Is fear of not-being the reasons we turn to god(s), afterlife, the soul, reincarnation?

Question

Is it a component of it? Just wondering out loud.

Answer 1

I think I am beginning to have some serious doubt the existence of an afterlife. I admit, I can find no evidence for it. I am beginning to wonder if part of the reason I hold on to a religion is because deep down I don’t like the idea of being alone and never seeing my loved ones again.

Answer 2

Yes, I think fear may play a role. It is only reasonable to expect that people don't want to die thus would have at least some fear of it and what if anything would come after it. As a Christian, I believe that my life will not end when my earthly body stops functioning and it may have been fear that initially opened my heart to the possibility of God way back when. But since coming to know him, although I still fear the moment of death, I have no doubts about what comes after it. However, it is not the belief in the life hereafter that keeps me close to God. Now that I know him, I never want to be without him again. Life is good and I am at total peace.

Answer 3

"we"? Have you turned to a god, the afterlife or soul reincarnation?

The reason I turned to God is because he called to me in the depths of my lonely broken heart. I could see that life you can see with your eyes isn't worth living: getting good grades, chasing a career, finding a mate, raising kids, reasearch, inventions, what's the point if the universe is going to end. In th book of Ecclesiastes, all such earthly persuits are called "vanity" and "chasing after the wind"

Do you think you or anythign you've done will be remembered in 100 years? In 1000? Do you think anything that we do matters at all? I didn't.

Then I met Jesus and he showed me the purpose for life. He told me that he loved me and he showed me how to be a better person. :)

Answer 4

i in my opinion do no longer position self belief in an afterlife or reincarnation yet that does no longer propose that each and each and every one Atheists imagine a similar. there is not any clarification why a lack of conception in a God negates the skill to position self belief in an afterlife.

Answer 5

I think fear has become a major part of it, but originally played only a minor part in religion. I suspect that a lack of knowledge and understanding of the universe around us was the major factor to begin with. If things happen, and we can't explain them, then why not say that a god did it. It's much easier than finding the truth.

Atheism. You know it makes sense.

Answer 6

actually i do not fear death. if there is nothing after then so be it.

even as a child i believed in reincarnation. i've had dreams of previous lives, and of the place i believe we go to in between lives.
it was definitely not something i was taught. my family were strict baptists.

just my thoughts.
eclectic pagan

Answer 7

I've always believed in reincarnation. Haven't you ever met someone, and after 5 minutes felt like you've known them forever? I believe they are someone from a past life that I "remember".

Answer 8

I've believed in God since I was a little boy and I have no reason why. I could give scripture that explains this, but I don't feel like it at the moment.

Answer 9

I greatly fear not-being. It's one of my biggest fears, actually. Bigger than vomiting (it's a phobia of mine), bigger than stinging insects, bigger than George W. mysteriously being granted a third term.

BUT.... no matter how I feel and how I fear, gods STILL don't exist. I realize that my fear of death is an irrational one and try to either deal with it or ignore it, but it doesn't change reality.

Answer 10

Yes I think so. There is also the aspect of personal growth but for some people that is all about getting accepted into the afterlife so how sincere is that growth?

Peace and seeking spirit.