This weekend someone used the pathetic argument that I should believe in God so I won’t go to hell. Her intentions were good, but the result was still horribly disrespectful. At the very least, she thinks I need to think about it long and hard when I find myself on my deathbed.

This line of reasoning, if its even worthy of being called that, will always fail for the following reasons:

1. The kind of god who would condemn an ethical and just person to eternal torment while rewarding an unethical and unjust person with eternal paradise based on what they believe is the prime example of an unethical and unjust being. Such a being would be worthy of nothing short of disdain and contempt if it existed.
2. Deathbed conversions cannot be counted for anything. To take the thoughts and maybe even actions of someone in the final moments of his or her life while ignoring the entire lifetime that preceded it is absurd. If someone is dying, there is a very high probability that what ever is causing that death is directly or indirectly impeding normal cognitive function. As such, a deathbed conversion would be a byproduct of temporary delusion or even insanity, but not likely the rational conclusions of a rational person.
3. Most atheists are skeptics, as such they demand empirical evidence. If you can’t provide any for God, then good luck finding any empirical evidence for hell. If on the other hand you think you can provide some evidence for the existence of your specific god, then why are you using a scare tactic? Anyway, if you can’t provide a skeptic empirical evidence for your claim, you will have failed to establish an epistemological common ground, failed to effectively communicate, and your claim will not be seriously considered.
4. Once a child no longer believes in Santa Claus, the child will not be good simply out of fear of Santa’s ever watching eye and vengeful nature. Likewise, when an person no longer believes in God, fear of God’s vengeance will have no impact.

Fear tactics of any kind are disrespectful to rational people. One that comes with it a threat of eternal torture, that’s just plain shitty. This tactic deserves no more dignified of a response than a quick, “Fuck you, asshole.”

If on the other hand it’s someone you care about, or maybe even at a family dinner, then you should go with a more metered approach, such as a few points from the above. Take it as an opportunity to educate the believers present about the rationality of your position. If you’re as lucky as I am, you may even have a brother and fellow atheist present to back you up.

Aside from that, I had a wonderful weekend.