to christians what is worse?serious question?

There are few things you will ever find in life that are more valuable than a reputation as an honest, trustworthy person. (See the box “How Honest Am I?” on page 167.) And think of it—anyone can build such a reputation! It does not depend on your talent, wealth, looks, social background, or any other factor beyond your control. Nonetheless, many fail to acquire the treasure of a good reputation. It is a rarity. (Micah 7:2) Some may scoff at you for being honest, but others will appreciate your honesty, and they will reward you with their trust and their respect. Many of Jehovah’s Witnesses have even found that their honesty benefited them financially. They have kept their jobs when dishonest employees were fired, or they have found a job when honest employees were desperately needed.

Whether that happens to you or not, you will find that honesty brings even greater blessings. You will have the blessing of a clean conscience. Paul wrote: “We trust we have an honest conscience.” (Hebrews 13:18) Furthermore, your reputation never goes unnoticed by our loving heavenly Father, and he loves honest people. (Psalm 15:1, 2; Proverbs 22:1) Yes, being honest helps you to remain in God’s love, and we seek no higher reward than that.

First of all, I don't know why someone would go around saying they believe in God when they dont, unless they're trying to scam someone. I would think that's worse than being honest, but the difference doesn't really matter. They're both really the same except that one is lying.

God doesn't care about my opinion of you.

I will not sit on the sidelines and make the proclamation that I'm your critic because of what you CHOOSE to believe.

The better question is: why would you care about what anybody thinks about what you think? Especially nameless strangers? This says to me that you are desperately seeking some form of acceptance. You won't get it from me. To me you are destined to be God's footstool BECAUSE you care more about what mere mortals think of you than what God thinks of you. Amen.

What?

I'm a theist, but if I wasn't, I wouldn't feel the need to pretend to be one. Is there a particular goal one is trying to reach by doing so?

You don't have to believe in God(s) to be a good person.

Never pretend to believe. God will not be fooled nor will other people. Just be yourself.

pretending is worse if you don't believe in god then you don't believe in it. its better to be truthful then to lie

If it is bad to lack faith, it must be worse to compound it by false pretense.

Be honest with yourself.

one lie leads to many lies

truth ends with the truth

dishonesty, lack of personal integrity, hypocrisy ... those are okay ONLY if you are a theist ...