Does it really matter one way or another if there is or is not a heaven?

Question

If there is a heaven, everyone there doesn't have a care. Yay. If there isn't a heaven and you just cease to exist when you die. Everyone that dies doesn't have a care there either. So really, there is no difference.

Also from the perspective of thinking about someone close to you that has died, does it matter to you whether they are in heaven or just a body in the earth. Do you miss them less or more if they are in one place or another?

Answer 1

Having been on both sides of the coin, no, it doesn't matter. When I believed in heaven, I got some comfort from it, but not as much as is often claimed. I still felt sorrow and helplessness when I lost loved ones.

Now that I believe the grave is the end, I actually get some comfort from that as well. This seems counter intuitive until you realize that for a nonbeliever, once you come to accept the finality of death, the doubts you have that death is permanent are a glimmer of hope. Whereas for a believer, the doubts you have about an afterlife result in fear and despair that hit right at the time when faith is supposedly helpful.

There was nothing worse than attending my grandfather's funeral when I was a believer. He was not a particularly good man, and I didn't think his faith was sincere either. I couldn't stop thinking he was probably in hell. A few years back I attended my grandmother's funeral as an atheist, and discovered I had none of those types of fears. Just the sorrow of having lost her.

For me at least, the promise of hope that the faithful claim faith provides, was actually a lie.

Answer 2

I truly believe that Heaven exists. I lost my father at the tender age of 15 and of course it matters to me that he's in heaven. I know when I leave this earth my body (shell) will stay here but---my soul will go to heaven. I am certain that I will see all my loved ones again.

Answer 3

Confused person of the earth
What if there is but you have not lived
according to the law of God

what you going to do say oops
I had no idea

There is a heaven
There is a Hell
You exist

Be good and come to love and serve God
And do not get caught up in all the trash you see in the movies

The Word of God is our legacy
we are not orphans unless we make ourselves orphaned
what ya wanna do call on ghost busters

Answer 4

Yes, I'm sure that it is more comforting to think you will see them again, rather than accept that death is the end of the line. I hope to see a few people I know who have passed after I die, but I don't believe in "heaven" or "hell" or "god" , and will be surprised if I'm wrong.

Answer 5

There is a little piece of heaven in each heart, that's what makes us homesick and very dissatisfied with this world and the way it is. Heaven is going Home and the fulfillment it will bring to our hearts and souls will be bliss.

Answer 6

But some will be in hell for awhile which wont be pleasant. They will know where they are. You would miss them the same amt. I think purgatory is an interesting concept where God speaks with people and gives them a chance to repent before deciding their fate.

Answer 7

Ok, but the whole point is that if there is heaven, there is hell also. Christians believe that if you sin, you go to hell and get tortured and burned for all of eternity. That's why it matters.

Answer 8

It sure means a lot to me. As for me, I have lost a lot of loved ones in my lifetime, and the ones I knew were saved always made the parting easier for me. With belief, there is always immediate closure. I lost my wife three years ago, she was saved, so her funeral was not a burden, but a blessing.

Answer 9

I guess i never though about ..when someone has died that i know i just grieve..never comes to mine if there in heaven

Answer 10

I agree with you, that's why I tell people to live every moment like it is the last. Never waste a second to let someone know you love them.