If gods exist, calling them all-loving might be a stretch. It’s way more accurate to picture them as authors or game developers creating stories or worlds with drama and challenges. Have you ever noticed how the best books and video games almost always have some kind of conflict or evil?
Check out the stuff people love: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, 1984, American Psycho, A Clockwork Orange, The Road, or games like Counter Strike, Resident Evil, Call of Duty, Civilization V, and Warhammer. These are full of villains, battles, and rampant death and destruction. But real life is probably closer to Minecraft or a choose-your-own-adventure story.
Yes, I’m aware that games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing exist, but they’re not as prevalent as violent video games. Because people LOVE violent video games more. There are stakes and adrenaline that can give you your personal “high”.
Does that mean gods are just total assholes then?
Nah, hold up. If gods were total assholes, we’d all be screwed, living in some eternal torture simulator with no way out. That’s hell, inferno, jahannam, or sheol. But that’s not what’s going on. Look at games like The Legend of Zelda. Yeah, Link gets beaten up, but he’s got a shot to fight back and save the day. If the game were just Link getting his ass kicked over and over with no hope, nobody would play it. So, if gods are out there designing this world, they’re not just throwing in evil for kicks; they’re setting up a story where we can step up and be the heroes.
Here’s the deal with those violent books and games: they’ve got villains, sure, but they also have heroes. And you can be one. That’s what makes it fun. If you think you’re doomed and can’t beat the big bad challenges in life, that’s just pessimism talking. Someone, somewhere, will prove it’s possible to win, even if it’s long after you’re gone. Think about it: Nobody wants to play a game where you’re helpless. Same with life. The challenges are there so you can rise up, not so you can feel like crap.
So, if gods exist, they’re probably not some omnibenevolent daddies handing out salvation. They’re more like the authors and devs behind your favorite books or games, tossing in conflict to make things interesting and give you a chance to shine. Life’s got its villains, but it’s also got heroes. And the best part is you get to decide if you’re gonna be one.
So no, there would be no heaven, no hell, no purgatory, just the video game somebody clicked “Play”.
Wait… so who clicked “Play”?
Not you, of course.