Had an intersting discussion on religion at work today.

[iLex]

To me, it's no different than saying this complex, orderly universe came to be out of chaos. There is so much design inherent in almost everything around us that it seems highly illogical that this could have arisen from anything other than a designer, otherwise known as God.

Basically that's quantum mechanics again. You can go study why the universe is what is and they also know how & when ,what we call the laws of nature, where formed.
It's heavy stuff and it might require a better brain than yours and mine together but that's no reason to invent simple easy-to-understand solutions to complex questions.
It's Stephen Hawking you should read, not the bible.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hawking

I've heard this stuff before and I just don't buy it.

You don't understand it, not the same thing.

You might be able to somehow do enough mental gymnastics to explain how order came out of disorder but there is still no plausible explanation for matter to appear out of nowhere from nothing.

Probably the same dude knowing the answer...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hawking

[artist4perry]

Probably depends on what study you read, but the one I read says that 92% of Americans believe in God.

• and yet America never got spared from misfortune.
• and yet Americans are not healthier and don't get older than people are in other Western countries.
• and yet Americans have accidents at the same rate than anywhere else.
• ...and if they do they don't heal faster, despite all prayers.
• and yet they divorce at the same rate as anywhere else.

mmmmm... a bit strange, isn't it?

Because people don't live by God's principles. My ex husband chose to cheat on me with scores of women over a 15 year marriage. When I found out I was devistated, but I did not blame God. My ex made the choice to sin. It tore our family apart, and hurt our kids. He made the choice. But God sent me my first love back into my life and I am happily married now, while my ex is miserable.
God never said he would take away suffering. Read Job. An interesting take on the subject.
People in America do not take care of themselves, we eat too much, we don't exercise, and we eat things that are bad for us. That is a free will decision.
God set up gravity, it works, don't go against the laws of physics. Yes I am a christian and I believe there is laws of physics! LOL! If you drive recklessly there will be an accident. If you step in front of a speeding train you will get hit. He also give us common sense to get out of the way. But not all people use common sense or drive well.
P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

[Don]

If God turns out to be named Allah, there's gonna be a few pissed off people around here.

[artist4perry]

If God turns out to be named Allah, there's gonna be a few pissed off people around here.

He has many names.

[Don]

If God turns out to be named Allah, there's gonna be a few pissed off people around here.

He has many names.

Perhaps you should pack a hijab just in case.

[artist4perry]

If God turns out to be named Allah, there's gonna be a few pissed off people around here.

He has many names.

Perhaps you should pack a hijab just in case.

I'm not worried Gunbot. But thank you for caring!

[Don]

If God turns out to be named Allah, there's gonna be a few pissed off people around here.

He has many names.

Perhaps you should pack a hijab just in case.

I'm not worried Gunbot. But thank you for caring!

Do you think every one will be in a que? Mormons to the left, Catholics up front where we can see you. Muslims near the door, baptists by the gates, Seven day shitters over by the window.

[artist4perry]

If God turns out to be named Allah, there's gonna be a few pissed off people around here.

He has many names.

Perhaps you should pack a hijab just in case.

I'm not worried Gunbot. But thank you for caring!

Do you think every one will be in a que? Mormons to the left, Catholics up front where we can see you. Muslims near the door, baptists by the gates, Seven day shitters over by the window.

I'll leave that up to God. I just want to be one to go in.

[iLex]

P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

...and sometimes it's yes. Makes sense, that's what we call coincidence.

[artist4perry]

P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

...and sometimes it's yes. Makes sense, that's what we call coincidence.

That is what YOU call coincidence. That is what I call Providence. Just a way of looking at things. Are you a glass is half empty kind of person?

[iLex]

Mass murders where orchestrated by the church, that's a different story, not?

Karl Marx, the father of communism, was an atheist. Therefore, atheism is responsible for the deaths of millions of people since the system he created in Russia ended up killing all those people.

That's just an example of the stupidity of this argument that religion is the cause of so much suffering. Atheism is no more responsible for the deaths of those people in Russia than Christianity, Islam, etc., are for the deaths of millions of others. Evil people seeking their own fame, fortune, and power use whatever means necessary to achieve their ends. In some cases, it's a system of government, economics, religion, etc. It's the means to justify the ends, not the thing in and of itself that is wrong. I say this as a Christian even about religions with which I totally disagree, such as Islam, Buddhism, etc.

