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Many religions believe this. I think that for myself thinking this way helps me get through my life. Whether it truely exists or not I choose to believe but I would also love to here from those who do not believe in an afterlife yet still think we should do good here on earth. Or anyone with a true opinion on this. Thanks in advance.

2006-11-02 01:58:15 · 19 answers · asked by Jamie A 3 in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

19 answers

yes. I think regardless of religion, living good lives is the best place to start. I think it's important to have faith in a higher power/divinity/afterlife but who knows if it matters as long as you lived a good honorable life. I doubt the way that you act out your faith (through religion, attending services, etc) matters much as most people who practice a religion do so because they were born into it. I'm catholic because it's the family I was born into, what I've been taught, the easiest way for me to act out/understand my faith, but I don't necessarily think I'm any better off than anyone else because I choose to continue following this specific religion.

2006-11-02 02:02:41 · answer #1 · answered by Marie 2 · 4 0

Truly altruistic actions are a farce foisted upon us by Christianity which likes to think that you can do good things only for their own sake. While they may start out this way, that is never the end result.

Your question relies on the presupposition that an afterlife exists, which is the assumption that a lot of people have made. There have been stories regarding afterlife experiences, or even those people believing in ghosts, ect. that seem to confirm this, but in the end they are just stories depending on the senses and perceptions of humans who are notorious for having failed views of things.

In the end, if that is something you are going to accept, then you have to judge based on the religion. Do these religions tell you you can't get in based on actions, such as Christianity? It seems you do actually buy your way into heaven by selling your soul to Jesus, who is supposed to be God incarnate. God doesn't really have a good track record, he's killed more people than anyone, and, if Jesus is the only way into heaven then God lied to the Jews, which makes him a liar to boot.

Islam at least is a little more straigtforward, giving you good guidelines to follow, but then some of the acts you are supposed to do in Islam are a little questionable.

Ask yourself if you really need there to be an afterlife. Are you really so afraid of dying? Do you have to have a reward for doing good things? Are morals and ethics dependent on bribery, or are they something independent? Answer these questions and you might answer your own.

Good luck.

2006-11-02 02:40:11 · answer #2 · answered by Chris A 3 · 0 0

I don't believe in an afterlife except in history, in the memories you leave behind.
Now what are good works but trying to make the world a bit better for your descendants, and a bit better for yourself and those around you. If you live following the idea of being just and fair etc then you might live in a little heaven on earth, if you are a lying cheat etc then you might live in a little hell on earth. The rewards and punishments are right here and right now. No need to wait for an imaginary ever after.

2006-11-02 02:06:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Yes, it is comforting to believe that. I do not believe in an afterlife... I used to. Now that I don't anymore, I do miss the comfort of 'knowing' that I or loved ones will go to heaven or whatever. I understand where you are coming from to choose to believe in it....

Even though I don't believe in being rewarded, I still believe we should work hard to do good works I am an atheist and believe that I should set an example by volunteering, helping others, helping my kids excel in school, etc.... I think the only way this world is going to change for the better is by all of us, working together, living life with morals, dignity, and compassion.

2006-11-02 02:06:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

i agree if you live a good life even without a religion you will get into heaven and be happy there too. the idea of having a savior is just plain silly. i believe in a afterlife but its not the christians idea of a afterlife or a even a muslims idea of a afterlife. i go by karma as a rule of thumb to live by. you are judged after you die not while your on earth

2006-11-02 02:02:41 · answer #5 · answered by gabriel_the_archangel777 2 · 1 1

I am sure that everyone will experience an afterlife. I did not believe this for a long time but I had an experience that made me realize that it was true.

Love and blessings Don

2006-11-02 02:02:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

I don't belive that anyone can be good enough on their own to get into Heaven, because that requires perfection, but it won't hurt and life will be better for you on earth if you are good. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and if you believe in Him, your sins will be erased as far as God is concerned and He will let you into Heaven.

2006-11-02 02:04:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

I don't believe that. I believe in what the Bible says about heaven and that Jesus is the only way to get there. Good works are all fine and dandy but without Christ, they aren't going to do you any good beyond this life. You should live a good life and do good works but they aren't going to get you anything after you die.

2006-11-02 02:03:50 · answer #8 · answered by Mud 3 · 1 1

Yes, I think so. I believe it because there is NOT always justice in this world (sometimes the bad guys are rich and the good are poor) and yet something within me insists that *somewehre* justice must prevail.

2006-11-02 02:06:07 · answer #9 · answered by explorationredwing 3 · 2 0

Your good deeds are a blessing to you now, in this life. After you die you will either go heaven or hell. In hell you will be rewarded for your sin, pain and agony, your good deeds won't mean a thing. In Heaven you will be rewarded for the good things you did in service to God.

2006-11-02 02:03:48 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 2 0

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