Why are "believers" affraid of death?

Question

As I recently read in "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins, most religions involve the belief in a pleasant afterlife (ie: Heaven) where one will live forever in the presence of their creator and be happy. Bearing this in mind, why then are so many believers afraid of death? When a loved one is about to die, why aren't they happy for them, knowing that they are going to a better place? What are your thoughts on this?

I should add that I'm not talking about HOW one dies, but rather that one dies at all. Assuming that the method of ones death is painless, why would a religious person be afraid?

Answer 1

Because we don't consciously admit what we unconsciously know. I never understood as a kid why people were crying at funerals instead of celebrating. Some cultures in the world actually celebrate when a relative dies; of course, these societies don't have access to much of the scientific knowledge we have, so they don't doubt that there is a happy afterlife.

It's like the abused woman who says she deserves better but always chooses abusive men. Unconsciously, she truly believes she doesn't.

Answer 2

I'm an ambassador for Christ and I don't fear death at all. I've had an out of body experience which makes me so happy to die when that time comes and to know where I'm going to spend eternity. I'm a winner either way. If I live or if I die. Only when my time comes to die not before. So...death is only taking off the old and putting on the new. I get excited when I talk about dieing because we just change. And I like change! Maybe some fear the unknown. But they shouldn't fear. Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. So, you see Christians should not be afraid. We won't make it if we fear.

Answer 3

I don't fear death personally. I do fear pain and would not wish to die a horrible death. Why do we cry? Perhaps it's having to do without those we love for a time. I am genuinely happy for those who've passed on although I don't believe in a heavenly life for most Christians. I am happy that they no longer have to endure the suffering that goes on to most people living on earth today. I glad that they will not live to see how bad it's gong to get before it comes to a screaching helt. I'm glad that "the wages sin pays is death" and they've paid the ultimate price and glad that "the gift God gives is everlasting life" and in the near future they will recieve that.
As for me, I cry because I miss them and long for the day I can hold them and love them and laugh with them again.

Answer 4

Some may have religion soley for comfort of this issue.
I had already accepted that when I died, that was it. Worm Food.
But now that I believe in God. The concept of Heaven is just part 2 to life. I dont believe it's all puffy clouds and relaxation for eternity. It says that if you can manage your life in this life, then God will give you a greater job in heaven. So. It will be service to God. If I do become worm food. my following God in this life will have made it worth while and will be able to accept my fate.

When a loved one dies, its a saddening because they will not be around anymore this life. Plus, whose to say that they or you actually do go to heaven.

Answer 5

It is human nature to fear the unknown. As a chronically ill person, I strongly believe in God, Jesus, and the afterlife. However, I am ashamed to say I do fear the process of dying itself. Will it hurt? Will I suffer for long? What will the baptism by fire be like? Will satan try to trick me into hell?

I do know this and constantly try to remember it. Faith is believing without seeing, listening without hearing.

I, too, have read many books on different types of religion, studies, science, etc. in my search for peace. You sould broaden your horizons and read something by St. Mother Teresa. Remeber, your mind is a parachute, it works best when it is open.

Science has tried and tried to prove the evolution theory. They have never found the missing links between apes and humans or flowering and non-flowering plants.

Adaptaions? Isn't God smart!!?

LOL

Answer 6

I am not scared of death, but naturally death leaves an erie feeling and a sudden moment of finality that hurts anybody. Believers aren't necessarily afraid of death but they are definately human and might be grieving like anyone else over the loss of life, or might be grieving for a loved one's pain...it could be compassion as well.

Answer 7

It is that some may fear the process of dying - it is the final struggle from this life to the next.
We have nothing to fear about the eternity with our Father and Creator, if we have trusted Christ's death, for the atonement for our sin.
We do know that if our loved ones were believers as well, that we may miss them here in this life, but have the hope of eternity with them.

Answer 8

Some people claim to be believers but really don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. So they don't have that trust that God's Word is true. Also, they may be expressing their grief for their own loss of that person. Believers I know are happy for fellow believers who have died because they know they're in a better place.

Answer 9

Sorry, i have not time to envision your total spiel. yet certainly some (be conscious 'some') women folk given the criminal accurate to make the alternative will certainly pick to to have an abortion and hence reason the shortcoming of life of a foetus, if the being pregnant or the idea of getting to advance a baby is unwelcome to them. on the different hand the 'professional-lifers' rigidity ladies who've been raped to carry the consequent toddler. both circumstances are unwelcome and in consumer-friendly words your human being ethics can be sure your human being position.

Answer 10

I'm not afraid of being dead, I'm afraid of dying. I hate pain. I hope i die so quickly i don't have time to suffer.

I'm afraid of my loved ones dying, because i'm selfish and will miss them here. My Gpa-in-law recently died(ok, almost 2 years ago), and although we were all sad and will miss him, we are relieved knowing where he is. I'm looking forward to the time we (all those who have accepted Christ) can all meet in heaven and suffer death and pain no more.