People engage in fantasies for many reasons, generally to fill some void in their perceived reality. Many fantasies are shared when a people agree with others on the details of that fantasy. Role playing games are a form of fantasy where the player takes on a persona within the game. Online, multiplayer role-playing games are fantasies shared by hundreds, thousands, or even millions of other players.
Religion is also a shared fantasy. Whereas most people involved in a role-playing game understand that they are engaging in a fantasy world, most religious people believe their fantasy is as real as the stones and sticks around them. Indeed, most religious people consider their fantasy to be more real and more deserving of their energy and effort. To that end, religious people shirk those tasks that could make this world a better place and play head games with their imaginary friends.
Another comparison of role-playing games and religion yields a darker hue. Many role-playing games involve fighting and the fantasy killing of other players. Religion frequently involves fighting and the killing of other, real, human beings based on the premises of the fantasy.
In the February 2, 2012 Sioux Falls, Argus Leader, Billy Graham is asked a question about the most commonly held religious fantasy: life after death. Billy’s reader says, “I'd like to think that when I die it won't be the end of me, but there will be another life of some kind out there for me. Is this just wishful thinking?” You can read all of Billy’s answer here.
As I have said before, Billy has a vested interest in having people believe in his fantasy. One, because it keeps money pouring into Billy’s collection plates and two, because, in Billy’s grandiose fantasy, he is saving people from hell.
Billy’s reader is making noises like a skeptic or an agnostic when he or she uses words like “wishful thinking”. The reader is wondering if he or she is suffering from self-delusion.
Billy responds cautiously by saying, “… it's not necessarily wishful thinking …”, but then he attempts to support the fantasy with what he thinks is evidence.
Billy says belief in life after death is supported by proof. The proof he offers is the resurrection of Jesus.
There is very little evidence for the existence of Jesus and certainly none for Jesus dying and coming back to life. The only records we have for Jesus and for His miracles are the words of the Bible, words written decades after Jesus died and for the purpose of recruiting others to become Christians.
I recently found a site offering seven proofs for the resurrection of Jesus. The list started with: the tomb was empty. Does that prove Jesus came back to life? No. Moreover, the only evidence we have for the tomb being empty is the words of biased observers written decades after the event and based on oral history passed from believer to believer. I doubt any court would accept that chain of evidence as being uncontaminated.
The other six proofs are just as weak. You can see for yourself here.
Billy ends his message with Pascal’s wager and the big stick threat of hell when he says, “Don't gamble with your soul, and don't risk ending up in that place of absolute despair the Bible calls hell.” These kinds of parlor tricks may work with those who are already committed to Billy’s fantasy, but do little to convince even a mild skeptic.
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