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Started By
Message
re: Scott Adams, because he has nothing to lose, converts. What a moron!!
Posted on 1/5/26 at 9:38 pm to TheHarahanian
Posted on 1/5/26 at 9:38 pm to TheHarahanian
quote:
You’re right; there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain in the choice he’s making.
It's known as Pascal's Wager.
quote:
Pascal's Wager presents the argument that it is rational to believe in God, even if the existence of God is uncertain, because the potential infinite gain of eternal happiness in heaven outweighs any finite loss incurred by belief if God does not exist. According to the wager, if God exists and one believes, the reward is infinite—eternal bliss in heaven. Conversely, if one does not believe and God exists, the consequence is infinite loss—eternal suffering in hell. If God does not exist, then belief or disbelief results in no significant loss or gain, as both lead to the same finite outcome: death and the end of existence.
The wager is framed as a decision under uncertainty, where one must choose between living as if God exists or as if God does not exist. Pascal argues that since the potential gain is infinite and the potential loss is finite, the rational choice is to wager that God exists. He suggests that even if one cannot initially believe, one can begin by acting as if one does—attending religious services, taking holy water, and living according to religious principles—believing that such actions may eventually lead to genuine faith.
However, the argument has faced significant criticism. One major objection is that it assumes belief can be chosen based on a cost-benefit analysis, which many argue is not how belief works; one cannot simply decide to believe in something for pragmatic reasons. Another critique is that the wager fails to account for the existence of multiple religions, each claiming different gods and afterlife outcomes. If one must choose among competing religions, the risk of choosing the wrong one—such as believing in Christianity when Hinduism or Islam is true—could result in infinite loss. Furthermore, some argue that a god might reward honest disbelief and punish feigned belief, rendering the wager ineffective or even counterproductive.
Additionally, critics point out that the wager overlooks the real costs of religious belief, such as time spent in worship, financial contributions, restrictions on personal freedoms, and the social and moral consequences of adhering to religious doctrines. Some also argue that true faith should stem from genuine conviction and spiritual experience, not from fear of punishment or desire for reward. The wager, therefore, may reduce religious belief to a form of self-interested calculation rather than a sincere relationship with God.
In summary, Pascal's Wager suggests that wagering in favor of God's existence is the prudent choice due to the infinite potential gain of heaven and the finite loss of belief if God does not exist. However, the argument is controversial, with critics challenging its assumptions about belief, the nature of God, and the multiplicity of religious options.
0
Posted on 1/5/26 at 9:41 pm to Zchlsu
quote:
Glad to know you're a gatekeeper of heaven.ven.
Not at all, but I do not think it is that easy to get past those gates without conviction.
Posted on 1/5/26 at 9:49 pm to Timeoday
Everyone has their own unique path to getting to belief. What works for you may not work for all.
However you got there, I'm happy for you.
I will not question whether your route met my purity standard.
However you got there, I'm happy for you.
I will not question whether your route met my purity standard.
Posted on 1/5/26 at 9:59 pm to Timeoday
quote:I think Jesus loves you more than you realize, and His forgiveness is simpler than you’re making it. Scripture presents salvation not as a hurdle to clear, but as a gift to receive.
Not at all, but I do not think it is that easy to get past those gates without conviction.
Posted on 1/5/26 at 10:11 pm to LatherZap
quote:
Dude, to an extent it's some dry humor on his part.
I don't know. I don't know that guy or what he's normally like, and I agree that there is something about his tone and words that suggests that he doesn't "get it," but I don't know whether he's enjoying what he perceives to be a joke or whether he genuinely just doesn't get it.
quote:
Objectively, no doubt he realizes Pascal's Wager is absurd...it's a lousy reason.
I don't know whether you are a Christian or not, but no one actually believes because of Pascal's Wager (or any other argument, for that matter). Conversion is the obedience to and acceptance of the testimony of the Holy Spirit. It's not an intellectual exercise, it's a spiritual conversion.
That said, we USE intellectual arguments to distance and insulate ourselves from the Holy Spirit's influence, and in that sense intellectual arguments can be useful. If the arguments used to numb oneself to the Spirit are dismantled or bypassed, the influence of the Spirit may be felt.
