I doubt that a potential future reward is going to allow a person to hold up under torture in the now. I think some Christians probably refuse to recant under torture because their sense of self is rooted in their religion, rather than because they expect a reward. Of course, paradise is part of those religious beliefs, so it’s hard to tell.
I think it’s less of a reward, more of a fear. How can I turn my back on god and risk eternal damnation? That’s a powerful thing right there. But true, it is also a massive part of some people’s identity.
I doubt that a potential future reward is going to allow a person to hold up under torture in the now. I think some Christians probably refuse to recant under torture because their sense of self is rooted in their religion, rather than because they expect a reward. Of course, paradise is part of those religious beliefs, so it’s hard to tell.
I think it’s less of a reward, more of a fear. How can I turn my back on god and risk eternal damnation? That’s a powerful thing right there. But true, it is also a massive part of some people’s identity.