The ones I'm talking about were the murdering christians reading the bible. They were just as sure they interpreted it right as you are. Could it be because the bible is full of cruel stuff like this...



I looked up the first one and it's really there...
http://www.theseason.org/exodus/exodus35.htm

[artist4perry]

Mass murders where orchestrated by the church, that's a different story, not?

Karl Marx, the father of communism, was an atheist. Therefore, atheism is responsible for the deaths of millions of people since the system he created in Russia ended up killing all those people.

That's just an example of the stupidity of this argument that religion is the cause of so much suffering. Atheism is no more responsible for the deaths of those people in Russia than Christianity, Islam, etc., are for the deaths of millions of others. Evil people seeking their own fame, fortune, and power use whatever means necessary to achieve their ends. In some cases, it's a system of government, economics, religion, etc. It's the means to justify the ends, not the thing in and of itself that is wrong. I say this as a Christian even about religions with which I totally disagree, such as Islam, Buddhism, etc.

The ones I'm talking about were the murdering christians reading the bible. They were just as sure they interpreted it right as you are. Could it be because the bible is full of cruel stuff like this...



I looked up the first one and it's really there...
http://www.theseason.org/exodus/exodus35.htm

Christ nailed the old law to the cross. I don't live by it. As I said, Jesus guides in peace and love. You can show me time and time again that some used the bible as an excuse for evil devises. It is not the bible. It is the flawed thinking of the nut who perverted the teachings. iLEX your not getting it. Maybe there was a reason God chose to do the things you speek of. Did you live in those times? Do you truely understand what was going on? When someone of todays time choose to do evil they are breaking the laws of God. They are sinners. No more, no less.

[iLex]

P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

...and sometimes it's yes. Makes sense, that's what we call coincidence.

That is what YOU call coincidence. That is what I call Providence. Just a way of looking at things. Are you a glass is half empty kind of person?

Why does prayer only work when it's result is unprovable? You ask god, he could do anything and yet he doesn't... would make me go mmmmm again.
Same as asking...Why won't god heal amputees? Check out the link below...
http://whywontgodhealamputees.com/important.htm

[artist4perry]

P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

...and sometimes it's yes. Makes sense, that's what we call coincidence.

That is what YOU call coincidence. That is what I call Providence. Just a way of looking at things. Are you a glass is half empty kind of person?

Why does prayer only work when it's result is unprovable? You ask god, he could do anything and yet he doesn't... would make me go mmmmm again.
Same as asking...Why won't god heal amputees? Check out the link below...
http://whywontgodhealamputees.com/important.htm

I told you I don't beleive in modern day miracles. He did not come to heal the sick and afflicted of the world. Those Jesus healed were to show he truely was God in the flesh. I cannot make you beleive. And I am not trying to. Again it is like we all live in a box. You only seem to fathom what you can see which is the inside of the box. I can fathom there is something outside the box. My imagination and thoughts on concepts is large my friend. I cannot make you see what I see.

[iLex]

Probably depends on what study you read, but the one I read says that 92% of Americans believe in God.

• and yet America never got spared from misfortune.
• and yet Americans are not healthier and don't get older than people are in other Western countries.
• and yet Americans have accidents at the same rate than anywhere else.
• ...and if they do they don't heal faster, despite all prayers.
• and yet they divorce at the same rate as anywhere else.

mmmmm... a bit strange, isn't it?

Because people don't live by God's principles. My ex husband chose to cheat on me with scores of women over a 15 year marriage. When I found out I was devistated, but I did not blame God. My ex made the choice to sin. It tore our family apart, and hurt our kids. He made the choice. But God sent me my first love back into my life and I am happily married now, while my ex is miserable.
God never said he would take away suffering. Read Job. An interesting take on the subject.
People in America do not take care of themselves, we eat too much, we don't exercise, and we eat things that are bad for us. That is a free will decision.
God set up gravity, it works, don't go against the laws of physics. Yes I am a christian and I believe there is laws of physics! LOL! If you drive recklessly there will be an accident. If you step in front of a speeding train you will get hit. He also give us common sense to get out of the way. But not all people use common sense or drive well.
P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

I told you I don't beleive in modern day miracles. He did not come to heal the sick and afflicted of the world. Those Jesus healed were to show he truely was God in the flesh. I cannot make you beleive. And I am not trying to. Again it is like we all live in a box. You only seem to fathom what you can see which is the inside of the box. I can fathom there is something outside the box. My imagination and thoughts on concepts is large my friend. I cannot make you see what I see.

