Do you really care that I am going to hell?

[Cmass]

I don't think you really believe I will fry in Hell for being an Atheist. I don't think you really truly believe any of your non-believing family will either. I think deep down, you know it just isn't true.

If you do believe they will all fry and are not doing absolutely everything in your power to stop it, I would suggest that you are a very cold, dispassionate person. If you really believed your dearly beloved mother was going to burn in hell right next to Cmass and Charles Manson then you would stop at nothing to convince her to accept Jesus. You would not just gently encourage, you would be emotionally and perhaps even physically engaged on a daily and hourly basis. You most certainly would not be reading this silly OP right now. Not if you REALLY cared.

Think about it. If you saw your mother being beaten by someone on the street, would you stop to help save her? Would you put your own life at risk to keep her from drowning? Is there anything you would not do to help her? OK, what about eternal torture in hell? Doesn't this concern you? What about all the other people in your life who are going to hell? Doesn't this leave you feeling devastated? If I believed there was a hell and that so many people would be going - especially any of my friends or family - I would be in constant agony myself and would devote my life to stopping it. Or, I would be numb.

Does your knowledge that so many people will be in eternal torture bother you very much on a daily basis?

This OP came about after reading commentary by some of our more conservative Christian friends in here. Some seem to have no real problem with all us atheists burning in hell forever. Granted, there are probably some personal anger issues involved but still, I have always been uneasy with how casual many Christians are when it comes to discussing eternal damnation. Some get more upset over running over a kitty than the eternal torture of their best friend.

Nonetheless, I give most the benefit of the doubt: I don't think they are really that cold. I just don't think they really believe as much in the hell concept as they report.

[Easyrider]

If you deny Christ, Christ will deny you before His Father!
Eternity is nothing to gamble with!

The ultimate Christian sales pitch -- intimidate with fear of "eternity" that cannot be shown to exist -- coupled with the equally unproven (and unlikely) promise of "eternal bliss" for those who worship as directed by "priests" and "prophets".

I'll take Christ's testimony on heaven and hell over one who isn't God and who doesn't know any better. When you are able to disprove the resurrection of Christ then you can say there's nothing to it.

[McCulloch]

Eternity is nothing to gamble with!

Right! How then can we be sure? Pascal's wager?

[SimonH]

I think atheists have established themselves an an unidentifiable demographic. The Dogma of Atheism is: We are not identifiable. They will fight tooth and nail to NOT be identified. The tenat of "atheism" is supposed to be "lack of belief in God."
But now some agnostics use the term. Then there's the anti-theists........which actually seem more common then just "atheists." An "atheist" would not fight tooth and nail against the existance of God. An Anti-theist would.

Would you prefer a world full of Christians? Or are you happy for Islam, Buddhism and any other religion to have equal standing? Would you send your children to an Islamic school?

I prefer a world under the Kingship of the true King, Jesus Christ! Administrated by, overcoming TRUE Christians, under Jesus Christs Lordship! It is coming! Are you ready for it?
Jesus Christ is Lord of lords, King of kings! If Islam and Buddhism accepts the Most High God, and His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, then they too will escape hell! As well as everyone who has ever drawn breath!
Jesus Christ came into the word the first time to save it not judge it. But there is a day appointed for judgment, and He (Jesus) will be the judge.
Don't be found with your name not written in the book of life!
The single most important detail you ever get right in your short life is to make real sure your name is written in that book! Drop everything (literally) and find out beyond a shadow of a doubt how that is accomplished. Everything else pales in comparison!
If your name is not written in that book other books will be opened on you and you will be judged on your deeds! Do you want to risk eternity on your deeds? I know I don't!
You are an eternal being, you were made to live forever, the real you, the you on the inside! You need to decide where the real you is going to be for ever!
If you deny Christ, Christ will deny you before His Father!
Eternity is nothing to gamble with!

Biker

The reason I asked, and I guess this is off topic a bit, but... twobits was talking about the "anti-theists". As you have just confirmed, Biker, you are anti-theist in that you are anti any other religion except the one you believe in.

