When I ask this question, I break it down into Five possibilities. Also, I view it between myself & one other, plus an unseen third. That will make sense in a minute.
- We're Both Right.
- I'm Right, You're Wrong.
- I'm Wrong, You're Right.
- We're Both Wrong.
- No God.
What do you do then with these choices? Just pick like before (when there were only two)? No, instead I look at it by how each choice would affect me. Words aren't as important as the context of them, just as answers aren't as important as the reasons to have them. Also, to be secure in your choice, you should be able to remain in good spirits when/if you're wrong.
1. We're Both Right.
This is my philosophy. I don't believe in the line of thought that one is grander than another. I believe something exists, you believe something exists. Who is to say one is Wrong? We all have our own opinions, those opinions shape how we view things, and this would lead to different interpretations of ideas such as the existence of a god or greater power. What Person A thinks to be truth may be worded differently than that of Person B, but from this point of view... they're both right. They're simply interpreting (it) in a different way. If I'm wrong: I'm at peace with how I live my life. No regrets.
My only gripe would be of people that change because of someone else. "My wife is <this>, so now I am." It's the personal belief & following it through that counts, not simply saying it.
2. I'm Right. You're Wrong. & 3. I'm Wrong, You're Right.
In the greater scale, I'd prefer not to ally myself with someone who judges off someone's mere belief. So with this thought, I don't subscribe to these ideas. If I'm wrong: i'm still 'good' with #2 and in #3 I'm in trouble... but I'm not bothered by it. Either of these options would cause anger toward said god from me... so it wouldn't work out anyways.
4. We're Both Wrong.
Person A & Person B got it wrong. The god expects different. Some unseen person C got it right. Person C is saved, but A & B are screwed. If I'm Wrong: The same as my reaction to #3
5. No God.
Person A & Person B believed in something that didn't exist. Life is wasted... or is it? If I'm wrong: Then what? I die. No time for remorse or regret. This is of course assuming I had reason to feel bad about my life.
Is there an issue with being wrong? I don't think so. I think you're missing out if you don't try to figure it out nor do I feel you can be Right if you don't try to understand it and really take it in. Though again, so what if I'm wrong? What do I have to say about that? In the greater scheme, being wrong could have consequences. In option two I would live well, but know it was for (what I consider to be) the wrong reasons. In option three... well... I'm probably going to have some issues. The same goes with option four by being wrong and having to deal with a jealous and unforgiving godly entity. I'm not going to enjoy life for a while. And in the fifth option, I cease to exist. It's this last one that really shows who you are.
No matter what we choose, there is a chance we're wrong. We'll have to deal with that after death. In life, we can deal with our choices all while being aware that we might be wrong. I'd like to think that dealing with it here, would make our spirits stronger for when we deal with it after death. So again, number five is where it really beings. What If: There Is No God? How can you deal with being SO very wrong that your entire life has no 'greater scheme', no 'Greater Purpose'? Being wrong implies a wasted life in this scenario. I have dealt with this by being content with who I am, what I am, and how I have lived my life... regardless of the answer. Some nonbelievers like to question people like me & they get my answer.
Atheist: So you believe in a god? What if he doesn't exist? Wouldn't that mean you wasted your life?
Me: So what if there's no god? I'm happy how I am. There's no loss in looking out for and being nice to others. I'd want to live this way regardless.
What is annoying is when you turn that question around. What if there IS a God? Then what? All too often that answer is, "There is no god, so I have nothing to worry about." It's annoying because they wouldn't accept such an answer from me and also because it shows a distinct lack of Their understand of their own choice.