I see... you believe in god, pray for strength, go to church and still you sin so much (not you of course but the other 92% Americans) that the result is zero.
If a nation sins so much that the result is zero, then what's the use of religion?

[iLex]

P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

...and sometimes it's yes. Makes sense, that's what we call coincidence.

That is what YOU call coincidence. That is what I call Providence. Just a way of looking at things. Are you a glass is half empty kind of person?

Why does prayer only work when it's result is unprovable? You ask god, he could do anything and yet he doesn't... would make me go mmmmm again.
Same as asking...Why won't god heal amputees? Check out the link below...
http://whywontgodhealamputees.com/important.htm

I told you I don't beleive in modern day miracles. He did not come to heal the sick and afflicted of the world. Those Jesus healed were to show he truely was God in the flesh. I cannot make you beleive. And I am not trying to. Again it is like we all live in a box. You only seem to fathom what you can see which is the inside of the box. I can fathom there is something outside the box. My imagination and thoughts on concepts is large my friend. I cannot make you see what I see.

Oh OK, You don't believe modern day miracles so you don't pray for people to get better?

[artist4perry]

Probably depends on what study you read, but the one I read says that 92% of Americans believe in God.

• and yet America never got spared from misfortune.
• and yet Americans are not healthier and don't get older than people are in other Western countries.
• and yet Americans have accidents at the same rate than anywhere else.
• ...and if they do they don't heal faster, despite all prayers.
• and yet they divorce at the same rate as anywhere else.

mmmmm... a bit strange, isn't it?

Because people don't live by God's principles. My ex husband chose to cheat on me with scores of women over a 15 year marriage. When I found out I was devistated, but I did not blame God. My ex made the choice to sin. It tore our family apart, and hurt our kids. He made the choice. But God sent me my first love back into my life and I am happily married now, while my ex is miserable.
God never said he would take away suffering. Read Job. An interesting take on the subject.
People in America do not take care of themselves, we eat too much, we don't exercise, and we eat things that are bad for us. That is a free will decision.
God set up gravity, it works, don't go against the laws of physics. Yes I am a christian and I believe there is laws of physics! LOL! If you drive recklessly there will be an accident. If you step in front of a speeding train you will get hit. He also give us common sense to get out of the way. But not all people use common sense or drive well.
P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

I see... you believe in god, pray for strength, go to church and still you sin so much (not you of course but the other 92% Americans) that the result is zero.
If a nation sins so much that the result is zero, then what's the use of religion?

Who said the other 92percent are sinners? What percentage of the population are commiting attrocious crimes? We all sin. The bible says as much. But we can all try to better ourselves. You have a funny way of calculating. Maybe because you want to see the bad in religion, not the good? Again the glass is half empty for you, my friend. Maybe those that are trying their best, make our nation better. Can you tell me people where you come from are all evil, never do a good thing, and are cruel? If so you have a bad outlook on life. Everyone has bad moments, and they do things they should not do. But people trying to live a good Christian life, can only be an asset to a community. Because they love their enemies, and strive to put others before theirselves. Even if only a few exist in your eyes.

[conversationpc]

I see... you believe in god, pray for strength, go to church and still you sin so much (not you of course but the other 92% Americans) that the result is zero.
If a nation sins so much that the result is zero, then what's the use of religion?

Who is claiming to be perfect after becoming a Christian? Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

[iLex]

Probably depends on what study you read, but the one I read says that 92% of Americans believe in God.

• and yet America never got spared from misfortune.
• and yet Americans are not healthier and don't get older than people are in other Western countries.
• and yet Americans have accidents at the same rate than anywhere else.
• ...and if they do they don't heal faster, despite all prayers.
• and yet they divorce at the same rate as anywhere else.

mmmmm... a bit strange, isn't it?