So you don't have to be an athieist to be a anti-theist.

[Zzyzx]

If you deny Christ, Christ will deny you before His Father!
Eternity is nothing to gamble with!

The ultimate Christian sales pitch -- intimidate with fear of "eternity" that cannot be shown to exist -- coupled with the equally unproven (and unlikely) promise of "eternal bliss" for those who worship as directed by "priests" and "prophets".

I'll take Christ's testimony on heaven and hell over one who isn't God and who doesn't know any better. When you are able to disprove the resurrection of Christ then you can say there's nothing to it.

Correction. I can say whatever I wish about the claimed and unproven (impartial, independent evidence) “resurrection”. I am entitled to the opinion that Christianity, its characters, its "miracles" and its bible are all based on fable, fiction and/or fraud. Others may have a different opinion, and may claim based on a single book and resulting dogma that their gods created the universe, originated life and guarantee an "afterlife".

They are entitled to their opinion -- or theory. However, their beliefs are only an opinion – not a fact – and are binding upon no one but themselves (which seems very difficult for religionists to comprehend because most seem to think that they have all the answers concerning gods and “salvation”)

BUT, god theorists are NOT entitled to claim truth (honorably, in logic and reason) without evidence of truth. Claims that cannot be independently, impartially verified can be accepted emotionally rather than rationally. Those who proclaim their claims are “true unless proven false” must, to be consistent, honor all claims unless and until they are proven false – and must accept that Leprechauns live in the forest unless proven false.

God claims must predate no-god arguments – and require verification to be credible.

Repeating claims, believing fervently and citing Bronze Age "wisdom" does not speak toward truth. Acceptance of religious claims (including, but not limited to Christianity) is done on the basis of emotion -- usually fear of punishment in an unproven "afterlife" and hope for "eternal reward" for worshiping "properly" the "right" gods.

Fear is demonstrated every time Christians complement themselves on avoiding "hell" by worshiping "god" so they can go to "heaven" (and decreeing that others will “go to hell”). Fear of death and fear of punishment are major selling points for religion – as we see over and over in these threads

As I may have mentioned previously, without promise and threat of “afterlife” and fear of “gods” religion (including Christianity) has little to attract customers (or believers). Doing “good” with baby showers, for instance, is probably not particularly compelling reason to subscribe to religious beliefs.

[Scrotum]

I cant wait until i get there, its just some points that are a bit worrisome.


Will I have someone to talk to, i mean, intelligent. Im hoping McCulloch and José, as well as Zzyzx will be around, so we can have some good debates, and i pray Easyrider, and Twobitsmedia wont be there, as they have a tendency to none-debate and be condescending without any basis for it.


But also, you see, im a none-smoker none-drinker (compared to most Christians), so i dont really like being around smokers and/or drinkers. Will there be a None-Smoking Area?


And to my Nr I worry: What is there to do there? We are supposeto stay there for one eternity, which is a very long time, and in my current life, I travel the World, meet people and experience different cultures, what is it to do in the afterlife? Nothing?

Feels a bit american really, no travel, no experience, no knowledge. Tell me, What is it to do in the Afterlife (Hell/Heaven)?

[Biker]

If you deny Christ, Christ will deny you before His Father!
Eternity is nothing to gamble with!

The ultimate Christian sales pitch -- intimidate with fear of "eternity" that cannot be shown to exist -- coupled with the equally unproven (and unlikely) promise of "eternal bliss" for those who worship as directed by "priests" and "prophets".

Create a problem (need for "salvation" in an "afterlife") then provide a solution (a "savior") and collect income and influence for being the middle man. One hundred percent profit because the "product" is a promise that becomes due after death (very convenient) costs nothing to make. The whole thing is also tax-free in the US.

Hey,remember He (God) don't exist! So you have nothing to worry about, do you Zzyzx?

intimidate with fear

If "God don't exist" then its not intimidation, is it? OR ARE YOU NOT QUITE SURE?

