Is there a culture that doesn't believe in an afterlife?

Question

Sometimes I see culture and religion as the same thing. But is there a culture, I mean like a native, historic culture (free from outside influence) that doesn't believe in an afterlife?

So many people say man kind is born with some kind of knowledge, but I wonder if there is anthropological evidence that says otherwise?

I don't mean sub-cultures. I mean like actual cultures, like maybe the yanomamo, or societies that haven't been globalized and or influenced by other cultures.

Answer 1

None that I know of. Cognitive science suggests that all historic human societies have had a concept of continued existence after death, possibly stretching back to pre-human species such as Neanderthal. Atheism seems to be a product of modern science and politics, and atheism in the west seems to be a minority position that is certainly not culturally entrenched. The only societies with state sponsored atheism are communist systems, but they rarely (I'd say never) achieve their goal of eradicating religion.

Perhaps you could consider certain sects of Buddhism to answer your question positivly. The goal of traditional Buddhism is to erase one's existence, and not be reincarnated. However, most Buddhist practioners today simply try to be reincarnated as something better, or don't believe in the concept of an individual soul at all.

Answer 2

All animals search for to circumvent demise, so human beings don't have a monopoly in this regard. although the flexibility to understand the finality of demise leaves the door open to include supplies you of eternal life, and this has traditionally shown to be an really good device for manipulating the ignorant thousands, and then theory of centralisation of beliefs and therefor the political ability base brought with regard to the "one god" for all theory. The promise of an afterlife remains fervently embraced by the stupid and/or ignorant immediately, and they're going to deny and attempt to falsify ANY information or information that would want to threaten the credibility of their conception platforms, and their perfect to stay perpetually.. In mild of recent-day mainstream medical understandings and ideas, purely the most ignorant and stupid can believe such nonsense, even even as the divisiveness and bigotry of their certain deity worship crew is sparkling for all to work out.. Such is the outcome of understanding, deep down, that we are all mortal, as is all life..

Answer 3

Some Reform Jews, Confutians.

Answer 4

I would have to say atheists don't believe in an afterlife. And that atheism is a cultural thing, certainly not religious.

Answer 5

I believe historically, early Jews had no notion of an afterlife.

Answer 6

Modern elitists

Answer 7

Yeah silly, it's called "All My S.A.T.A.N's Children. Or you could consider the "Children of the "K.O.R.N" phenomena.