Because people don't live by God's principles. My ex husband chose to cheat on me with scores of women over a 15 year marriage. When I found out I was devistated, but I did not blame God. My ex made the choice to sin. It tore our family apart, and hurt our kids. He made the choice. But God sent me my first love back into my life and I am happily married now, while my ex is miserable.
God never said he would take away suffering. Read Job. An interesting take on the subject.
People in America do not take care of themselves, we eat too much, we don't exercise, and we eat things that are bad for us. That is a free will decision.
God set up gravity, it works, don't go against the laws of physics. Yes I am a christian and I believe there is laws of physics! LOL! If you drive recklessly there will be an accident. If you step in front of a speeding train you will get hit. He also give us common sense to get out of the way. But not all people use common sense or drive well.
P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

I see... you believe in god, pray for strength, go to church and still you sin so much (not you of course but the other 92% Americans) that the result is zero.
If a nation sins so much that the result is zero, then what's the use of religion?

Who said the other 92percent are sinners? What percentage of the population are commiting attrocious crimes? We all sin. The bible says as much. But we can all try to better ourselves. You have a funny way of calculating. Maybe because you want to see the bad in religion, not the good? Again the glass is half empty for you, my friend. Maybe those that are trying their best, make our nation better. Can you tell me people where you come from are all evil, never do a good thing, and are cruel? If so you have a bad outlook on life. Everyone has bad moments, and they do things they should not do. But people trying to live a good Christian life, can only be an asset to a community. Because they love their enemies, and strive to put others before theirselves. Even if only a few exist in your eyes.

It's totally irrelevant how many are sinners. Fact is that the result is zero. Again...
If a nation sins so much that the result is zero, then what's the use of religion?

[artist4perry]

P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

...and sometimes it's yes. Makes sense, that's what we call coincidence.

That is what YOU call coincidence. That is what I call Providence. Just a way of looking at things. Are you a glass is half empty kind of person?

Why does prayer only work when it's result is unprovable? You ask god, he could do anything and yet he doesn't... would make me go mmmmm again.
Same as asking...Why won't god heal amputees? Check out the link below...
http://whywontgodhealamputees.com/important.htm

I told you I don't beleive in modern day miracles. He did not come to heal the sick and afflicted of the world. Those Jesus healed were to show he truely was God in the flesh. I cannot make you beleive. And I am not trying to. Again it is like we all live in a box. You only seem to fathom what you can see which is the inside of the box. I can fathom there is something outside the box. My imagination and thoughts on concepts is large my friend. I cannot make you see what I see.

Oh OK, You don't believe modern day miracles so you don't pray for people to get better?

I pray for God's will to be done. He makes the choice not me. There are plenty of situations where doctors gave no hope and yet someone recovered. I hope for recovery. God may say no. I am not God. I can only ask.

[iLex]

Dave, what's your take on these verses? Are they in the same book you are reading?


I looked up the first one and it's really there...

[conversationpc]

Questions for atheists:

1. If you really think there is no God, why even bother caring that others believe in Him? After all, it really doesn't matter if this life is all there is and then you turn into worm food.

2. Again, there is no God...Who cares if people murder, rape, steal, etc., because we will all send up in the same place when we die...the ground.

3. If you are an atheist, why not support anarchy instead of some form of government? Since there is no higher power to answer to and every man is his own God, wouldn't it make more sense to not have a government?

[iLex]

P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

...and sometimes it's yes. Makes sense, that's what we call coincidence.

That is what YOU call coincidence. That is what I call Providence. Just a way of looking at things. Are you a glass is half empty kind of person?

Why does prayer only work when it's result is unprovable? You ask god, he could do anything and yet he doesn't... would make me go mmmmm again.
Same as asking...Why won't god heal amputees? Check out the link below...
http://whywontgodhealamputees.com/important.htm

I told you I don't beleive in modern day miracles. He did not come to heal the sick and afflicted of the world. Those Jesus healed were to show he truely was God in the flesh. I cannot make you beleive. And I am not trying to. Again it is like we all live in a box. You only seem to fathom what you can see which is the inside of the box. I can fathom there is something outside the box. My imagination and thoughts on concepts is large my friend. I cannot make you see what I see.

Oh OK, You don't believe modern day miracles so you don't pray for people to get better?

There are plenty of situations where doctors gave no hope and yet someone recovered. I hope for recovery. God may say no. I am not God. I can only ask.

So you do believe in modern day miracles!!! OK, if it helps to "recover" somebody, why wouldn't it help to grow a limp back?

