The Atheist Challenge: Do you have the guts to sign your name to this contract?

28 CommentsAtheist Tuesday

Dear Atheist Reader,

Would you please read the following carefully, and then sign in the comments section—if you agree to it?  This is no joke. Do you have the courage of your convictions? This was written by James Smith  (1802-1862) and is still relevant for today.

I am resolved to persevere in sin, and follow the maxims and customs of those around me–though it costs me the loss of my soul, and exposes me to everlasting damnation. I am resolved to reject the Son of God–I will not embrace Him as my Savior, or have Him reign over me. I am resolved that I will not accept the pardon which God presents to me in the gospel, though it cost Jesus His life to procure it–and I know I must eternally perish without it. I am determined not to submit to God’s way of salvation, and I consent to be lost forever! I have made up my mind, that I will never consent to receive a free salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ–I will not have it!

I am resolved
to reject God’s message. . .
to dare His justice,
to defy His power,
to refuse His mercy,
to brave His threatened wrath, and
to harden myself against all His invitations, expostulations, exhortations, and promises.

I am resolved that I will not . . .
bow to His authority,
yield to His entreaties,
believe on His Son,
repent of my sins,
love His name,
or obey His precepts.

I am determined that there shall never be joy in Heaven among the angels of God––on account of my conversion.

I will never . . .
desert the ranks of Satan,
give up my sinful practices,
ask for mercy at God’s hands,
or take up my cross and follow Christ!

I am resolved . . .
to keep on in my old wicked course,
to persevere in my present sinful path,
to associate with my carnal companions–
and if it secures my eternal damnation–then let it do so!

I will not receive salvation on God’s terms,
I will not stoop to be saved by grace alone,
I will not take the yoke of Christ upon me, and engage to be His subject and servant–even though Heaven and all the glories of eternity would be secured by it.

If I cannot escape the wrath of God–but by faith, repentance, and holiness, I am determined to go to Hell, for I am resolved not to yield to any such terms!

It is of no use for the preacher to spend His breath upon me! My mind is made up, I will be my own master, I will take my own course! No one has any right to interfere with me for I shall injure no one but myself!

I have no objection to going to church, or to attending to some religious forms–but to give my heart to God, to be crucified to the present world, and to make God’s glory the end of life–will never do for me; therefore I gladly take the consequences.

If this is required of those who would be true Christians–then you must stop urging me–for I will not yield! You must stop all attempts to convert me, for my mind is made up! I have heard hundreds of sermons, I have read the Bible myself–but I have hardened myself against the whole, and I am not going to yield now!

Tell me no more of the Savior’s love,
tell me no more of the pleasures of holiness,
tell me no more of the terrors of death,
tell me no more of the dreadful judgment,
tell me no more of the joys of Heaven,
tell me no more of the agonies of Hell––
for you will never induce me to yield myself unto God, and seek the salvation of my soul. For my mind is made up, and my daily conduct is enough to convince you of it, if anything would. I am resolved not to yield–let the consequences be what they may!

I will go on just as I have done!

I will not be Christ’s servant!

I will not be God’s child!

I will obey only Satan!

I will follow the course of this evil world!

I will serve my lusts and pleasures! In proof thereof, witness my signature [as I sign my name in the comments below.]

Comments (28)

  1. Garrett

    Reply

    I have the courage of my convictions, but that post isn’t listing them. Do you even know what “atheist” means, Steve?

    I don’t believe there is a Satan, so why would I claim to obey such an entity?

    I don’t believe there is a God nor Jesus, so why would I buy into the concept of sin?

    So, where is that challenge, Steve? Did it get delayed or something? This…this isn’t it, is it? Aren’t you tired of being treated like a joke?

  2. Nohm

    Reply

    To be clear, James Smith said this as basically part of a sermon; he was not saying this as if he actually believed it, and I think you should make that point more clear, Steve. When I first read this post, it appeared to imply that James Smith was saying this as if it was his point of view.

