im christian, usually i would pray to God to comfort a sick person and leave it to the will of God. i just wonder how atheist comfort each other when such an event comes?
2006-10-14 23:48:46 · 17 answers · asked by sure2love72 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
you can still pray for him(we know better).God is still in control regardless of whether they believe or not.
tell him /her about it.then tell them that at the very least they would stop suffering.(i hope that wasn't too insenstive of me??)
but the best would be if we can share n let God do the rest.
God bless,
gabe
2006-10-15 01:26:23 · answer #1 · answered by gabegm1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is an interesting question.
I've never faced the situation and never thought about it until now. Those who have died in my presence have died violently or by massive heart attacks. One I was present as she was given morphine and held tight and calmly told that it was OK to let go...Pretty soon, however, I will possibly be in the situation of your friend (old and a non-theist). If I were just slipping into death, how could I be comforted? Well, if I were in pain, give me morphine; if I was just worn out and slipping, play me some Bandari (Swiss band) music. Just be with me, don't say anything. But if I were lucid but at some terminal stage, then let's tell some jokes.
If I were in the position of giving comfort, I'd do to others what I'd want done to me--morphine, music, and presence.
If there is a god, he, she or it is nothing like what he, she, or it is described in the religions, and if he, she or it is like how it is described in the religions, then that god is not worth knowing, so I could care less what his, her or its judgment is. I certainly wouldn't want to spend eternity--or even a nanosecond--in the presence of the god of Islam, Christanity, or Judaism. I'd rather go to hell...But heaven, hell, and god are fictions invented by cruel and despicable people as ways to control and frighten people.
So, if an atheist friend wanted to talk and wanted comfort, I'd talk about life and about caring. Of gods and heavens and hells, we would joke. Soon, he'd pass from life into death, back into the vast stream of the universe. Death needs no comfort any more than life needs comfort. Both are part of our existence. Embrace them.
2006-10-15 07:14:35 · answer #2 · answered by dakong 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Logic gives knowledge, knowledge the power and therefore no need to lean on God for borrowing some power. In such situations, he/she will comfort his/her family members and friends, and if you are around, then you too.
The power of logic is no less than the power of belief.
This is the answer you'll get from a non-believer.
But, the fact is that it is while facing such situations that man learns to cling on to belief - a weapon greater than logic in such situations - his logic itself would lead him to God at such an hour.
Very good question indeed!!
2006-10-15 08:54:22 · answer #3 · answered by small 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Surround her with her loved ones, talk to her, hold her hand and tell her you love her and you will be there with her until the very end. Everyone will tell her how she enriched their lives and the lives of others who may not be able to be there with her. Talk about all the good memories of times together. Tell her how she made the world a better place to live and how her legacy will continue to enrich the world. Then tell her about the dinner you are all going to have together after she passes away where you're going to cook all her favorite dishes. (Ask her what her favorite dishes are).
2006-10-15 07:03:38 · answer #4 · answered by galacticsleigh 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
How do you comfort an atheist who is sick, frail and about to die?
Physical contact.
"im christian, usually i would pray to God to comfort a sick person and leave it to the will of God"
In other words, you would do absolutely nothing. How sweet.
2006-10-15 07:33:37 · answer #5 · answered by Sabrina H 4 · 7⤊ 3⤋
whatever you do , at that time, donot ry to give any indication to you"See I told you! You should have believed in the almighty" Don`t.
He/She should not have that intense feelings of guilt at that time. Let the person pass away believeing what he believed in was right.
It is at those times that this person will see and feel the Godliness in you, holding those failing hands , giving the much needed comfort. If his/her eyes moist you have done your duty.
2006-10-15 08:07:07 · answer #6 · answered by YD 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Atheists generally comfort each other by having a final laugh over the ludicrous concept of "God" & "Heaven"
2006-10-15 06:52:22 · answer #7 · answered by methamphetamine_symposium 3 · 10⤊ 2⤋
I would show him how well fulfilled his life has been and all the great things he has left to posterity, or more modestly to the people he loves.
2006-10-15 13:45:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
just being there and being a friend is what you do,but you praying never hurt anyones feelings before has it?be strong for them as well,i would think that would help too.sorry and best wishes to you and your friend.
2006-10-15 07:00:12 · answer #9 · answered by Shawn W 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Just be a friend. You can pray when you leave.
2006-10-15 08:12:28 · answer #10 · answered by PariahMaterial 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