[conversationpc]

Dave, what's your take on these verses? Are they in the same book you are reading?


I looked up the first one and it's really there...

They are certainly in the Bible. However, those are all Old Testament verses. As a Christian, I do not follow the Jewish law. I follow Jesus Christ, the risen Savior. I don't remember reading about Jesus commanding his followers to kill homosexuals, disobedient teens, etc., in the New Testament.

[artist4perry]

Probably depends on what study you read, but the one I read says that 92% of Americans believe in God.

• and yet America never got spared from misfortune.
• and yet Americans are not healthier and don't get older than people are in other Western countries.
• and yet Americans have accidents at the same rate than anywhere else.
• ...and if they do they don't heal faster, despite all prayers.
• and yet they divorce at the same rate as anywhere else.

mmmmm... a bit strange, isn't it?

Because people don't live by God's principles. My ex husband chose to cheat on me with scores of women over a 15 year marriage. When I found out I was devistated, but I did not blame God. My ex made the choice to sin. It tore our family apart, and hurt our kids. He made the choice. But God sent me my first love back into my life and I am happily married now, while my ex is miserable.
God never said he would take away suffering. Read Job. An interesting take on the subject.
People in America do not take care of themselves, we eat too much, we don't exercise, and we eat things that are bad for us. That is a free will decision.
God set up gravity, it works, don't go against the laws of physics. Yes I am a christian and I believe there is laws of physics! LOL! If you drive recklessly there will be an accident. If you step in front of a speeding train you will get hit. He also give us common sense to get out of the way. But not all people use common sense or drive well.
P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

I see... you believe in god, pray for strength, go to church and still you sin so much (not you of course but the other 92% Americans) that the result is zero.
If a nation sins so much that the result is zero, then what's the use of religion?

Who said the other 92percent are sinners? What percentage of the population are commiting attrocious crimes? We all sin. The bible says as much. But we can all try to better ourselves. You have a funny way of calculating. Maybe because you want to see the bad in religion, not the good? Again the glass is half empty for you, my friend. Maybe those that are trying their best, make our nation better. Can you tell me people where you come from are all evil, never do a good thing, and are cruel? If so you have a bad outlook on life. Everyone has bad moments, and they do things they should not do. But people trying to live a good Christian life, can only be an asset to a community. Because they love their enemies, and strive to put others before theirselves. Even if only a few exist in your eyes.

It's totally irrelevant how many are sinners. Fact is that the result is zero. Again...
If a nation sins so much that the result is zero, then what's the use of religion?

Again by who's standards, and by who's calculations? Look if you hate religion there are plenty of countries that would do away with it if they could. This country was founded on religious freedom, love it, hate it, it is what it is. I think it is for the most part a caring nation. We give more than anyone, even till it hurts. Most that tried to do away with religion were evil tyrants. Their worlds were no better, much worse I can say for a fact. I cannot make you see the need for religion. I just know I need it. And I am not going to let anyone take that from me. It is my right. That is why I love my nation. It gives me the freedom of choice. That is no zero to me.

[artist4perry]

P.S. Sometimes the answer to prayer is no.

...and sometimes it's yes. Makes sense, that's what we call coincidence.

That is what YOU call coincidence. That is what I call Providence. Just a way of looking at things. Are you a glass is half empty kind of person?

Why does prayer only work when it's result is unprovable? You ask god, he could do anything and yet he doesn't... would make me go mmmmm again.
Same as asking...Why won't god heal amputees? Check out the link below...
http://whywontgodhealamputees.com/important.htm

I told you I don't beleive in modern day miracles. He did not come to heal the sick and afflicted of the world. Those Jesus healed were to show he truely was God in the flesh. I cannot make you beleive. And I am not trying to. Again it is like we all live in a box. You only seem to fathom what you can see which is the inside of the box. I can fathom there is something outside the box. My imagination and thoughts on concepts is large my friend. I cannot make you see what I see.

Oh OK, You don't believe modern day miracles so you don't pray for people to get better?

There are plenty of situations where doctors gave no hope and yet someone recovered. I hope for recovery. God may say no. I am not God. I can only ask.

So you do believe in modern day miracles!!! OK, if it helps to "recover" somebody, why wouldn't it help to grow a limp back?