    This is no different than an Imam saying, “As a Christian, I hate the one true God and His scriptures, I worship a partner of God, and I do not follow God’s edicts as clearly described.”

    Now, would a Christian actually say that? No, of course not, just like no non-believer actually thinks what James Smith said.

    Therefore, James Smith is quite obviously guilty of failed mind-reading, as I will show in my next comment.

  3. Nohm

    Reply

    “I am resolved to persevere in sin,”

    Since “sin” is an offense against God, and I don’t believe in any gods, I therefore don’t believe in “sin”. Having said that, I am resolved to not do bad things, and I’m very much resolved to not be a hypocrite.

    “and follow the maxims and customs of those around me”

    James Smith has obviously not met me. I am not resolved to follow the maxims and customs of those around me. I follow the maxims and customs that I feel are best to follow, after heavy consideration of the consequences.

    “though it costs me the loss of my soul,”

    I’m a non-believer, so I don’t believe in a soul. If you have evidence, I’m listening.

    “and exposes me to everlasting damnation.”

    As a non-believer, I don’t believe in damnation, everlasting or otherwise. I have no idea why James thought any non-believer would find this… oh, I get it, this was never intended for non-believers, right? It was simply intended to make believers feel better about themselves.

    Got it.

    “I am resolved to reject the Son of God”

    As a non-believer in the Christian God, I therefore obviously don’t believe that He has a son. I do not reject the Son of God, I simply have no reason to believe that He exists.

    I do not reject Him, and I certainly wouldn’t reject Him if I believed in Him.

    “I will not embrace Him as my Savior, or have Him reign over me.”

    Again, I’m wondering what part of “non-believer” that James Smith had a hard part understanding.

    “I am resolved that I will not accept the pardon which God presents to me in the gospel,”

    For the same reason why Steve Sanchez has yet to take the Shahada. Humans present the gospel to me, not God.

    “though it cost Jesus His life to procure it”

    A claim that is not supported by evidence.

    “and I know I must eternally perish without it.”

    I certainly do not know that I “must eternally perish without it”. James and his failed mind-reading.

    “I am determined not to submit to God’s way of salvation,”

    Again, I’m a non-believer. At some point I would hope that it’s understood that I’m not avoiding submission, just as Steve Sanchez is avoiding submission to Allah and his prophet.

    If I believed in God, then we could talk about submission, but not before.

    “and I consent to be lost forever!”

    No, I do not.

    “I have made up my mind, that I will never consent to receive a free salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ–I will not have it!”

    Said no one, ever.

    James really loved making straw-men. I’m not impressed.

    If I believed in salvation, free or otherwise, then we could discuss this. But I currently have no reason to believe in salvation, or that there’s anything to have salvation for/from.

    “I am resolved
    to reject God’s message. . .    ”

    No, just the messengers that claim to speak for Him.

    “to dare His justice,
    to defy His power,
    to refuse His mercy,
    to brave His threatened wrath,    ”

    Again, non-believer here. Until I believe that He exists, I have no opinion on the four issues listed above.

    “and
    to harden myself against all His invitations, expostulations, exhortations, and promises.    ”

    Like Pharaoh did? Oh, wait, no… that was God. I have yet to receive an invitation, an expostulation, an exhortation, and certainly no promises.

    From his fanboys? Sure. Plenty of those. From Him? Not a word.

    “I am resolved that I will not . . .
    bow to His authority,
    yield to His entreaties,
    believe on His Son,    ”

    Again, until I believe in Him, we can’t talk about His authority, entreaties, or His son.

    “repent of my sins,”

    We already covered sins.

    “love His name,”

    I have no problem with His name.

    “or obey His precepts.”

    I have no way of verifying that the precepts presented to me are, indeed, His.

    “I am determined that there shall never be joy in Heaven among the angels of God”

    The angels of God have to have me as a believer before there can be any joy in Heaven? I’m thinking that’s not scriptural.

    “on account of my conversion.”

    Conversion? Conversion from what to what?

    “I will never . . .
    desert the ranks of Satan,    ”

    I can promise you that, if I believed in Satan, I sure wouldn’t join the ranks of that loser.

