God, Atheism, and all the various versions of name that tune...

I'm with Pascal-If God exists and I do not believe I lose far more than if God does not exist and I do believe.

"Theism isn't rational, though"

Ha! Rationalism is circular and unprovable. What is rational after all?

"But God does X, Y, and Z that aren't 'good'"

Let me address this two ways. First, your definition of good is different from mine, different from everybody else's. God's definition as an omniscient, omnipotent being that created time itself, is probably even more different from yours.

Second, God labels things as good and they are. Go read the creation story. God defines things God does as good and your opinion is beside the point.

"But wait, I don't believe in the bible's accuracy."

Well, it's a collection of writings and stories across Jewish history. I'd say that it wasn't intended to explain how the universe works. It's an instruction manual on relating to God. If you choose to not believe in God and then go and read the bible, it will have as much meaning for you as using TV remote constructions to figure out how to operate your microwave oven.

"But so many bad things happen. Natural disasters to murders to pedophilia to slavery to genocide... Why doesn't God fix this?"

Ask him. If John was right, God is going to fix everything one day.

"I am an atheist, but just because I'm rational. Is God going to punish me?"

According to the bible, yes. God can do what he wants, so maybe not. I'm just hoping it doesn't turn out the Norse were right all along myself.

"But you're a christian! You can't say that!"

Doubt is not a sin. I doubt you exist, am I hurting you? I doubt everything, but I choose what I am going to act on. God never said we're not allowed to think.

"You are not a normal christian"

I know. Kind of sad. However, I don't fault other christians for not being like me. I am who I am, and maybe it will be a thought provoking experience for both of us.

"What about muslims?"

I have a hard time with Islam, but it doesn't make it wrong.

"Aha! So it could be any religion is correct!"

Yep. Free will means you can choose to believe whatever you want. Doesn't mean you will be right, of course.

"I'm unconvinced. You can't falsify any of this."

Sure you can. If Jesus never comes back you win. If Vishnu shows up, then the Hindus win. And so on.

"Well, religion is bad."

Yep. Religion takes a faith as a label, then turns it to it's own devices. Take christianity-It was fine until Rome took it as a state religion... it's been trying to recover ever since.

"****"

Yep. I've put alot of thought into this. Imagine me talking to a fellow christian about this stuff.