What do you think of this passage?

[drfuzzy]

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Maybe this way of looking at it will help truth_seeker:

As an atheist, according to many (most?) religions, I'm due for some kind of eternal torture or another after I die.  So why aren't I sweating it?  Because there's absolutely no evidence to suggest that punishment actually exists.

Now, one religion out of the million or so on this planet may have actually gotten it right.  I may be utterly fucked (and not in the good way) after I die.  But, I'm not going to live my life in fear of that.  Why?  Because any deity that would eternally punish someone for unbelief - not harming or killing someone else, just merely not believing that this deity actually exists - doesn't deserve my worship or praise anyway.  Fuck it in the eyeball with a rusty spoon if that is the case (which I'm utterly confident it's not).

Believing out of fear is how religions are designed.  Truly, the only differences between a religion and a cult are scope and inertia.  Don't fall into the trap if you can help it.

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I think we are confusing the logical vs the pragmatic ...
My argument is purely pragmatic.

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KevinM1

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As an atheist, according to many (most?) religions, I'm due for some kind of eternal torture or another after I die.

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Not really ... I'm not aware of another god that is as strict and fierce with punishments (if any) as this one. So a pragmatic choice better be on this tough one's side if you ask me

Besides, in addition to the benefit of eliminating the huge cost/risk of eternal punishment, the system in itself isn't so terrible of a deal either ... basically a code of ethics, law, good deeds etc ...

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What concern hath God for your punishment if ye are thankful and believers? God is ever the All-Appreciative, All-Knowing

We verily sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance of Justice, so that mankind may observe right measure;

There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in God hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. And God is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

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Is there evidence? Maybe not.
Is there proof? Maybe not.
Can all of this be a big fat lie? Possible.

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Is the cost/benefit analysis sound and pragmatic? i.e. would this save my ass IN CASE it actually happens? Looks like it. Better safe than sorry.

So, to hedge your bets, you act as if you believe and worship even though you actually do not. And you believe that your god actually knows your thoughts and motivations. Well, any god that does would be really pissed that someone tried to lie his way into heaven.