    “give up my sinful practices,”

    We’ve covered the issue of “sin”.

    “ask for mercy at God’s hands,”

    Non-believer here, yadda yadda yadda.

    “or take up my cross and follow Christ!”

    Just like Steve Sanchez won’t pick up his Qur’an and follow Allah.

    “I am resolved . . .”

    GoodNESS with the failed mind-reading here! I wonder how James would feel if I was around back then and wrote a lot of “James Smith is resolved to hate babies, love prostitutes, and murder the elderly.”

    Right?

    “to keep on in my old wicked course,”

    “Wicked”? You’re hurting my eyes when I roll them this much.

    “to persevere in my present sinful path,”

    We’ve covered this already, yeesh.

    “to associate with my carnal companions–”

    Wait, who? I wish.

    C’mon now, this is getting almost satire-like. “Carnal companions”? Gimme a break.

    “and if it secures my eternal damnation–then let it do so!”

    Why would anyone want eternal damnation? That makes no sense at all. I can promise you that I do not want eternal damnation. Fortunately, I have no reason to believe that such a state exists in reality.

    “I will not receive salvation on God’s terms,
    I will not stoop to be saved by grace alone,
    I will not take the yoke of Christ upon me, and engage to be His subject and servant–even though Heaven and all the glories of eternity would be secured by it.    ”

    Non-believer here, yadda yadda yadda. None of this applies to me.

    “If I cannot escape the wrath of God–but by faith, repentance, and holiness, I am determined to go to Hell, for I am resolved not to yield to any such terms!”

    If I believed, then we could talk about yielding to such terms. I don’t currently believe, therefore I don’t believe that such terms, or consequence, exists.

    “It is of no use for the preacher to spend His breath upon me!”

    I completely disagree, failed mind-reader. If the preacher actually has truth (which I doubt, but I could be wrong), then I absolutely want him to spend his next breath on me. Tell me good reasons why I should believe. Present me with credible evidence.

    “My mind is made up,”

    Incorrect, failed mind-reader. I can definitely be convinced that God exists. But it’s so easy to argue and rant at an imaginary person, ain’t it?

    “I will be my own master,”

    I have no idea what this means, or why a “master” is needed. The word usage kinda gives away the game, dontcha think?

    “I will take my own course!”

    With caveats, but this might be closest to what I actually think. Good job, James! It only took you nine long paragraphs to actually say something accurate! Yay!

    “No one has any right to interfere with me for I shall injure no one but myself!”

    Completely untrue. Because there are possibilities in actions where I could (unintentionally) injure other people, therefore certain individuals have a right to interfere with me in certain situations.

    But, failed mind-reading and all that.

    “I have no objection to going to church, or to attending to some religious forms”

    It fascinates me that regardless of what James writes, he seems to get it wrong. I actually prefer not to go to church, since I feel like an invader; I’m a non-believer, and churches are for believers.

    “–but to give my heart to God, to be crucified to the present world, and to make God’s glory the end of life–will never do for me”

    Only because I don’t believe in the things listed before it. If I believed in God, then we’d have to see how I’d feel about doing those things. I’m not against them, but as a non-believer, they’re simply not applicable.

    “therefore I gladly take the consequences.

    I don’t believe that any such consequences exist.

    “If this is required of those who would be true Christians–then you must stop urging me”

    Incorrect, yet again, failed mind-reader. True Christians, continue to keep urging me; I am not offended at all.

    “–for I will not yield!”

    I’ll yield, if I believe.

    “You must stop all attempts to convert me,”

    No, you may continue any and all attempts to convert me. I ask you to do this. If you have The Truth, I want to know.

    “for my mind is made up!”

    Oh, shut up already, James Smith. You’ve gone overboard with all this failed mind-reading.

    My mind is decidedly not made up, and the same is true for every atheist I know (which is a lot).

    “I have heard hundreds of sermons,”

    The second true statement in his rant, and it only took him eleven or so paragraphs. Waytogo, James Smith.

