# A message to all atheists, unbelievers, and lukewarm christians **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [August 25, 2013, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164 "2013-08-25T23:56:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/241 "2013-08-30T01:30:37Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I asked Odin-got nothin’. I’ve got an in with O’s peeps. I’ll put out feelers. ---
**Author:** ![Patch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/242 "2013-08-30T02:45:34Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > Jesus is coming back someday and he’ll back like a thief in the night. That’s ok. I have Bay Alarm! ---
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/243 "2013-08-30T03:34:40Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I asked Odin-got nothin’. Ahura Mazda seems pretty responsive, but he’s only really good for arson and barbeques. ---
**Author:** ![Truman\_Burbank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@Truman\_Burbank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truman_Burbank)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/244 "2013-08-30T04:26:34Z")
Hey, OP, thanks for your feedback. My life is changed. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/245 "2013-08-30T15:44:27Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > I’m not forcing, I’m informing. Also, the moment we die, we stand before God and from there we go to heaven or to hell. No one can say they didn’t know when God questions them because they’ve been informed. Why is this a good thing? If you didn’t inform them and they turned up in front of God completely ignorant of the whole story, what would happen? Would God condemn them to hell for not knowing something they had never heard? ---
**Author:** ![SirGalahad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/71c47a/32.png) [@SirGalahad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SirGalahad)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/246 "2013-08-30T21:09:23Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Why is this a good thing? > > If you didn’t inform them and they turned up in front of God completely ignorant of the whole story, what would happen? Would God condemn them to hell for not knowing something they had never heard? They say, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” If the backwoods hillbilly is charged with statutory rape and incest for marrying his 13 year old sister, and his defense is, “Durn, we been marryin’ our sisters goin’ on 200 year, I didn’t know it were wrong, Your Honor. Honest,” would you argue that a fair judge should let him off because he’s never been out of Frogbottom Hollow? He really thought it was legal. I’d let him off, but I’m not a judge nor a “Q”:. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/247 "2013-08-30T21:38:13Z")
Ignorance isn’t an excuse, but in real practice, judges do use it as an extenuation. Every summer, foolish people kill their kids by leaving them in cars in hot parking lots. Heat exhaustion, dead kid. Usually, the first time this happens in a given summer, the judge is lenient. The poor parents have just lost a kid; they’ve been punished more harshly than anything the judge can throw at them. Then…when it happens again…judges start getting harsh. Once the cases start making evening news coverage, the explanation of ignorance wears very, very thin. By the end of the summer, you have parents getting long prison terms. Back in A.D. 80, people in, say, Norway or Ireland could be excused for never having heard the word of God. Today, with aggressive missionary work everywhere on earth? Harder to make the argument. Even so, I hold God responsible for failing to post the rules prominently. He sent the rainbow as the sign of his first promise of mercy. Why not something like that for Jesus’ resurrection? A band of blackness – the night before actual night-time – every evening a little before sundown. A real sign no one could miss. Nope. Not our God. He inspires obscure people to write Gospels filled with contradictions. Thanks so much. ---
**Author:** ![SirGalahad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/71c47a/32.png) [@SirGalahad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SirGalahad)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/248 "2013-08-30T21:47:12Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > Ignorance isn’t an excuse, but in real practice, judges do use it as an extenuation. > > Every summer, foolish people kill their kids by leaving them in cars in hot parking lots. Heat exhaustion, dead kid. Usually, the first time this happens in a given summer, the judge is lenient. The poor parents have just lost a kid; they’ve been punished more harshly than anything the judge can throw at them. > > Then…when it happens again…judges start getting harsh. Once the cases start making evening news coverage, the explanation of ignorance wears very, very thin. By the end of the summer, you have parents getting long prison terms. > > Back in A.D. 80, people in, say, Norway or Ireland could be excused for never having heard the word of God. Today, with aggressive missionary work everywhere on earth? Harder to make the argument. > > Even so, I hold God responsible for failing to post the rules prominently. He sent the rainbow as the sign of his first promise of mercy. Why not something like that for Jesus’ resurrection? A band of blackness – the night before actual night-time – every evening a little before sundown. A real sign no one could miss. > > Nope. Not our God. He inspires obscure people to write Gospels filled with contradictions. Thanks so much. Bible on one hand; Federal, State, and local laws and statutes in the other. Little heavy. No matter how you slice the wieny, authoritarians will punish you if you break their laws, no matter how buried in dusty tomes. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/249 "2013-08-30T21:47:45Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > I just heard on the radio that Jesus just left Chicago. Reports say that he’s bound for New Orleans. Yes, in a stolen Oldsmobile, with a suicide blonde by his side, a trunk full of bootleg hootch, & a gat. The Feds want him. He knocked over an S&L. