Athiests have nothing to gain and everything to lose.

First, I think Con is absolutely correct - I have no idea how God (should He exist) will judge. So, let me clarify my proposition by adding 'risk' with respect to my reference(s) regarding eternity (via Divine Judgement). I knew my proposition was over-simplistic - aren't they all? Hence, further rounds of debate. I don't see the point in attempting to submit a lengthy, initial proposition before I know how my opponent will attempt to refute me. I could use 8000 characters in an attempt to produce a proposition that's beyond refute - it's impossible and a waste of time. My point is, should God/Divine Judgement prove to be real, how would utterly denying Him in this life do anything but increase risking unfavorable judgement? To spend ones life denying His existence would mean that no act of virtue, no matter how good it may be, was done out of respect for their Creator. Denying one's Creator is, possibly, the worst offense possible. And, since we all are going to spend eternity in eternity (independent of God's existence or non-existence), it only makes logical sense to live life as if God and Divine Judgement exist. Agnostics admit God could exist. So, at least they can attempt to live a 'good' with their motive being 'should God prove to exist, He should be respected' - so, out of respect for a potential God, live their lives accordingly. Atheists, by denying God, can only offend God by doing so. Atheists can't even acknowledge His possibility - they wouldn't be atheist if they did. So, atheists (if wrong) increase their chances of an unfavorable judgement - they utterly disrespect Him in their denial of Him, and nullify their own good acts since their motive to perform those acts can't possibly be out of reverence for God. Again, does this warrant eternal hell - I have no idea. I think it logical to see how it can only increase the chance of unfavorable Divine Judgement and decrease the chance of a favorable one. By increasing risk, they increase their risk losing everything - and this makes the atheist philosophy foolish. It could be that theists or agnostics do the same - their positions as theist or agnostic don't (intrinsically) make them 'risk-proof', but not because they are theist or agnostic. They, by acknowledging God or His possibility, could make themselves more accountable for their actions should they live 'evil' lives. But, their position as theist or agnostic doesn't preclude them automatically - they, at least, give themselves a chance to be credited for their good deeds because their motive in performing them could be done out of reverence for God. Plus, they can ask for and receive Divine forgiveness - atheists can't ask for forgiveness for their wrongs should a Divine Lawgiver exist. If they did, do so to 'play it safe' - they would then be agnostic. A theoretical question for atheist - if it could be proved with absolute certitude that God does exist, and He is their Creator, wouldn't He be due some respect? I can't build a perfect deck - let alone the universe. My judgement of someone's life is worthless. But, should God be the Creator of everything and possess the power of Divine Judgment, respect is due Him - I think that's only logical. Denying His existence means the atheist has no respect for God whatsoever - none. It's impossible, and can only increase the gravity of this offense by arguing in favor of atheism to others. It's bad enough if I disrespect anyone who deserves it. It's all the more so when I convince others to do the same. Therefore, atheists gain nothing by being atheist insofar as they can only further risk losing everything (as it pertains to God's Judgement), simply by being atheist. I didn't include any reference to specific religion(s) and the reason this debate is under philosopy. This debate could serve as a foundation to further debates that include religion. But, this debate is soley about athiesm, agnostocism, and theism. How can athiesm, should God and Divine Judgement prove to be real, have a positive influence on their risking unfavorable judgement?