    “I have read the Bible myself”

    Two accurate statements back-to-back?? Wow!

    “but I have hardened myself against the whole, and I am not going to yield now!”

    Well, I should have known it was too good to be true, as we’re back to failed mind-reading. I have not hardened myself against the whole, and I will discuss yielding… as soon as I’m a believer… which is not now.

    “Tell me no more of the Savior’s love,
    tell me no more of the pleasures of holiness,
    tell me no more of the terrors of death,
    tell me no more of the dreadful judgment,
    tell me no more of the joys of Heaven,
    tell me no more of the agonies of Hell––    ”

    Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. Christians can tell me of any of these things.

    “for you will never induce me to yield myself unto God, and seek the salvation of my soul.”

    Again, I’m a non-believer, so yadda yadda yadda what-part-of-non-believer-does-James-not-understand.

    “For my mind is made up,”

    No, James, it is not.

    “and my daily conduct is enough to convince you of it,”

    Steve knows nothing of my daily conduct, so I’m pretty sure that James definitely had no clue.

    “I am resolved not to yield–let the consequences be what they may!”

    Again with this garbage.

    “I will go on just as I have done!”

    Nope; I am constantly trying to figure out better ways.

    “I will not be Christ’s servant!”

    Non-believer in Christ.

    “I will not be God’s child!”

    Non-believer in God.

    “I will obey only Satan!”

    Non-believer in Satan.

    “I will follow the course of this evil world!”

    Non-believer in the idea that this world is “evil”.

    “I will serve my lusts and pleasures!”

    No, because that’s silly.

    “In proof thereof, witness my signature”

    Oh, I could write something to you, James, but I think Steve would then decline to post my comment due to incivility.

    No way am I signing this erroneous, garbage-filled, ignorant, idiotic piece of failed mind-reading, the majority of which is so far off from my actual point of view that the whole thing is pure silliness.

    I LOL’d.

    • theB1ackSwan

      Reply

      In other hilarious theistic ramblings, the debate between AronRa and Ray Comfort is definitely something to watch if you want a good laugh.

      • vintango2k

        Oh jeez, I heard that debate, poor Ray… it was like stealing candy from a blind baby… who was sleeping at the time.

  4. Nohm

    Reply

    Dear Christian Reader,

    Would you please read the following carefully, and then sign in the comments section—if you agree to it? This is no joke. Do you have the courage of your convictions? This was written by Nohm and is still relevant for today.

    I am resolved to not really believe in God, but just act like I do because I am scared of death and I like telling other people what to do. I don’t actually believe in a Hell, but I like telling people that they’re going to The Hot Place because it makes me feel better about myself to talk down to others.

    I will not read any book except for the ones that my pastor allows me to, and I hate to do any kind of research. I never actually read my Bible, I simply parrot the quotes that Pastor gives on Sunday.

    I don’t believe in Jesus, and this whole thing is a scam for money put into the plate. I like to yell and scream at people on street corners like a crazy person, because this gives me attention.

    I hate everyone who is not exactly like me, and I make up stories about my past to make them sound scary, so that others will be bullied into following my beliefs… even though I don’t actually believe them.

    I will serve my idiocy and anti-social behaviors! In proof thereof, witness my signature [as I sign my name in the comments below.]

    Wait, you mean to tell me that what I’ve written in no way matches the actual beliefs of Christians? You say that I’ve written a moronic, garbage-filled piece of failed mind-reading? My oh my! At least you can respond to me about my silliness, while I can’t do the same to James Smith about his.

  5. Proteus

    Reply

    I am resolved
    to reject God’s message. . …Since it is merely a contrived control mechanism started by ancient humans.
    to dare His justice……Since daring his justice is akin to fearing that the tooth fairy won’t leave money under my pillow.
    to defy His power…Since there is no evidence for any actual manifestations of a powerful supernatural agent.
    to refuse His mercy…..Since his supposed mercy is merely a warm and fuzzy myth.
    to brave His threatened wrath,….. Since his threatened wrath is part of the control mechanism used by ancient men and still adhered to by a few people.
    and
    to harden myself against all His invitations, expostulations, exhortations, and promises…..Since is hilarious to think I could harden my heart against some mythical entity that is the subject of an ancient cultural artifact, the Bible.

