If you don't believe how do we say goodbye?

Question

I know some of you don't share the beliefes of others so I am intrested to know, when you die how do we say goodbye to you properly.We can't pray for you and your soul because you won't have one. We can't wish you well as you start your journey to heaven because you have made it clear there is no place like that. Are you just a body that will just be put into the earth with no kind of blessing. I really would like to know what happens and how to say goodbye because so many of my freinds are none believers. They just say it happens and it is over but there has to be more.

Answer 1

I would tell someone I loved that I hoped to see them again in paradise. Whether they believed it or not is irrelevant. I can maintain this hope since God is the one who judges, not me. I don't think they would find this disrespectful. If you think they will find it disrespectful just say I love you and I'll miss you.

Answer 2

This is an interesting question, because it's all one sided. You either think that you 'believe' or you don't. Everyone believes in something, whether it is in an organized fashion or not. Religion only means 'belief'. So we are all religious and do it in our own ways. Believing in God or a 'higher power' only makes your life on earth easier, because you accept that you're not in control of everything that goes on and you can leave that to the supreme being and get on with living.

If you think that what you believe has control over what happens to you, then you believe that you do have some control over your destiny, which you don't. You are saying that by 'believing' as YOU do, that you are controlling your destiny. It's only a belief - and a belief is something for which you don't actually have proof.

If there is a God, then chances are that if you are good to your fellow man, and try to do the best you can in this life and follow the golden rule to the best of your ability, you don't have to follow an organized religion in order to go to a better place once you leave here.

If you believe that what you believe is what will happen, then that works for you, but it doesn't necessarily mean that's how it will play out, and therefore how can you know how it will play out for others? You can't.

It has been said that reincarnation used to be in the Bible but was removed by men (not 'god'):

Scriptures from the King James Version of the Bible which hint at Reincarnation. Reincarnation was taught in the Roman Catholic Church until 553 A.D. when it was voted out (3-2) at the Council of Constantinople.

So - since it's not there any longer, does that mean it doesn't exist? If it does - then none of us are going anywhere except to a different plain, and if we have to return to the earth, we will. It means that we all have souls, good or bad, and that we all have our lessons to learn.

Answer 3

God doesn't want us to force our beliefs on anyone but rather to have an answer for the hope that lies within us. That means, you pray for your friends, they don't have to know about it, and you are an example to them in how you live your life. Some will wonder about it and ask how it is that you deal with life so peacefully. Others will never see. Have you actually sat at the side of a dying person? As a hospice nurse, I have come across non christian patients who, in their last days or hours, when all hope of living is gone, and the fact that death is near is accepted, have asked to be prayed for. Suddenly, money doesn't matter, the self doesn't matter, the void they feel opens their eyes. It is definitely God allowing this. So many die without warning and are lostforever.

Answer 4

I don't think you can really say they don't have souls. If you believe they do and you believe they're still headed somewhere after they die, then there's nothing wrong with you wishing them the best on the rest of their journey. I think the best thing to do for a friend who passes is honor them however you normally would. No one will fault you for praying for them later. It's a personal thing and as long as you have their best intentions at heart, they should appreciate your concern.

Answer 5

Why does there 'have to be more'? That sounds like an emotional consideration.

My will stipulates that I am to be cremated, my cremains placed in a paper bag, and a friend I trust is to pick a random latitude and longitude in my home state, bury my cremains there in an unmarked location, and never reveal the spot to anyone else.

My will also asks that family and friends destroy any memento or token of me that has my name or likeness on it, including any legal documentation.

In short, I ask my family and friends to do their best to make sure history never has a chance or way to remember me.

I'll probably get a good Catholic burial against my wishes but hey... funerals are about the living, not the dead.

Answer 6

You can give me any farewell you feel appropriate. I would prefer a simple "Have a good trip" I take the long view. All the atoms that constitute "me" have been born in the sun. eventually these atoms billions of years from now will be free roaming in space maybe to end up somewhere else in the universe and get involved in a new life cycle. There is no consciousness or afterlife involved in this' But the knowledge that there is a good probability of this happening feels me with awe and is enough for me.

Answer 7

If you believe then you say goodbye in your way. If not you still say goodbye in your own way. Both should be a reflection on the impact the person had in your life and the lives of others.

The addition of prayers and hopes in what comes next can reside in how you believe and therefore can be expressed as part of your grieving process.

Answer 8

I want to be remembered for the life that I led, for the person that I was. I do not htink it is necessary to say some sort of blessing. If it makes you feel better, you could pray for their souls....but either way, if they are dead, I doubt they will care!

Answer 9

Do whatever makes you feel good. You can pray if you want. It just won't make any difference to the dying person. But if it helps you to deal, then go for it.
I know you are not trying to insult, and I'm not either, but just don't try to convert them. They have other things on their mind.
Peace

Answer 10

hm, your question assumes that one is either a christian or an atheist. There are plenty of other faiths around that have a belief in an afterlife, just not the christian one.

Say goodbye anyway you choose... those who are atheist believe they won't hear you.. those who believe in other paths won't be upset.. you'll be the one upset by believing we all died and went to eternal torment.