The Atheist Wager

We all know the famous Pascal's wager, which is the most common argument for Christians. But what about an atheist wager? A lot of atheists have been coming up with their own to refute the Christian wager. I found one interesting but I don't know who said it,

"Instead, my wager is that if there is a god, and it is a just god, then living a just and moral life will be acknowledged regardless of ones beliefs. If there exists an unjust or immoral god, then I could never satisfy both my conscience and such a god. My wager is that if the Christians are right about god being just and all-knowing and all-loving, I will be rewarded if I act in morally sound, justified ways.

I don’t know if there is a god. To me, the idea of a god, or even of an afterlife pales in importance to what we experience everyday. Life. Life is the only thing that I “know” I have and when that is gone, I doubt I’ll be around to care, however, others will. I must live my life as I please, and since I believe I will only ever get one chance at it, I want to live it in the best manner that I can and help others do the same. "

This person brings up some good points. If a just deity exists, he must judge us by our actions rather than our thoughts or beliefs. However, the only problem with this is that morals differ among culture. If a deity exists, how do we know what morals are right and wrong? Abortion, death penalty, war, and crap like that?

Since no one is really registered in this forum yet I don't expect many responses... but it's something to discuss when the forum gets going... if it does.

The atheist wager that person came up with makes sense and you raise a good question. It is vital to understand that actions have a way bigger impact than beliefs... which are merely thoughts. I believe the deity, if just and all knowing, would keep in mind the person's presumed thoughts on what they were taught what is wrong and right. I guess he could go by the golden rule, do unto others as you want done to yourself. But I guess what people what done to themselves varies also. I'm not sure how a deity could judge what is "absolute" right or wrong... because some issues aren't black or white. I guess it's important to keep in mind why the person did what they did when the deity is judging them. But if the deity is all loving, like what the christian god is supposed to be, then it's hard to find out why he would let anyone burn. I know I wouldn't let a love one burn forever if I could help it.

However, if a person is overall a good person, regardless of belief, it seems only fair that they get rewarded if there is an afterlife. If they don't, it doesn't seem like we have a just god saying who is good and bad or rewarded and punished. Actions make people good or bad, not beliefs. If the belief brings about bad actions (crusades, war, stealing, racism), that person should have that belief system checked out. If any belief system brings good actions, that person should keep it and to be fair, the deity should judge them by their actions.

"It is vital to understand that actions have a way bigger impact than beliefs"

very true. it would seem that beliefs would be niether here or there when the deity of a religion judges us.

Also, if there is the all-knowing god, wouldn't he know the only reason you believe is to get rewarded. One is supposed to believe in him because they believe that it is what is right, and not just to be rewarded (even though it could be said most people believe out of fear). He wouldn't be stupid enough not to see through it if what is said about him is true.