The standard atheist "catechism" on death is that we do not fear it. I didn't exist for 10 billion years and hardly felt a thing. :)
This is slightly disingenuous though. One might well feel great trepidation about the circumstances of one's death.
Under what circumstance would you choose to end you life?
Say, about to be captured by an enemy that uses torture. Save a bullet for yourself? Dying a slow and hopeless death?
Also, would you accept the legal risks of assisting someone else to die if they were unable to do it themselves?
2007-03-14 08:05:53 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If I were dying a slow, agonizing death I would end my life by taking a lethal does of barbituates. That is the only thing I actually fear about death...pain.
And as far as helping someone die...if they were someone very close to me then yes...I wouldn't hesitate to help....
2007-03-14 08:10:46 · answer #1 · answered by Stormilutionist Chasealogist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would probably be willing to end my life if I knew for sure that if I continued to live that things would never get better than they are. But I dont think Id ever be sure of something like that.
As to your second question, if they were begging me to do it I would have a very hard time doing it. But if I knew that there was no other hope for them and that they REALLY wanted to die then I would help them and accept the legal risks that follow.
2007-03-14 15:12:11 · answer #2 · answered by Mayonaise 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just put me out of my misery now. This question is too long to answer. Actually I prefer not to die, and hope Jesus returns in my life so I can realize that hope. The legal aspects of death and caring allow a person to choose their own health care proxy and to make a living will.
2007-03-14 15:13:35 · answer #3 · answered by Javance 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand why this is an Atheist question. Even people with religion would shriek and run at those choices, even when they believe that heaven awaits them.
Personally, I will make that decision when the time comes. As to your last question. I don't know. If it were someone who was truly suffering, I think I would not want them to suffer.
2007-03-14 15:10:39 · answer #4 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can not conceive of any circumstance that would cause me to choose to end my life. So my answer is, Never.
As for assisting, my answer is No. Nature should be allowed to run it's course.
2007-03-14 15:10:49 · answer #5 · answered by TechnoRat60 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At this point I would not kill myself. I have fought too hard for this life. Someone will have to take it from me.
In the moment, I might change my mind.
I would probably help someone if they were suffering. If I were ever to commit a crime, I would know how to cover my a--.
2007-03-14 15:22:42 · answer #6 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter. Your dead, your dead. I just have some things I want to get done while I'm alive, and then I have no problems going to the next stage that will increase entropy in the universe.
2007-03-14 15:12:10 · answer #7 · answered by Jedi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll take the torture just be sure to get my nipples good
2007-03-14 15:09:03 · answer #8 · answered by hot carl sagan: ninja for hire 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The trouble with hypothetical questions is that they get hypothetical answers.
2007-03-14 15:13:55 · answer #9 · answered by the foolish fox 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