The Greater Insult

Even though I’m a nonbeliever, would I be scared to learn that God really does exist? No. Far from it. The belief that God desires praise, worship, and violent retribution, comes from a lack of understanding about what it’s like to be an enlightened being. It is ignorance projecting ignorance.

The theist view of God is actually far more insulting than the atheist view. It is commonly held that the atheist is the offensive one, that the nonbeliever must walk on eggshells, and be considerate of the beliefs of others. That seems backwards to me. What if there is a god and that god is offended at the thought of people believing he desires worship and praise, demands it even, for eternity - like some petty narcissist? What if that god is disappointed in those who expected him to torture their enemies? What if the believers and the nonbelievers are made to face their creator, and it is the believers who must answer for their offensive beliefs? Even if that’s the case, I don’t think any of us would have anything to worry about, believer and nonbeliever alike, because any mind capable of creating this universe would be enlightened to the point of being beyond such petty concerns.

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Other space scenes were created using Space Engine,
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“Ethereal Choir Ascends” YouTube Music Library

[DarkMatter]

Thank you, patrons, and also thank you to those who share my work. It's much appreciated.

[evilfortnitepotion]

I'm an atheist but if god does exist, I hope he's like this.

[rydersonthestorm]

If you're only a good person because God has a gun to your head, are you really good?

[kingbugs]

I notice a lot of people in the comments say this isn't an accurate interpretation of god. This is amusing, as I don't think any human being could actually give an "accurate" interpretation of "god".

[Arrakis-cn]

There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear.

[shadebinder]

Wouldn't it be ironic if Samuels heaven was running a bar?

[GT-wjgl]

I always figured that if there is/was a creator of the universe, they probably didn't/don't want to be worshiped. if they did, they would have made sure we knew they existed

[Neriad]

One side effect of religion that goes unnoticed more often than not is just how badly the concept of a healthy relationship with anyone is screwed over for believers. If the central relationship in one's life is supposed to involve groveling in terror at an angry loved one's feet, under threat of torture, what does that say about the right way to treat other people?


I have heard Christians talk so much about a "relationship with God" but so many of them have so much trouble maintaining relationships with humans.

[lumberjackofalltrades]

As an agnostic named sam this really, really hits home. If there is a higher power of some kind, i genuinely hope it's like this. Id rather be at peace than partake in any kind of eternity

[ikeilen]

The atheist did not utter a word. That spoke a lot.

[Daxyl]

A good response to Pascal's wager. "What if we are both wrong and a god does in fact exist but following the wrong theological teachings displeases him far more than simply admitting you know nothing about god?"

[zerotheluzer]

This video is basically one of Marcus Aurelius's best quotes. "Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they won't care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but are 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."

Edit: I see you guys have been debating in the replies. First I'd like to say it's nice to see other stoics, and it's also nice to see that my comment has introduced people to the idea of stoicism. Ideally I'd like for you guys not to argue but rather debate. It's fine to state your point of view and opinions but don't obsess over trying to prove a point to people on the internet that you've never met and will probably never meet.

[mistermadness]

This is an interesting concept. Permanent eternal punishment for temporary sins never really made any sense to me.

[nicoletitov]

I would hug the shit out of a god like this.

[cesargeney]

I was disapointed that the atheist, after seing god, didnt raised the hand and said "I got questions"

[SpencerJenkins]

My grandfather was a practicing Buddhist for his whole life, and everyone knew him to be the nicest, most compassionate person. The amount of sacrifice he went through as a Vietnam war refugee was unparalleled. He passed away a few years ago, and I talked to one of my friends (who happens to be Christian) about him. My friend had the nerve to tell me that my grandfather was going to Hell for not believing in the same religion as him! Imagine that! Imagine telling somebody that their grandfather who just died is suffering eternally for not believing in something very specific, even though everyone knew him as one of the most selfless, thoughtful people ever!

[fibecheee]

I was raised semi religious. I grew an atheist secretly by myself. In time I hated one religion or another. But this video has opened my eyes. This is the god I want to believe. And I wish that the world, one day, will be united without differences; regardless of how long it takes. You, reading this; I hope you're comfortable with what you're believing, of course, I hope you don't shun those who don't believe in your cause.

[jordanmatthews]

As an atheist, I don't believe in God but, on the off chance there IS a God, I sincerely hope he's like this.

[cap]

Never have I been converted so quickly. This is the God I want to exist.

[merikijiya]

“What’s worse that you think I’m a monster? Or that you don’t realizing that you think I’m a monster?” Damn.