So why are you imploring us to heed the theological advice of someone who is in hell?

OK, thanks. I'll have to look up that article. If "...I will not accept that philosophically because I do not want to believe in God." is not sarcastic or tongue in cheek, I would think it would be cause for concern. An honorable scientist wouldn't disregard scientific evidence just because they didn't get the results they like, or because the results challenged another preconceived notion. But, I'll read it for myself and see.

While I admire many things the Founders did, I think this discussion is rather silly. You're all laying too much stock into the issue of inalienable rights, imho. The Founders only thought you had inalienable rights if you were a white, property-owning male. No inalienable rights for women, most people of color, and white men without sufficient property ownership. Add to that, the Bible has many references justifying slavery, sections glorifying the total annihilation of various peoples, and often states that our happiness will be in heaven and not on earth. So much for the inalienable rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness which are obviously man-given and not God- or god-given.

Jefferson was correct in his affirmation of God as man's Creator and Endower of man's unalienable rights. The fact that according to God's Word, unless he acknowledged Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior before he died he is spending eternity separated from God, does not change that.

Christ's Word recorded in Matthew, Chapter 11 gives indication that those who deny Him and do not repent will find their eternity separated from God (in hell, as you indicate) more tolerable or less tolerable. This is just a guess, but knowing the mercy of God, there's a good chance that those who believe in and have publicly acknowledged God as man's Creator and Endower, will be among those finding their eternity in hell at least somewhat more tolerable than those who have not. Perhaps their torment will consist only of their eternal sorrow and regret.