Why do some people find the idea of the afterlife comforting?

Question

My new guy is pagan and says that he is a coward and is afraid of it all just being over when he dies. He says that the idea of an afterlife gives him comfort. Why do you think that is, and what is it that makes a person feel that way? I am not judging anyone’s beliefs here, I would just like to know peoples opinions on the concept that is faith. Thanks for the help in advance; I know this is a touchy subject for some.

Answer 1

Your man hits the nail on the head. Most beleive simply because the idea that death is the ultimate ending is too much of a shock to think about. The lies make it easier to face.

Answer 2

That's pretty much what all religions/faiths are about, really - that, and explaining phenomenon that cannot, as yet, be otherwise explained.

The "Human Condition" is the knowledge of our own mortality, and the fear of ceasing - we'd like to be immortal - if not physically, then at least, spiritually.

I am a fellow pagan who also finds comfort in the thought that there might be more after this realm of physical existence - Though I don't really "believe" in it, so much as hope for it.

I figure it this way. If I'm wrong, and there's nothing after we die - we're just dead, and that's all there is to it - then my hoping for more while I'm alive can't hurt anything, and gives me comfort from fear and death. So long as I don't harm anyone by my hopes, or force someone to believe as I do about things, then, no harm, no foul.

If there IS something after death, and it turns out to be what I hoped for, then I can laugh at my own silliness over fearing it, and move on.

If there is something after and my hopes are wrong, and there's some sort of Hell or punishment in store for me (I was raised Catholic, and sometimes it's hard to shake some of the stuff I was taught, then, despite myself) - well, then God is just a cruel tyrant and I wouldn't want to be in the IN crowd.

Answer 3

I just can't grasp the idea of there NOT being an afterlife. I'm Pagan too. I don't know if the afterlife has sunshine or streams or clouds, but I really do think there's an afterlife, not because it's comforting, but because it makes sense to me.

Answer 4

>>"Why do some people find the idea of the afterlife comforting? "<<

I do not find "Belief" in an afterlife "comforting" any more than I would say that I find "belief" that the sun will come up, and that I will wake up after going to sleep, to be "comforting"

>>"Why do you think that is, and what is it that makes a person feel that way?"<<

I think you could say its a lack of faith, I have absolutely no doubt that the sun will come up tomorrow. and I have even less doubt that there is an afterlife, and reincarnation and all that.

but I also will admit that to imagine the idea of simply ceasing to exist, is absolutely horrific to me.

but like I said, I have even less doubt in reincarnation and the "afterlife" than I do in the sun coming up.

Answer 5

Most people are afraid of dying. The idea that someday you close your eyes for the last time; that everything you felt, and did, and saw, is all gone like it never happened, is utterly terrifying to most. And, it puts tremendous pressure on people to make the most out of every moment, to behave far more purposefully than most of us want to, as if every minute of our lives might be our last.

Believing that one's soul or spirit continues in some fashion, and that one retains a sense of self and consciousness, can't help but be comforting. Even with no evidence to support it, most people would rather believe that than to believe the opposite. Death is the great unknown, and most people are afraid of things they cannot possibly understand.

Answer 6

Faith is hope of the things we believe. After-life is to be perfect for those that go to heaven. There is not even a tear, a skinned knee or a scratch there, but all is beautiful. This is very attractive to people who live less than comfortable and happy lives.

Answer 7

Not a touchy subject at all. Its a good question. We christinas believe in the after life , because we belive what God says, and He tells us of the Heaven afterwards. Would you find it conforting to think you just die and its all over. nothing more. What a horrible thought. And even worse is knowing you are going to hell, with forever torment. People go there not because God sends them thre, but they choose it by rejecting God. He cant let people in heaven that arent truly His, or Heven wil be just like it is here NOW. lots of awful. read the papers, hear the news, just look around you. much evil out there. Hardly anywhere is safe or nice anymore. But, its temporary. Jesus is coming soon, and He tells us that Heaven is paradise, NO more sickness, no more tears He says,..... and a LOT MORE. Get you a Bible and look these things up for yourself. You dont need me or anyone else to find out what the Bible says. Your pagan boyfriend should be nervous, as he is choosing hell by not choosing God. I dont judge that, God will. and He tells us clearly how it is. We have to choose. You think we will be all acting inheaven like now? I dont think so. would be another hell. I pray you and your bf will study and learn these things for yourself. dont listen to me or anyone else. Dont rely on what you have already heard or not heard. Dont look to the phony Christians to dismiss Christianity. Just because someone wears a label doesnt mean its theirs.
Just look to the source of all things. GOD Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened to you.
Today is the day. God bless you.

Answer 8

bear in mind that the afterlife isn't meant to be like the veil of tears that we are used to on earth. think of of the final conceivable 2d of your life and residing in that continuously. certainly, it would maximum probable surpass even that. actual even the main elegant 2d any residing guy or woman on earth might have might diminished in assessment. the element is that that's going to be so lots greater useful than something you have yet experienced.

Answer 9

The weak who cannot face the finality of death will always opt for a delusional solution to their problem that will con them into believing in an after-life. It is a crime for religions to promise a product that doesn't have to be delivered until you reach a place that doesn't exist. It is called fraud.

Answer 10

I think the notion of eternal life is far more "comforting" than the notion that you've got your average life span to deal with and then you hang it all up and cease to be.