    I am resolved that I will not . . .
    bow to His authority………
    yield to His entreaties…..,
    believe on His Son…….,
    repent of my sins…….,
    love His name…….,
    or obey His precepts………. I’ve just covered all those.

    Signed,

    Proteus

    • Steve L.

      Reply

      After reading and REJECTING all the superlatives written by Mr. Smith and then Signing your name to seal your guilt, seems tantamount to blasphemy of the Holy Spirit; an unforgivable sin unlike any other!
      If only you would see your error and repent – I have prayed that God would have an extra measure of grace in your case!!

  6. Michelle Bates

    Reply

    Is this what it means to be an atheist? I didn’t think about it that way. It seems so glamorous to not care about your sins, do whatever you want, etc… Perhaps I shall rethink my atheism after all. I thought I would be my own master, not Satan’s slave.

    Thank you Steve. You have given me a lot to think about. Where is a good place to learn more about Christ?

      • Michelle Bates

        I’m done towing the line for atheism. You and I both know what atheism is about–doing as we please. Yeah. yeah, we have our talking points about just not believing in God, but we all know God really exists even if we say we don’t believe.

        As atheists, we want independence from God’s rules and live by our own. That makes us our own gods. But we are not our own gods, we are slaves to Satan’s desires as Steve just pointed out.

        We can either serve God or Satan; there is no “atheist in-between.”

        I don’t know if I’m ready to become a Christian, but I’m certainly not happy being an atheist working under Satan.

      • vintango2k

        Hmmmm is Michelle a troll or perhaps a poe? What’s the proper definition in this case? I mean it sounds like she’s trying to get attention… Trolls for Jesus perhaps? Or maybe she’s really an atheist… trying to make Christians look silly… by pretending to be an atheist who’s failing to mask the fact that she’s a believer… ineptly. Not worth getting worked up over. Can I play pretend too now Steve? =)

      • vintango2k

        Further more Michelle, please inform me how you’ve ‘towed the line’ for atheism… have you been to rallies? Participated in secular charities? Attended free thought conventions or meet ups? Please give us specifics… we’re dying to hear them =)

      • Nohm

        “I’m done towing the line for atheism. You and I both know what atheism is about–doing as we please. Yeah. yeah, we have our talking points about just not believing in God, but we all know God really exists even if we say we don’t believe.”

        Who exactly is supposed to be buying this? This isn’t even done well.

        Lame fake post, whomever did this.

        I have no reason to believe in either a God or a Satan.

        Vin, I have no idea what to call it… it’s not a Poe, that’s for sure. I guess “troll” would be a more accurate term, since he/she is trolling us by posting things that we would find bizarre (likely calling yourself an atheist, but believing in God and Satan… that makes no sense).

      • Nohm

        Vin, to clarify: It’s not a Poe because a Poe means that you can’t tell the difference between an honest comment and a satirical comment.

        And that’s definitely not the case here with Michelle.

      • Whateverman

        I’m done towing the line for atheism. You and I both know what atheism is about–doing as we please.
        I gather you don’t think it’s dishonest. Good to know.

        You’re a shining example of the utility of Christian morality.