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/250 "2013-08-30T23:37:16Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > Jesus is coming back someday and he’ll back like a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2) We need to examine our lives and get serious. For those who haven’t you need to accept jesus as your savior and repent for your sins to get to heaven - no other belief, religion, or way will get you there. > > For those who accepted jesus but aren’t living righteously, you need to repent for your sins daily and ask God for the strength and wisdom to live righteously. > > -God bless, take it easy. I’ve just read the OP, so pardon me if my reply already exists. Anyway, after reading it, I’ve changed my ways. I am all serious & shit, but by your own advice, taking it easy in finding a gorgeous new cleaning lady called Jesusa. Why just last Sunday I had three different auditions. Jewish, Mormon & Jehovah’s Witnesses respectfully. And now I am more confused than ever as they totally differed in their interpretations of god. That said, I promise to keep trying if you’ll help me in my Quest For Salvation through a small (say starting @ US $10/15,000 or so – other believers, please feel free to contribute) donation to my Pay-Pal account. Life is sooo hard! But as I said, I am committed to the change you propose. Of course, Og willing, I’ll have two/three million dollars in my Pay-Pal account soon after you – and other TRUE Christians – that I’ll be able to extend your Word to all the poverty stricken (though, as I’ve just learned, simply misguided) folks in the Third World country that I live in. But then again, fuck them, too confusing. I’ll solve their problems once you solve mine. So thank you for your witnessing and welcome to the SDMB. PS – what time do you think it best to check my Pay-Pal account? Not trying to rush you or anything…just really anxious to meet Jesusa, though for three million and up I’d be happy with Jesusguy as well. Surely you understand. All my love is in my pocket. Best always. ---
**Author:** ![jesusguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/94ad74/32.png) [@jesusguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jesusguy)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/251 "2013-08-31T20:18:14Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Why is this a good thing? > > If you didn’t inform them and they turned up in front of God completely ignorant of the whole story, what would happen? Would God condemn them to hell for not knowing something they had never heard? If they haven’t been informed then I don’t know what to say about that. But you guys have been informed so now you know. You don’t have an excuse when you stand before God as soon as you die. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/252 "2013-08-31T20:26:42Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > If they haven’t been informed then I don’t know what to say about that. But you guys have been informed so now you know. You don’t have an excuse when you stand before God as soon as you die. That’s mighty Christian of you, **jesusguy**. :rolleyes: Just one question… what if the Jews are right? ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/253 "2013-08-31T20:32:42Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > \If they haven’t been informed then I don’t know what to say about that. Then maybe that’s something you ought to find out about. There seems to be a lot about your religion that you don’t know. Maybe if you actually learned about it, you would change your mind. ---
**Author:** ![jesusguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/94ad74/32.png) [@jesusguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jesusguy)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/254 "2013-08-31T20:35:15Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > That’s mighty Christian of you, **jesusguy**. :rolleyes: > > Just one question… what if the Jews are right? They’re not. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/255 "2013-08-31T20:36:16Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I asked Odin-got nothin’. > [@Jragon](#): > > Ahura Mazda seems pretty responsive, but he’s only really good for arson and barbeques. Hey, I like lighting fires, and I love barbecue. Sign me up! ---
**Author:** ![jesusguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/94ad74/32.png) [@jesusguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jesusguy)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/256 "2013-08-31T20:36:26Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > Then maybe that’s something you ought to find out about. There seems to be a lot about your religion that you don’t know. Maybe if you actually learned about it, you would change your mind. You mean there’s a alot about God I don’t know about it and that’s fine. It wouldn’t be “walking in faith” if I knew everything. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/257 "2013-08-31T20:43:46Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > Yes, in a stolen Oldsmobile, with a suicide blonde by his side, a trunk full of bootleg hootch, & a gat. > The Feds want him. > > He knocked over an S&L. There is enough vaporous mythology in this thread as it is, you want us to believe that an S&L actually exists? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/258 "2013-08-31T20:59:54Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > They’re not. So you’re God now? Passing judgement? ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/259 "2013-08-31T21:01:56Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > They’re not. > [@jesusguy](#): > > You mean there’s a alot about God I don’t know about it and that’s fine. It wouldn’t be “walking in faith” if I knew everything. Long as them jews don’t end up in heaven! Am I right? Oh you’re walking in something, alright. You’re hip deep in it. ---
**Author:** ![jesusguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/94ad74/32.png) [@jesusguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jesusguy)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/260 "2013-08-31T23:13:51Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > So you’re God now? Passing judgement? God says that Himself in the bible. Everyone who accepts jesus as their savior and repents for their sins shall have eternal life. No man comes to the Father but through Jesus. Go look it up, I’m not God I’m simply repeating His words. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164.md?page=14)