Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Chad · 10-24-2002, 10:18 AM

One argument for the existence of a god is the need of some to believe people who commit evil acts will be punished in the afterlife. However, I do not understand why anyone would care if someone goes unpunished for crimes committed during a finite lifetime on earth. If you die and discover an afterlife, why would it matter to you what anyone did to you during your life on earth? If you gain eternal happiness in the afterlife upon your death, why would you need god to punish those who harmed you?

Autonemesis · 10-24-2002, 10:23 AM

That's a very good point, Chad. It seems to me that a believer's idea of justice has to be very impersonal, since sin is an affront to God, not to man. Therefore, evil acts are perpetrated against God and not against the victim, who really has no right to a personal stake in the matter. Their life belongs to God, according to the believer, and so the victim was never really harmed, but only God was harmed.

[ October 24, 2002: Message edited by: Kind Bud ]</p>

The Other Michael · 10-24-2002, 10:34 AM

Don't forget that the bad people made poor Baby Jebus cry.

cheers,
Michael

Ronin · 10-24-2002, 11:00 AM

And, of course, the only really 'bad' people worthy of eternal wrath are the non-believers.

Living Dead Chipmunk · 10-24-2002, 11:12 AM

Chad: Because it takes the sting out of not being able to get back at people who've wronged us in this life.

"He raped my daughter and only got 2 years in jail. But he'll burn in Hell for it!"

"Whoever stole my wallet will burn in Hell!"

"That lying politician will burn for his misdeeds!"

It goes back to the innate desire of most humans to avenge wrongs perpetuated against them. It makes people feel better if the bad guys somehow get their due at the end of the story.

10-24-2002, 10:18 AM	#1
Chad Regular Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posts: 110	Why would anyone care? One argument for the existence of a god is the need of some to believe people who commit evil acts will be punished in the afterlife. However, I do not understand why anyone would care if someone goes unpunished for crimes committed during a finite lifetime on earth. If you die and discover an afterlife, why would it matter to you what anyone did to you during your life on earth? If you gain eternal happiness in the afterlife upon your death, why would you need god to punish those who harmed you?

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10-24-2002, 10:23 AM	#2
Autonemesis Contributor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: I've left FRDB for good, due to new WI&P policy Posts: 12,048	That's a very good point, Chad. It seems to me that a believer's idea of justice has to be very impersonal, since sin is an affront to God, not to man. Therefore, evil acts are perpetrated against God and not against the victim, who really has no right to a personal stake in the matter. Their life belongs to God, according to the believer, and so the victim was never really harmed, but only God was harmed. [ October 24, 2002: Message edited by: Kind Bud ]</p>

10-24-2002, 10:34 AM	#3
The Other Michael Honorary Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: In the fog of San Francisco Posts: 12,631	Don't forget that the bad people made poor Baby Jebus cry. cheers, Michael

10-24-2002, 11:00 AM	#4
Ronin Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 5,047	And, of course, the only really 'bad' people worthy of eternal wrath are the non-believers.

10-24-2002, 11:12 AM	#5
Living Dead Chipmunk Regular Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 312	Chad: Because it takes the sting out of not being able to get back at people who've wronged us in this life. "He raped my daughter and only got 2 years in jail. But he'll burn in Hell for it!" "Whoever stole my wallet will burn in Hell!" "That lying politician will burn for his misdeeds!" It goes back to the innate desire of most humans to avenge wrongs perpetuated against them. It makes people feel better if the bad guys somehow get their due at the end of the story.

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