Christians

[Retorth]

Well, how is anti-theism a representation of goodness? If anti-theism isn't good and doesn't lead to good things why would God bother making exceptions for anti-theists?

There are many Atheists who are good people, decent and intellectual. Just because a person is Atheist does not in any way incur that they are indecent, immoral individuals. Many people who do not have anything to do with the supernatural live perfectly normal, fulfilled lives. In fact, theism causes certain individuals to commit suicide and kill others so I could just as easily tell you that theism amounts to nothing good either. However, that wouldn't be a totally fair statement. It is a matter of perspective at the end of the day.

No, of course not (re: indecision). I think accidental non-believers may be given a chance at hearing the gospel...for fairness sake, unless they had ample chance just existing - God only knows. I wouldn't expect the anti-theists who know the gospel well to have much excuse for rejecting and bashing it.

If I may ask, why do you refer to Atheists as "Anti-theists"? Or are you referring to another group altogether? Just so I don't misunderstand.

I was referencing an afterlife (e.g. sounds like Ace would kill himself again in the afterlife).

I see, I apologize for that misunderstanding then.

Then I guess I'll have helped all those people for nothing (including myself).

Personally, I don't think that would have been wasted help. If not for god, you would have done it out of the pureness of your heart. You should not require a god to 'encourage' you to do what is right.

Not really. People default to living for themselves - "I've seen it a thousand times". Jesus said that living for your friends and family isn't good enough anyway - and I agree with that.

Well thats his perogative then isn't it? Living to enjoy the joy of having a warm family and friends around me is what keeps me and I believe many others like myself going in this life. Instead of forcing myself to do good while I'm alive, just so I can get my name in the "good" book to secure a place in heaven, I do good because I choose to.

Now you say you do good because you choose to, which I agree with of course, but earlier you said, and I quote:

Then I guess I'll have helped all those people for nothing (including myself).

Then I'll have loved my enemies and neighbors for no reason, and taken care of my own mind, body and soul for naught. I'm willing to risk all that in my self-bet that He exists.

But why do you feel that it would then all be in vain? Are you saying that whatever good you do at present is not out of the goodness of your own heart but only because god said to do so?

I would probably let myself expire if I had no reason to be alive.

How do you mean by "expire"?

You cannot even prove that he exists can you? If you do, I definitely am keen to hear more.

That is the risk I take.

How can you not choose? Either you follow Him or you exist without Him. Do you think you should be able to keep up with Him (and receive the related blessings) if you don't follow?

We are existing pretty darn well without him so far.