Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.
A bit simplistic there, bpshand. I’m not doubting that a deathbed repentance could work, but I sincerely doubt that, after a lifetime of hating, attacking or simply ignoring God, someone could truly repent at the end. I think the real issue is whether or not you’ve spent your lifetime developing your relationship with God – if you haven’t done that, then I suspect you’re not going to want to spend any time with God after this life has ended. As the saying goes, God doesn’t send anyone to hell (whatever “hell” might be), but if people choose to go there, God isn’t going to over-ride your choice. And personally I think hell is simply a place where God is completely absent (though I always loved John Milton’s imagery!). I’m not even completely convinced that you need to make a decision in this life – there are a number of indications in the Bible that perhaps it is not too late to choose God even after you die. However, the likelihood of making that choice appears to be pretty small (check out C.S. Lewis’ “The Great Divorce” for his take on the subject, set as a short fantasy tale – about 100 pages).
God, by definition, is unknowable.You may attribute to the prime force of creation whatever attributes and prejudices you like. Such things, however, are of the creation and not of its creator.If it can be named, it is not God. If it can be fathomed in any way, it is not God. If it speaks to men and imparts to them some message, then it is not God.To assert that one knows God, or Gods thoughts, wishes or commands is an arrogant conceit, common among humans.
finale about 10 years ago
Must have done something right.
Superfrog about 10 years ago
As an unbeliever, he was unbelievable.
Pharmakeus Ubik about 10 years ago
Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.
Proginoskes about 10 years ago
“I figure that if God actually does exist, He’s big enough to understand an honest difference of opinion.” - Isaac Asimov
(However, Glenn McCoy leans towards fundamentalism, so Nabu may be closer to the actual intention.)
Miscella about 10 years ago
@Pharmakeus : I see what you did there! If A, then X. If B, then X. Pretty sly!
clayusmcret Premium Member about 10 years ago
He knows.
Miscella about 10 years ago
ps. There are no atheists in hell, either.
MrsSnape about 10 years ago
Belief in an after life and a supernatural being that sees everything you do and judges you for it, is all so silly anyway.
Tackerdog about 10 years ago
FAILtoo much BS
skyriderwest about 10 years ago
A bit simplistic there, bpshand. I’m not doubting that a deathbed repentance could work, but I sincerely doubt that, after a lifetime of hating, attacking or simply ignoring God, someone could truly repent at the end. I think the real issue is whether or not you’ve spent your lifetime developing your relationship with God – if you haven’t done that, then I suspect you’re not going to want to spend any time with God after this life has ended. As the saying goes, God doesn’t send anyone to hell (whatever “hell” might be), but if people choose to go there, God isn’t going to over-ride your choice. And personally I think hell is simply a place where God is completely absent (though I always loved John Milton’s imagery!). I’m not even completely convinced that you need to make a decision in this life – there are a number of indications in the Bible that perhaps it is not too late to choose God even after you die. However, the likelihood of making that choice appears to be pretty small (check out C.S. Lewis’ “The Great Divorce” for his take on the subject, set as a short fantasy tale – about 100 pages).
Brass Orchid Premium Member about 10 years ago
God, by definition, is unknowable.You may attribute to the prime force of creation whatever attributes and prejudices you like. Such things, however, are of the creation and not of its creator.If it can be named, it is not God. If it can be fathomed in any way, it is not God. If it speaks to men and imparts to them some message, then it is not God.To assert that one knows God, or Gods thoughts, wishes or commands is an arrogant conceit, common among humans.
DanReynolds about 10 years ago
Good thing God believes in him or he would cease to exist.
jud03005 about 10 years ago
HE still believes in you.
The Rolling Cat about 10 years ago
“It isn’t the people who think they’re atheists who worry me. It’s those who think they’re religious.” —Madeleine L’Engle, The Young Unicorns