Maybe approximately rather. Are there any accounts of historical figures accepting god on their death bed? This question is not meant for attack so pls keep the odious infantile responses to a minimum at least. pls support your answer with facts, not opinion or personal views towards religion. thanks.
2006-12-27 07:06:32 · 16 answers · asked by ♣DreamDancer♣ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
ok just wondering. you are right, there really isnt a definite way to know this answer.
2006-12-27 07:14:23 · update #1
I don't think there are any reliable data on that, but it's a good question.
If the Christian scriptures are correct, Jesus had a moment of doubt on the cross, saying, "My God. My God, why have you forsaken me?" It's just as likely that someone who was reared in a religious household and became an atheist later in life might have doubts in the midst of a crisis. With the fear of imminent death looming over them, they might seek solace through old superstitions. I wouldn't say that a person who has such fears and gives into them on his deathbed isn't a "real" atheist. But neither is it true that this happens routinely, or even often.
2006-12-27 07:32:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
A friend of mine is dying of cancer and has "found Jesus." I do not begrudge him the comfort in believing there is life after death and am happy it gives him solace. In other words, in such a case I would keep my opinions to myself. As for historical figures, I am sure that faced with a similar situation it would not surprise me if they also grasped at this particular straw. It does not, however, lend any more credence to the concept of religion. It only illustrates that if god did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him to come to grips with our mortality.
2006-12-27 07:16:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Probably none because Atheists are 100% (or they wouldn't be Atheists) comfortable with their mortality. It is only people who lack conviction who try to hedge their bets with death bed conversions. My own wife passed away recently, with the peacefulness of knowing she had nothing to fear.
2006-12-27 07:19:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I really doubt there's a number floating around somewhere. Darwin did NOT convert on his deathbed, and neither did Einstein (that one is bound to come up). Those are rumors spread about EVERY prominent non-religious figure, including Dawkins (who is very much alive). Just rumors - they have all been shot down by relatives who were actually there.
2006-12-27 07:12:03 · answer #4 · answered by eri 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I don't think that this figure is knowable. We can't see the heart of man. But, it does compare to 'jail revival'. Some are real, most are not....just acting out of a superstition that they can fool God and themselves. Reminds me of the catholics of S.America.... easy to kiss a medallion of a saint, before you shoot someone, than to live in guilt....
2006-12-27 07:10:48 · answer #5 · answered by TCFKAYM 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Probably close to none.
Now disgruntled Christians that convert back to believers changing their mind on their death bed are probably quite frequent.
2006-12-27 07:09:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good question.
Didn't Constantine become christian on his deathbed to unite his empire?
Probably not many, though fear will drive people to grasp at any hope, however unlikely it may be.
2006-12-27 07:09:39 · answer #7 · answered by Samurai Jack 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Might wanna pose this question to some dying atheists!
2006-12-27 07:09:02 · answer #8 · answered by damn_dot 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I will search for the data, but last I heard it was about 30% that attempted to do so. That does not mean they were accepted by our FATHER.
Eds
2006-12-27 07:09:51 · answer #9 · answered by Eds 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
0%, they were not real atheists otherwise.
PS Darwin was never an atheist, he was a life long Anglican.
2006-12-27 07:08:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