Biker

[Biker]

Atheists!
Feeling lucky?
Feeling like gambling with your soul? For all of eternity?
You say hell doesn't exist! Are you absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, 100%, totally, completely, undeniably, SURE?
I hope so!
Eternity is a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time!
To risk it all!
On a bet!

Biker

[Biker]

Eternity is nothing to gamble with!

Right! How then can we be sure? Pascal's wager?

Are you SURE?
I'm 100% comfortable!
Are YOU?

Biker

[Biker]

I think atheists have established themselves an an unidentifiable demographic. The Dogma of Atheism is: We are not identifiable. They will fight tooth and nail to NOT be identified. The tenat of "atheism" is supposed to be "lack of belief in God."
But now some agnostics use the term. Then there's the anti-theists........which actually seem more common then just "atheists." An "atheist" would not fight tooth and nail against the existance of God. An Anti-theist would.

Would you prefer a world full of Christians? Or are you happy for Islam, Buddhism and any other religion to have equal standing? Would you send your children to an Islamic school?

I prefer a world under the Kingship of the true King, Jesus Christ! Administrated by, overcoming TRUE Christians, under Jesus Christs Lordship! It is coming! Are you ready for it?
Jesus Christ is Lord of lords, King of kings! If Islam and Buddhism accepts the Most High God, and His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, then they too will escape hell! As well as everyone who has ever drawn breath!
Jesus Christ came into the word the first time to save it not judge it. But there is a day appointed for judgment, and He (Jesus) will be the judge.
Don't be found with your name not written in the book of life!
The single most important detail you ever get right in your short life is to make real sure your name is written in that book! Drop everything (literally) and find out beyond a shadow of a doubt how that is accomplished. Everything else pales in comparison!
If your name is not written in that book other books will be opened on you and you will be judged on your deeds! Do you want to risk eternity on your deeds? I know I don't!
You are an eternal being, you were made to live forever, the real you, the you on the inside! You need to decide where the real you is going to be for ever!
If you deny Christ, Christ will deny you before His Father!
Eternity is nothing to gamble with!

Biker

The reason I asked, and I guess this is off topic a bit, but... twobits was talking about the "anti-theists". As you have just confirmed, Biker, you are anti-theist in that you are anti any other religion except the one you believe in.

So you don't have to be an athieist to be a anti-theist.

I don't have a religion!
I have a Bible! I believe it is Gods word to man!
I have a relationship with a living person named Jesus Christ!
I have a relationship with many other people who have had the same experience as I!
God's Spirit resides in me!
I don't have a religion!

Biker

[Zzyzx]

If you deny Christ, Christ will deny you before His Father!
Eternity is nothing to gamble with!

The ultimate Christian sales pitch -- intimidate with fear of "eternity" that cannot be shown to exist -- coupled with the equally unproven (and unlikely) promise of "eternal bliss" for those who worship as directed by "priests" and "prophets".

Create a problem (need for "salvation" in an "afterlife") then provide a solution (a "savior") and collect income and influence for being the middle man. One hundred percent profit because the "product" is a promise that becomes due after death (very convenient) costs nothing to make. The whole thing is also tax-free in the US.

Hey,remember He (God) don't exist! So you have nothing to worry about, do you Zzyzx?

intimidate with fear

If "God don't exist" then its not intimidation, is it? OR ARE YOU NOT QUITE SURE?

The threats are intimidating to many who DO take on the fear. They then seem to assume that other are just as fearful. How silly an assumption.

You got one thing right. I have nothing to fear from imaginary beings – and no doubts that all gods are imaginary, that the “afterlife” is a figment of human imagination, and that religions are a waste of time.

However, many (you for example) show great fear of punishment unless assured of "heaven" in an "afterlife". Many dedicate their real life to guaranteeing a "ticket to heaven".

Professional and amateur religionists have been promising and threatening since superstition and supernaturalism began (that is their sales pitch) -- with NO evidence that any of it has been anything other than pure BS (backed up by more empty claims and pronouncements). Some buy the line, others do not. Buyers often attempt to convince others to accept the same “believe on faith alone” ideas using the familiar threats and promises.

Some are more easily intimidated or coerced or convinced than others.