A lot of people have posted over in my post where I discuss
why I’m no longer a Christian. Some of you have said that you believe in God because the thought of an afterlife comforts you. I don’t really understand that. If nothingness is all that awaits us after we die is that really so bad? Think about it. Before you were conceived you didn’t exist. Was that so horrible? Do you look back with anything other than disinterest at that? It doesn’t matter to people. So if your beforelife doesn’t matter to you, why does your afterlife? If you really believe in the Bible, then believe in it. But don’t try to convince yourself that there is something after this just to make you feel better. Because if you die, and that’s it, your not going to care.
James Allen posted this entry on Wednesday, August 9th, 2006 at 11:02 am.
Posted in the category Personal, religion
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AAAMEN!!! lol
People who say they take comfort in the belief in an afterlife are essentially admitting that fear is a major motivator for religious belief; in this case, fear of death.
Fear of death is natural in all self-aware organisms; it’s part of our evolved instinct for self-preservation. However, when you look at it, atheism offers a superior alternative to the fantasies of religion and afterlife belief. There was a discussion about this very topic on a mailing list I belong to recently. A friend of mine made a good point. By confronting reality head-on and not hiding behind the dubious comfort of wishful thinking, atheists have the capacity to identify real problems and pursue real solutions. If the problem in question is “Death,” then solutions include living a healthy and responsible life, and supporting scientific research into life extension.
The idea that we could lengthen telomeres to extend life really blows my mind. It’s entirely possible that people might not have to get old and die one day. Probably won’t happen in time to help any of us alive now, but it’s still really interesting to think about.
Also, I think not believing in an afterlife gives this life even more value. If this is all we have, then we really have to make it count, you know?