That is so often what these discussions turn into. That smug declaration that we'll all found out when we die and I'll regret my position (as if rational thought were optional) when I'm burning in hell. But you know I don't believe a word of that nonsense, and more to the point, I don't think you do either. I'm going to make an assumption about you. I assume that you're not an evil person. I assume that you're not a malicious sadist. If you genuinely think that I am going to suffer the most unimaginable horrors, wouldn't you feel some urgency to prevent it? You'd try to stop a mugging on the street, wouldn't you? Isn't this infinitely worse? But you don't do everything you possibly can to keep good people from suffering this terrible evil. Because you are not terribly evil, and because you and I both know that it's absurd nonsense that the universe is setup in such a way that deference or not to an authority that it is quite possible to reasonably doubt the existence of will actually earn someone an eternal life of either bliss or horror. If you thought this was true, you would have to be the worst kind of monster to not only allow it, but to take comfort in it.
As I discussed a bit in the thread about the pope admonishing the mafia, I don't think even professed believers actually believe this stuff. I include you in that thought. Pretty much only genuine loonies like suicide bombers seem to actually believe the myths of their faith.
You make some sense in this statement you make. Much of Christianity is just as you say. But you do not understand me, or the true believer in Christ. I am not smug. I just believe what I believe, and that is the Word of God. It isn't the believer that makes it past the fire.
"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."
There is more to it that belief.
These three statements I think show the truth of the matter:
1. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
2. ...what is the greatest commandment?... "Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
3. "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
This is the way out of the fire. It is almost impossible for humans to do. It is so counter-intuitive to our nature it is indeed a serious foolishness to human beings.
But some choose to do it, against all rationality. Except that they feel a truth that is deeper than the selfish desires most of us relish in the eat, drink, and be merry world.
I don't know how to convince you personally, but convince you I would. You have free will, so it's up to you where your faith will rest.
But this is why I post here. I hope that the words will make sense to someone and they will find the freedom of faith in Christ.