What can an atheist say to comfort those who are dying or those who have lost someone beloved?

Question

Being a non-believer in a world of believers is never more difficult than when dealing with death.

And in grief, religious platitudes can almost seem to provide solace to believers, although they are mostly formulaic responses.

We should consider this now, because we and everyone we know will meet our end one day.

What words can an atheist offer to ease a bereaved mind, a terminally ill loved one, or ourselves in the face of death?

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PURPLEAURA1:
Do me a favor, and if I'm dying, kindly visit someone else.

Answer 1

I actually attended an atheist funeral a few weeks ago, and being an atheist myself, found it almost comforting and uplifting. I know it sounds cliched, but try to focus on the time you've spent with someone, and that whilst it may seem like death is the end, as long as that person was loved, their memory will live on forever. Don't focus on death being an abrubt end, but try to accept, like you say, that we will "meet our end one day", and that the time spent on this earth was precious enough, without there having to be an afterlife.

Answer 2

Well, if I was offering condolences to a believer, I would probably not speak of my atheistic choice right then and there. I mean, there’s a time and a place for that kind of thing, but at a funeral of a religious person, it’s out of place and somewhat disrespectful. However, if the person who died is an atheist and the people grieving are too, then just a pat on the back and a, “There, there,” would be sufficient, because, as atheists, acknowledgement of nothing happening after death means that traditional consoling methods can’t be used.

Answer 3

I'm crying and I know God is capable of doing exactly what the young boy said God did. As long as Mom was reading the letter God's pen was loaned to the little boy writing it. It was only when the young boy gave God back the pen that the paper became blank once again. God never leaves us or forsakes us and this is exactly what God does for us. Whatever it takes to comfort us is what a loving Savior does. I read all the answers that were given to you. What cold, cold hearts we have in this world. These are the hearts the world gets when they do not know God. It just goes to prove what you and I know and that is that Jesus changes the hearts and minds and melts those cold hearts. Without the Lord, the heart remains hardened. Without the Lord, it is a lost, cold world. My heart goes out to the atheists. God said that He doesn't want any to perish and knowing God, He will melt these cold hearts sooner or later. Romans 8:35a "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" It is so good to know that I can't be separated from God's love. Thank you for your story.

Answer 4

saying "i am sorry for your loss" is not offensive to believers and nonbelievers. in fact this is all we really need to say, saying anymore may anger the griever whether they are atheists, agnostics or believers.

sorry i guess i didn't fully read your question u asked about the terminally ill, i guess if u are an atheist u can just visit the sick and sit with them and tell them u love them. sometimes the terminally ill may enjoy your company. go visit them and talk about good old times and how much u are going to miss them and think about them everyday

Answer 5

Just talk about regular things like going to the store and the latest movie. Ask about something funny that happened with this person or if you are talking to the person, ask about someting funny that family or friends did.

Talk about fav. sports teams, Coke or Pepsi. Regular stuff. Just be friends. It's not as bad as you think. They will probably start talking to you. Give-em a hug if they look like they need one.

I'm pretty sure that they won't ask you to quote the Bible or anything like that.

Easier than you think.

Buy some candy bars or something that they and you like and go ahead.

Answer 6

Something pitifully inadaquate, like "She's not really gone, she lives on in you, her daughter." Or, "As long as we remember Ol' Herbie, he'll live on forever in our memories."

Really, an atheist has no hope to offer when it comes to death, because their is no hope in atheism. Just an uncaring universe, a brief existence devoid of meaning, and then annihilation.

If that existence isn't enough for you, then receive actual Life in Christ, and hope that won't be disappointed. Then you can look forward to death, and celebrate the passing of loved ones.

Answer 7

well i'm agnostic and the only thing i could say would be that i'm sorry for your loss and if you need a shoulder to cry on then i'm here for you now as for the person who's dying is a bit more of a challenge but if that person's religious then i guess you could just tell them what they want to hear i know it probably seems contradictory but you would at least be doing something nice for them otherwise i really don't know what to say to a person who's dying

Answer 8

Well, if the person who is dying or have lost someone are religious, I would still tell them stuff that their religion tells them. I may not believe it, but it helps people feel better. For example. my friend, Catholic, lost her uncle and I told her not to be upset because, "He is with God now." I don't believe that, but it sure cheered her up.

If someone is an Athiest, I would say, "Don't grieve over their death, celebrate their life and remember the good times you had." or "Don't be sad, you had a great life, you made hundreds of people happy, and you will NEVER be forgotten."

Answer 9

I honestly dont know.Thats a very good question Im a Satanist and when it comes to comforting the ill its best I say nothing because I come off very insensitive.My wifes mom dies and I was just like "**** happens,I feel horrible"

Answer 10

I am sorry for your loss.
they will be greatly missed
they have gone to a better place.(this is a personal opinion of mine that nonexistence is a whole lot better than the pain of being alive.)