> I wonder what theologians might say about this question.
Imho many theists are very aware of these alternative interpretations, but due to all of them being rather unsettling and potentially existential-dread inducing, they chose the "Welp, I rather go with the God thing, that's less hassle" route.
Nothing wrong with that, we all have a mind of our own that allows us to frame our world view in the way most convenient/understandable to us.
But sadly it seems these difference in world view too often prevent us from agreeing on a consensus about how to go about things or even where to go in the first place.
I'm not so sure that religious beliefs -- everlasting hellfire, for one -- are all that comforting. If anything, I find the idea of an omnipotent and omniscient God far more unsettling than meaninglessness.
If you're one of the downtrodden, the belief in heaven and hell exists can be a great comfort. You're a good person (even though you suffer now) and will go to heaven while your oppressors (who now lead the good life) will go to hell.
Imho many theists are very aware of these alternative interpretations, but due to all of them being rather unsettling and potentially existential-dread inducing, they chose the "Welp, I rather go with the God thing, that's less hassle" route.
Nothing wrong with that, we all have a mind of our own that allows us to frame our world view in the way most convenient/understandable to us.
But sadly it seems these difference in world view too often prevent us from agreeing on a consensus about how to go about things or even where to go in the first place.