  7. Gloria

    Reply

    your 18th century point of view of an atheist is hardly the way in which most people who are unbelievers are thinking today, especially the younger generation. Most people out there today don’t even know enough about the Bible to think about Christianity in this cut and dry doctrinal fashion about the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Most people today that say they are atheist is because there truly have not met enough real Holy Spirit filled Christians out there that are truly real and that are truly living a godly Christian life. Like I heard it said, the only Bible that a lot of people read, and the only reality of the life of Christ that most people will see is you! Therefore, I believe that if given a chance to get to know a real truly born again Holy Spirit filled believer that is reflecting the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ, that most people who say they are atheists would come to the Lord Jesus and want to know Him as their Lord and Saviour. When an unbeliever walks into a church and sees people in the church that are no different than the world, then what is there about that element that will even make them hungry and thirsty to know the living Christ? I say, it is not the fault of the unbeliever and the worldly person who says they are an atheist and want nothing to do with Christianity, they are simply being who they are without Christ. Jesus said that we are to be “salt and light, but if the salt has lost it’s savor, it is good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under the foot of men”. Therefore, what we need to realize in our desire to win the lost and bring souls to or Saviour, is that most people by their very admission to being atheists unbelievers are declaring their “God consciousness” in their very resistance to Him. If they had no God consciousness, they would not even have to make a statement declaring their opposition to Him. Simply put, they are fighting the God consciousness that already dwells in every man, both believer and unbeliever like. Therefore there is really no such thing as an atheist, it is simply a statement of resistance to the God consciousness that every living human being is born with. Most people that say the are unbelievers and atheists, know deep down that there is something more to life than what they already have. Most are floundering through life with no real sense of purpose. Most people, if shown the reality of the Kingdom through the lives of true believers that are living the Kingdom Life, through relationship with the Lord of the Kingdom by repentance and faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Therfore, I believe that this is a more Biblical approach than 18th century presentation you are promoting here at this website.

    • Steve L.

      Reply

      Gloria wrote:
      “your 18th century point of view of an atheist is hardly the way in which most people who are unbelievers are thinking today, especially the younger generation. Most people out there today don’t even know enough about the Bible to think about Christianity in this cut and dry doctrinal fashion about the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
      Gloria:
      The message has been the same down through the centuries; “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
      (Mark 1:15)

      “I believe that if given a chance to get to know a real truly born again Holy Spirit filled believer that is reflecting the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ, that most people who say they are atheists would come to the Lord Jesus and want to know Him as their Lord and Saviour.”
      I disagree; the Holy Spirit is the one who calls and convicts the heart! (1Cor. 12:3) In other words, He calls whom he will! (Jn. 6:65) A kind and courteous Christian is always a plus and is one that honors God. He is always a blessing to others no matter the circumstances!

      “Simply put, they are fighting the God consciousness that already dwells in every man both believer and unbeliever like. Therefore there is really no such thing as an atheist, it is simply a statement of resistance to the God consciousness that every living human being is born with.”
      You call it “consciousness” but in reality it’s really every mans conscience – not wanting to admit that God exists! Rom. 1:20-21

      The “evangelical” approach today is making people feel warm and fuzzy and telling them how much Jesus needs them instead of the other way around! Unless folks are told of their sin and their need of repentance, (in a kind and caring way) salvation is not possible! They must be told the truth which is found only in God’s word!

  8. vintango2k

    Reply

    Isn’t it interesting that the greatest minds illustrated on this website usually come out of the 19th century and earlier? I wonder if the men talked about on this website were alive… would they be on the same level as Ray Comfort or William Lane Craig?

    • Whateverman

      Reply

      Isn’t it interesting that the greatest minds illustrated on this website usually come out of the 19th century and earlier?
      I’ve often wondered the same, Vin.

      Certainly, there are contemporary Christian apologists who can at least lay claim to adding to the products of Christian theology – yet very few of Steve’s fan club seem to be aware of them.

      In fact, nearly all of them appear incapable of original thought. I tend to think they’ve been taught to parrot what they’re told, rather than extrapolate from it.

  9. Whateverman

    Reply

    Recently, Steve, you portrayed the banning of the Hope Chapel Evangelical team from the El Camino campus as religious.

    By the same logic, you’re persecuting atheists at your blog.

    Right?

  10. Quasar

    Reply

    Certainly, I’ll sign it.

    [reads post]

    Oh, no, wait. I’m sorry Steve, I only sign positive affirmations of my irredeemable evil and infinite hatred for everything good and beautiful.

    Most of those are negative affirmations, comments about what I’m not. How will that make my enemies quiver in their pathetic human boots before I crush them into dust? It will not!

