Atheist vs. Pastor
Apr 13th, 2007 by Amanda
The current issue of Newsweek has an interesting debate between Sam Harris and Rick Warren. I’m not going to go into detail about the arguments between the two, but I do want to highlight Rick’s final thoughts.
I believe in both faith and reason. The more we learn about God, the more we understand how magnificent this universe is. There is no contradiction to it. When I look at history, I would disagree with Sam: Christianity has done far more good than bad. Altruism comes out of knowing there is more than this life, that there is a sovereign God, that I am not God. We’re both betting. He’s betting his life that he’s right. I’m betting my life that Jesus was not a liar. When we die, if he’s right, I’ve lost nothing. If I’m right, he’s lost everything. I’m not willing to make that gamble.
Pretty much.
[…] word_dragon wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThe current issue of Newsweek has an interesting debate between Sam Harris and Rick Warren. I’m not going to go into detail about the arguments between the two, but I do want to highlight Rick’s final thoughts. … […]
I really like Rick Warren. I like the way he thinks, the way he expresses himself, the way he runs his ministry. I loved his response to the conservatives who criticized him when he invited Barack Obama to a conference at his church. I actually include him in my daily prayers, along with my own pastor, that he will remain this way and never fall victim to the hubris many other leaders have found to be their downfall.
When we die, if he’s right, I’ve lost nothing. If I’m right, he’s lost everything.
Unless it turns out that God is a skeptic…
“He’s betting his life that he’s right. I’m betting my life that Jesus was not a liar. When we die, if he’s right, I’ve lost nothing. If I’m right, he’s lost everything. I’m not willing to make that gamble.”
In Philiosophy this is called Pascal’s Wager. It was what initially made me become a Christian. I decided I would error to the side of caution and suffer the cosmic dissapointment at the end of my life if God was not there. Good news though, I know he is there. Sometimes I can not wait.
Lifewish! Where ya been? I was getting worried because I hadn’t seen you around in awhile.
I hope you noticed that I added a preview button just for you.
Yay! Previewey goodness
Sorry I haven’t been around - just been generally exhausted. I’m 5 months into my first real-world job, and the tiredness is really starting to put the boot in. Definitely worth the pain tho.
Well welcome to the real world!
What kind of job do you have?
Pensions company graduate training scheme. Lovely group of people, but I’m rapidly coming to the conclusion that pensions are like sausages - if you ever plan on consuming one, you really don’t want to watch how they’re made…
@Carl:
What happens if you die and it turns out God prefers atheists? Are you willing to take that risk?