So basically, your argument is that because some people believe in God and Heaven and Hell, they shouldn't be afraid to die? What, you have a problem with religious people being afraid to die? I'm not exactly religious but I don't think fear discriminates according to beliefs.
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It's because they are leaving behind their families and loved ones. I can't imagine, having to look into my spouses, children's', parents eyes for two whole weeks, while I'm in pain, knowing I am the reason they are in pain.
I fear I'm venturing off into the unfriendly sandpaper environment of my last question. Please don't let me go so far as to offend you.
How does that sound? Yea... Exactly.
They start to doubt their faith. Death is certain,heaven isn't.
I think it has to do with how they view death in general though - that it's the end, and something to fear. Even if they've lead a good life, there is still "judgement" at the end, and what if they weren't good enough, what if there is something lacking. Plus there is somewhat of a stigma attached to death and dying - (drops to a whisper) you have to talk about it in hushed tones and tiptoe around it, because it might be catching you know.
It's one of the things that I particularly like about many Pagan paths, if not embracing death, at least acknowledging that it is a necessary part of things. The concept of reincarnation helps too, since it's easier to view death as the start of the next journey, rather than an ending. This isn't to say that those left behind aren't sad, etc... but (for me at least) it makes things easier to deal with.
There is the possibility that even though we know that we are going to heaven, we are in fact mourning because we realize that we have so much more that we would like to do here. Did we spend enough time spreading the word of God or did we just sit back and watch others. Of course there are tons of different reasons, we cannot possibly cover them all in this forum. Mind you, this comment is my thoughts on the subject no one elses. I have other thoughts as well but, for the sake of time, and space, I'll stop.
Your thought that people mourn the lost opportunity to do stuff here would make sense if Heaven wasn't billed as this magical place where you'll never feel pain or sorrow again. If believers are concerned that they didn't do enough spreading around of the Word, is this because God will turn them out if they did not? Cuz once again--in this magical place called Heaven, you won't sit around feeling bad that you had only 57 conversations about God with your atheist coworker, instead of 58.
Because humans are self-aware and it's human nature to fear death. Self-preservation is a strong instinct. Plus, as CK said, you know you're gonna miss your family, even worse is how bad they'll miss you.
There's a huge difference between your average everyday Christian and your suicidal Islamic terrorist who can't wait to die. The terrorist has been brainwashed since birth to believe that the only way into paradise to die I'm the process of killing infidels for allah. They are deprived of women in life and are told 72 smokin' hot virgins await them.
We see you don't believe in God, heaven or an afterlife. What do you believe?
Oh, and I capitalize the G first out of habit, and second out of respect for those who worship Him. I may not believe in God anymore, but that doesn't mean I want to disrespect His memory. Lol!
A lot of Christians appear to be looking forward to the end of this worldly existence: so they claim. Really devout Christians don't morn their own demise as much as feel an instinctual fear of death like all living creatures with even a tiny amount of consciousness: life wants to persist. However, many of the faithful have doubts that become conscious when facing death - some fear eternal nothingness, some fear judgement by their deity, some fear the eternal unknown, some fear the realization that life was ultimately without meaning. Why do you think the religious must constantly worship in groups, pray in groups, and sing praise in groups? Reassurance against the rationality of doubt. Facing death has been codified by Elizabeth Kubler Ross into several psychological stages most humans will go through - if they have the time and are conscious they are dying. If religion was a buffer against the harsh realities of life - and a promise of a heavenly afterlife - dying will certainly either justify or dismiss the promises of religion.
It's because they worry about their families like They say:"What happens if I'm not with my family and what the consequences?. I agree with Cjkenkel. They are leaving their family and loved ones. They couldn't even look in their eyes knowing that there's pain. Hope this helps. =D
Not all do. Some accept it without any fear, others don't give up the faith but human nature causes doubt when finally confronted. Perfect example, do you remember a couple years ago, a lady named Tammy Faye Baker from MTV's Surreal life? She and her husband had the huge Christian ministry, he messed up, went to jail, blah blah.
She
continued to preach her faith, very sweet lady)
She got terminally sick. Now this lady had faith like nobody's business, but I heard her say in an interview before she passed that she was " a little afraid of the unknown".( your point )
I don't think for
a minute she lost any faith. It boils down to human nature, even the strongest can show weakness. I don't think they are doubting the actual belief, just themselves. Hope this helped.
like I said, even the most devoted probably have some doubt just like ol'Tammy Faye. Btw, I appreciated the follow : ).
Stop by more often N, and stay outta trouble. ; )))
I don't believe most people will go to heaven. I believe a limited number will rule with Christ over the Earth. When one dies they go back to the ground and experience nothing. Ecles. 9:5. They are awaiting a resurrection to a restored earth. Psalms 37:9-11; 29. Rev. 21:3,4. There are some who may not be worthy of a resurrection and they will simply not be resurrected. The gift of life will simply be removed. No torture. Why are people upset that they will die or that their loved ones will? Jesus was moved to tears when his friend Lazarus died although he knew that he was going to resurrect him and did just that. This life is all we know. We will be saying good bye to family and we know they will be heart broken. Even though we know what the future holds for us it is simply human to feel pain at leaving behind a familiar experience. But it is still possible to be at peace with it.