    Therefore I cannot sign the letter. It’s just not evil enough I’m afraid, Steve.

  11. perdita

    Reply

    Late to the party….

    I will post a challenge where all the atheists can pony up to what they believe.

    This post is what you were talking about? Seriously? I honestly don’t know whether to laugh or pity you. Those of us you’ve allowed to comment have been pretty clear about what we believe and don’t believe and why, so I don’t understand why you need to lie about it.

    And please, Ms. Fake Atheist, it’s ‘toe the line’ not ‘tow the line.’

  12. Blanche Quizno

    Reply

    Steve, do you have the courage of your convictions to sign this pledge?

    I am resolved to persevere in sin, and follow the maxims and customs of those around me–though it costs me the loss of my soul, and exposes me to everlasting damnation. I am resolved to reject the Son of Odin–I will not embrace Him as my Æsir, or acknowledge his worthiness. I am resolved that I will not accept the pardon which Odin presents to me in the Eddas, though it cost Odin His eye to procure it from the Frost Giants–and I know I must eternally perish without it. I am determined not to submit to Odin’s way of salvation, and I consent to be lost forever! I have made up my mind, that I will never consent to receive a free salvation by faith in the Lord Thor–I will not have it!

    I am resolved
    to reject Odin’s message. . .
    to dare His justice,
    to defy His power,
    to refuse His mercy,
    to brave His threatened wrath, and
    to harden myself against all His invitations, expostulations, exhortations, and promises.

    I am resolved that I will not . . .
    bow to His authority,
    yield to His entreaties,
    believe on His Son Thor,
    fight as a man,
    love with great passion,
    or live a respect-worthy life.

    I am determined that there shall never be joy in Valhalla among the honored and victorius einherjar of Odin––on account of my conversion.

    I will never . . .
    desert the ranks of Loki,
    give up my sinful practices and passion for the sexy Frost Giants,
    ask for mercy at Odin’s hands,
    or take up my sword and follow Thor!

    I am resolved . . .
    to keep on in my old wicked course,
    to persevere in my present sinful path,
    to associate with my carnal companions–
    and if it secures my eternal damnation–then let it do so!

    I will not receive salvation on Odin’s terms,
    I will not stoop to be saved by triumph and valor alone,
    I will not take the honor of Thor upon me, and engage to be His warrior and brother-at-arms–even though Valhalla and all the glories of eternity would be secured by it.

    If I cannot escape the wrath of Odin–but by nobility, responsibility, and valor, I am determined to go to Helheim, for I am resolved not to yield to any such terms!

    It is of no use for the preacher to spend His breath upon me! My mind is made up, I will be my own master, I will take my own course! No one has any right to interfere with me for I shall injure no one but myself!

    I have no objection to going to feasts, or to attending to some religious forms–but to give my heart to Odin, to be victorious in the present world, and to make Odin’s glory my ideal as a warrior–will never do for me; therefore I gladly take the consequences.

    If this is required of those who would be true Asatru–then you must stop urging me–for I will not yield! You must stop all attempts to convince me to live an honorable and worthy life, for my mind is made up! I have heard hundreds of sermons, I have read the Eddas myself–but I have hardened myself against the whole, and I am not going to yield now!

    Tell me no more of Thor’s valor,
    tell me no more of the pleasures of victory,
    tell me no more of the terrors of death,
    tell me no more of the dreadful judgment,
    tell me no more of the joys of Valhalla,
    tell me no more of the agonies of Helheim––
    for you will never induce me to yield myself unto Odin, and seek to secure the salvation of my soul through courage and honor. For my mind is made up, and my daily conduct is enough to convince you of it, if anything would. I am resolved not to yield–let the consequences be what they may!

    I will go on just as I have done!

    I will not be Thor’s servant!

    I will not be Odin’s child!

    I will obey only Loki!

    I will follow the course of this evil world!

    I will serve my lusts and pleasures! In proof thereof, witness my signature [as I sign my name in the comments below.]

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