As a Christian, I actually find Pascal's Wager to be quite encouraging. If nothing else, it simply exhibits a sad truth of atheism. Even if they win, and there is no God, they win nothing. However, it is not so much an argument for the existence of God or an evangelical statement, so much as it is an example of how faith can be reasonable. Much love! God bless!

Pascal's wager attempts to link belief with God to reason. It says that it is rational to believe in God and irrational not to. It isn't saying or suggesting any thing else. It's not a bad argument, either.

Religion has its place in culture and people are entitled to believe in whatever they want to [u]as long as they don't push their beliefs on others and/or negatively affect the lives of others.[/u] Good things about religion: -gives people a "purpose" and sense of community and togetherness -gives money and time to charity work -can instill good values and morals in people Though, I'd like to point out that most, if not all of this can be done without the presence of religion. Religion is more of an unnecessary middle-man. Why not have ethics/moral studies in schools instead? Bad things about religion: -the cause of most major wars throughout human history -fundamentalist ideas that breed falsehood and ignorance and preach their own false representation of reality -violent acts between religions due to differences in beliefs -the suppression of rights for those that do not believe as they do Imo, you believe what you want. There is no proof for God, so I will go on believing that he doesn't exist until someone can provide me with sufficient evidence for the contrary. I'd like to believe he does, and if he does, I doubt he would be a fan of the [u]man made[/u] teachings that exist today. Logic > faith

I agree. Secularists have the scientific method, which is a tried and proven method of showing what is true and provable and what is untrue or not provable. By definition, there is no God because it has not yet been proven. Until it is, the only rational option is to assume there is no God.

Exactly, it requires work on your part to obtain salvation.

Why do you reject religion, truly? Is it because you are highly rational, or it that you shudder to accept the amount of responsibility demanded by religions such as Christianity to live a good life through accountability, work and sacrifice for the betterment of others.

Is this a thread meant as an echo chamber safe space for atheists or are there actually any open minded atheists here willing to have a civil discussion with a Christian?

What even is this forum anymore

Literally anything you believe in without proof takes faith so what's the problem with being religious

As a christian I find Pascal's wager to be downright insulting. The level of intellect that goes into crafting such an absurd argument is pathetic.

Well look at it this way,if my belief in god is wrong and he doesn't exist what am I losing when I die? 20 minutes a day I spend praying? Never eating bacon? I'm perfectly ok with that. But let's say that god does exist well then I haven't lost anything but you OP have.

[quote]You don't get to just use God as insurance.[/quote] But... Who else will protect my valuables?!?! Insurance companies don't cover acts by Him!!!

If that is the worst argument you have ever heard, then you clearly have not read at least 50% of the shit posted here...especially by a certain flat earth troll.

Well imma use it anyway Tough snuff.