[srmorton]

Bingo! Although I have believed in God all my life, I first heard something similar to what you have stated when studying French literature in High School. It was called "The Payee de Pascal" (Pascal's Wager). Pascal was a 17th century French mathematician who invented the first calculator and laid the foundation for the laws of probability. In his famous "Penses" (thoughts) he states:

"If God does not exist, one will lose nothing by believing in him, while if he does exist, one will lose everything by not believing. Thus ...we are compelled to gamble..."

It was almost 40 years ago when I first read this quote, but I have never forgotten it.

[Oztrich Boy]

You do realize the winning bet in Pascals Wager was Roman Catholicism? All other choices lose