forced to by the carrot and stick of religion?
Forced? Since an athiest does not believe in God why should he care ?Who is forcing an athiest to do anything? Everyone on this planet lives only a very short life and it all will be sorted out in the end. Frankly I can’t think of any reason to believe in anything that does not offer promise and hope and to me the gift of eternal of life is irresistible.
gift of eternal of life is irresistible
That is exactly what I mean when I said carrot. Of course the stick is the threat of eternity in Hell is the stick.
Perhaps I shouldnt have used the word forced since you entered into the belief willingly.
Most atheists dont care but a percentage of them are militant as are some Christians that want to force their beliefs on everyone. I have experienced it myself as a Deist from an old high school classmate that wouldnt take no for an answer and I had to break off communication with him.
As far as a reason to believe I only want to believe in something that I see as truth. Anything else is only wishful thinking. But I am sure you see your belief as truth.
Keep in mine that I am not trying to convert anybody to Deism but only trying to show that those that have other beliefs can lead moral lives.
At least in this country the 1st Amendment guarantees the right to believe what you want or in the case of atheists to not believe.