atheists are right, everyone is dead, even the atheists, but if they are wrong, then you could go to Heaven or wherever.

And what if the actual way to get to heaven is to not follow any religion? What if the god is actually an evil god and "heaven" is actually a place of eternal torture while hell is what we consider heaven? There are an infinite number of possibilities, how would we know we are picking the right one? And if we pick the wrong one, well hell it is (or non-existence or whatever else there is). Oh and, wouldn't a god know you are picking a religion due to fear and not actual belief?

[Soviet Socialist not Soviet or Socialist]

After reading about Pascal's wager, do atheist worry about eternal damnation, or the possibility of it occurring (according to the bible)?

Personally, fear of eternal damnation is not my reason for belief in the bible however how can people be so dismissive of infinite loss compared to finite gains? Even though you may not accept the bible, does it not worry you slightly?

Atheists probably do not, since they see nothing as eternal, at all; except perhaps the universe (am I right, those who are knowledgeable on atheism?). They are probably more worried about the species as a whole, (which explains the correlation of atheism and communism). Of course, some of them are I bet. I think when ought to follow some religion, even if one is an atheist, because then, if atheists are right, everyone is dead, even the atheists, but if they are wrong, then you could go to Heaven or wherever.

What correlation? And there are near infinite religions to choose from and they cant all be right. What if the people in the John Frum cargo cult in Vanauatu are right

[Soviet Socialist not Soviet or Socialist]

After reading about Pascal's wager, do atheist worry about eternal damnation, or the possibility of it occurring (according to the bible)?

Personally, fear of eternal damnation is not my reason for belief in the bible however how can people be so dismissive of infinite loss compared to finite gains? Even though you may not accept the bible, does it not worry you slightly?

[Gim]

You're very welcome. I don't know if you remember, but I think about a year ago, you posted a photo of you and your wife once, and you guys looked beautiful together. I've always wished good luck for both of you since then.

I haven't posted pics in a while, but it might have been us.

I recall seeing one in WDYLL thread, but yeah.

[Erinkita III]

When Pascal died, he found himself surrounded by God and all his angels holding big sticks. In unison, they cried "So, clever Blaise thinks he can game the system, does he?"

[Ifreann]

Atheists probably do not, since they see nothing as eternal, at all; except perhaps the universe (am I right, those who are knowledgeable on atheism?). They are probably more worried about the species as a whole, (which explains the correlation of atheism and communism). Of course, some of them are I bet. I think when ought to follow some religion, even if one is an atheist, because then, if atheists are right, everyone is dead, even the atheists, but if they are wrong, then you could go to Heaven or wherever.

What correlation? And there are near infinite religions to choose from

I think you're slightly overstating the number of extant religions.

[Erinkita III]

What correlation? And there are near infinite religions to choose from

I think you're slightly overstating the number of extant religions.

Ah, but we also have to account for all religions that might be conceived of in the future, in the same way people of the past would have to factor all the religions of today into their wager.

[Ifreann]

I think you're slightly overstating the number of extant religions.

Ah, but we also have to account for all religions that might be conceived of in the future, in the same way people of the past would have to factor all the religions of today into their wager.

I think that's still firmly finite.

[Capius Rephy]

Nah, but hell would be lit.
Full of awesome, like minded people.

[Erinkita III]

Ah, but we also have to account for all religions that might be conceived of in the future, in the same way people of the past would have to factor all the religions of today into their wager.

I think that's still firmly finite.

Every potential religion that could ever possibly be dreamt up? As well as every other possible explanation for our universe, both realistic and fantastical, that the human mind could conceive? Not to mention everything that the human mind cannot conceive, which is just as likely to be the case? I think that's as close to infinity as it makes no practical difference.

[Grave_n_idle]

That's a nonsensical claim.

Not just because it stereotypes hundreds of millions of people... but because it's internally illogical.

What you're doing is illogical? I would say.

What I'm doing is illogical? What do you think I'm doing?

Do you just mean 'being an atheist'? Because there's nothing illogical about not believing an extraordinary claim that doesn't even have ordinary evidence.

(Believe it or not, I'm not an atheist by choice - if I could believe, I would).


If you were just posting a flippant response, or didn't understand why I said your argument as illogical - an atheist doesn't 'oppose' god by lacking belief. They just don't believe. That's not an act of opposition. I can't be opposing something that isn't there.

[United States of Minori]

Atheists not just not believe in God, but they also oppose Him, as has been demonstrated here.

How can you oppose something you don't believe in?

Exaclty.

Most atheist also oppose the religiouse interference on the state, in the principe of complete separation of the state from religion.
I think what specially in some places the religion must don't intervene. In education: I can't understand that some state incentive the creationis, maybe I can't undestand this because I'm European, and the evoloutionalis theory (theory in science have an another meining from the common meaning) as kept as true, also from the conservatives....

[Ifreann]

Nah, but hell would be lit.
Full of awesome, like minded people.

Considering how many people have died, of which most were probably not good enough Christians to get into Heaven, there would definitely be like-minded people but it would take you a long time to find them.

Which is fine, as you would have nothing but time on your hands.

[Belle Ilse en Terre]

And what if the actual way to get to heaven is to not follow any religion? What if the god is actually an evil god and "heaven" is actually a place of eternal torture while hell is what we consider heaven? There are an infinite number of possibilities, how would we know we are picking the right one? And if we pick the wrong one, well hell it is (or non-existence or whatever else there is). Oh and, wouldn't a god know you are picking a religion due to fear and not actual belief?

And what about pastafarianism? Hypothetical questions can be posed 'till all of us are dead. Obviously, as an atheist, one thinks all religions are equally invalid, so I suppose one picks one's favourite. I was merely stating that hedging your bets with multiple parties would seem to be, pragmatically, the best path to take.

I suppose it depends on your god. I imagine some, like Christianity require little more than belief (Christianity per the Gospels, now is not the time to go into obscure theological argument with Catholics and Protestants, if you are either, or Orthodox, and disagree with my statement, telegram me instead, please) while others, like Islam, require a great deal of ritualistic devotion. I think some of the older, pagan gods were though to only require sacrifice, and nothing more.

Again, an atheist ought to have a religion, because he (or she) has nothing to lose by having one.

[Erinkita III]

Nah, but hell would be lit.
Full of awesome, like minded people.

Considering how many people have died, of which most were probably not good enough Christians to get into Heaven, there would definitely be like-minded people but it would take you a long time to find them.

Which is fine, as you would have nothing but time on your hands.

Unless your find yourself enslaved by the dinosaur empire. They've had a long time to set things up exactly as they want it.

[Ifreann]

Considering how many people have died, of which most were probably not good enough Christians to get into Heaven, there would definitely be like-minded people but it would take you a long time to find them.

Which is fine, as you would have nothing but time on your hands.

Unless your find yourself enslaved by the dinosaur empire. They've had a long time to set things up exactly as they want it.

You can see the dinosaur empire from a good way off, unfortunately most people tend to go towards the giant dinosaurs since dinosaurs are awesome. All part of their master plan.