In that context Pascal's Wager is as good as any other argument if it causes someone to stop resisting. Again, this is not an intellectual exercise, and people are different.
Posted on 1/5/26 at 10:14 pm to HailHailtoMichigan!
quote:
don’t some Christians believe good works is a prerequisite?
Yes, but that is not what Christ taught.
It's very difficult for any of us to accept pure grace. We always think we have to earn it. We're very transactional like that. But Christ is not transactional. He is transformative.
Posted on 1/6/26 at 4:03 am to CaptEasy
quote:
Always rejoice to have a new believer in the family of Christ.
These last minute ‘conversions’ don’t make any difference. See Dahmer, Jeffrey and a host of others. It’s basically virtue signaling.
Posted on 1/6/26 at 4:13 am to Timeoday
Ain't no atheist in a fox hole just sayin..........................
Posted on 1/6/26 at 4:13 am to Timeoday
Imagine having the unmitigated audacity to call Scott Adams a moron.
I’m sure he will pray for your soul.
I’m sure he will pray for your soul.
Posted on 1/6/26 at 5:56 am to Timeoday
Jesus converted a guy who was about to die hanging next to him on the cross. Get over yourself dude.
Posted on 1/6/26 at 6:45 am to wackatimesthree
quote:
Yes, but that is not what Christ taught. It's very difficult for any of us to accept pure grace. We always think we have to earn it. We're very transactional like that. But Christ is not transactional. He is transformative.
Christ converted the criminal who was being crucified right next to him moments before both their deaths. As Billy Graham used to proclaim: “what a day for that man!”
Posted on 1/6/26 at 7:05 am to Gifman
quote:
Billy Graham
We sorely need more preachers like Billy Graham and Adrian Rogers. We sure could use them.
Posted on 1/6/26 at 7:12 am to MemphisGuy
like they say, born once, die twice. born twice, die once. scott is now born twice.
Posted on 1/6/26 at 7:50 am to ronricks
quote:Most people, religious or not, believe some version of actions should have proportional consequences. Because of that, most people feel that there is some injustice there. Why should those who are faithful their entire lives receive the same as someone who, a moment before death and when they see it coming, has not been faithful until the very end?
These last minute ‘conversions’ don’t make any difference.
You want a fair system where everyone gets what they deserve. Jesus provides a merciful system where no one does. That offends pride, fairness, control, and identity -- whether religious or non-religious based.
There are many things faithful people receive during their lives, but they do not gain a greater claim on mercy.
Matthew 20:1-16: The Workers in the Vineyard
Posted on 1/6/26 at 8:32 am to Timeoday
I have a hard time being able to discern if he understands the gospel. Jesus said, “repent and believe the gospel.” How can you believe something that you don’t understand? For instance, he said he was converting to Christianity to basically please his Christian friends. But that’s not the gospel. The gospel is we are all dead men, we all have sinned against holy God and are on the road to hell but God gave His only Son Jesus to die the death we deserve so that we can live the life that only He deserves. He was the perfect atoning sacrifice upon Calvary’s cross and rose from the dead conquering sin and the grave…does he believe that? That is the question and only he knows.
Posted on 1/6/26 at 8:32 am to scrooster
quote:
2nd downvote.
It's never too late ... well, for most.
It's never too late for any to take Jesus into their heart.
Posted on 1/6/26 at 8:38 am to First Sergeant1
quote:
For instance, he said he was converting to Christianity to basically please his Christian friends.
Posted on 1/6/26 at 8:44 am to First Sergeant1
quote:
How can you believe something that you don’t understand?
Do you think someone with Downs syndrome understands?
And if they don't, are they doomed to hell?
Posted on 1/6/26 at 8:55 am to TrueTiger
quote:
And if they don't, are they doomed to hell? ll?
I do believe the inequities of the fathers are placed on the sons and daughters.
What do you consider to be an inequity?
Posted on 1/6/26 at 10:08 am to scrooster
quote:
It's never too late ... well, for most.
Accurate. Some have already traded their everlasting souls for temporary worldly pleasures and power.
I pray for every living human on earth, that they might repent and find salvation in He who sits above all. Maybe there's a path to redemption for them, but they certainly have much for which to atone.
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