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An Investor Looks at Revering God

Investors speak of risk compared to potential reward. I'd never purchase a high risk stock unless I saw good potential to get a substantial reward for my investment. I think that's a good concept to apply to the concept of revering God.

Let's say that a wise investor isn't certain that God exists. In fact, He's 80% sure that God doesn't exist.

He's trying to decide whether or not it's wise to curse in God's name, thus blaspheming God if He does indeed exist. Being a wise investor, he applies the concept of risk compared to potential reward.

What I risk: Incurring the wrath of God. I'm basically telling God I don't respect Him and spit in His face. One of the Ten commandments is to not take the name of the LORD in vain.

Thus, the risk is as high as it gets. If I'm wrong about God's existence (and I know there's no way to prove His nonexistence with certainty) then I may end up facing significant punishment, perhaps eternally.

The reward I stand to receive: Virtually nothing. Of all the delightful cuss-words at my disposal, would it really hurt me in the least to drop the one that's directed at God?

As an investor, I'd never buy into an investment that offers me a huge risk with no return. Why then would I take God's name in vain, even as an unbeliever?

Steve Miller, September, 2003

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