No I don't believe in miracles. I told you~ Providence. There is a difference. No he will not restore a severed limb. I never claimed he would. He is God, I will not tell my creator what he must or must not do. You are so funny, you want to challenge me over and over. I feel this need in you to make me stop believing. What is this obsession? I still say if I am wrong and I end up like Rover Dead all Over, then by living a good christian life I have lived a good life, no harm, no foul. What does it matter to you, if you are going to turn to dust when you die, what I believe? There is no glory in being right at that point. We would both be dust. It won't matter a hill of beans what I believed or what you believed. But, in the event I am right, what will the outcome be? Then and only then will it matter.

[iLex]

Questions for atheists:

1. If you really think there is no God, why even bother caring that others believe in Him? After all, it really doesn't matter if this life is all there is and then you turn into worm food.

Because religion is irrational and it hurts us as a species.

2. Again, there is no God...Who cares if people murder, rape, steal, etc., because we will all send up in the same place when we die...the ground.

That's morality you're getting at, nothing to do with religion.

3. If you are an atheist, why not support anarchy instead of some form of government? Since there is no higher power to answer to and every man is his own God, wouldn't it make more sense to not have a government?

Cause I believe it's useful for a society to have a law, simple as that. It's makes sure morality is applied the way its suppose to.
Reversing the question would make more sense... why do christians societies need a law when there's a god who's judge and jury. Muslim countries have the "sharia". Basically, in conflict, the one with the best "religious" record gets of the hook. And if he lied, Allah will take care of him. No prove, no evidence, nothing.

[artist4perry]

Questions for atheists:

1. If you really think there is no God, why even bother caring that others believe in Him? After all, it really doesn't matter if this life is all there is and then you turn into worm food.

Because religion is irrational and it hurts us as a species.

2. Again, there is no God...Who cares if people murder, rape, steal, etc., because we will all send up in the same place when we die...the ground.

That's morality you're getting at, nothing to do with religion.

3. If you are an atheist, why not support anarchy instead of some form of government? Since there is no higher power to answer to and every man is his own God, wouldn't it make more sense to not have a government?

Cause I believe it's useful for a society to have a law, simple as that. It's makes sure morality is applied the way its suppose to.
Reversing the question would make more sense... why do christians societies need a law when there's a god who's judge and jury. Muslim countries have the "sharia". Basically, in conflict, the one with the best "religious" record gets of the hook. And if he lied, Allah will take care of him. No prove, no evidence, nothing.

In YOUR oppinion religion is irrational and it hurts us as a species. I have never hurt anyone, and yet I am a person of faith. I have followed my laws, been faithful to my husband, been a loving mother, help people when I can, and try to do no harm. Now prove to me that people who try and be good christians harm our species.

[Enigma869]

Dave, what's your take on these verses? Are they in the same book you are reading?


I looked up the first one and it's really there...

WHOA! I must admit that I'm not a Bible reader but am STUNNED to learn that these verses are actually in The Bible. It's quite shocking, actually. To clear up some of my own ignorance....Is what you're saying Dave is that "Christians" don't recognize The Old Testament and that only Jewish people do??? Or is it just certain factions of Christianity that don't recognize this nonsense?


John from Boston

[conversationpc]

Questions for atheists:

1. If you really think there is no God, why even bother caring that others believe in Him? After all, it really doesn't matter if this life is all there is and then you turn into worm food.

Because religion is irrational and it hurts us as a species.

If this is all there is, who cares if it hurts us as a species? It's not going to matter in the end anyway.

2. Again, there is no God...Who cares if people murder, rape, steal, etc., because we will all send up in the same place when we die...the ground.

That's morality you're getting at, nothing to do with religion.

Again, what difference does it make if there is no ultimate judge? You're dead and gone and it doesn't make any difference what you did while you were alive.

3. If you are an atheist, why not support anarchy instead of some form of government? Since there is no higher power to answer to and every man is his own God, wouldn't it make more sense to not have a government?

Cause I believe it's useful for a society to have a law, simple as that. It's makes sure morality is applied the way its suppose to.
Reversing the question would make more sense... why do christians societies need a law when there's a god who's judge and jury. Muslim countries have the "sharia". Basically, in conflict, the one with the best "religious" record gets of the hook. And if he lied, Allah will take care of him. No prove, no evidence, nothing.

You didn't answer the question...Please do not play politician and avoid the answer. Thanks.