Why are christians so afraid that their may be no afterlife.?

Question

I know I am generalizing, but I find most christians have an almost innate fear of death and dying.

The only thing that seems to get them through this thought, is that they "believe" or "feel" that they are immortal, and will have life everlasting in heaven.

Why is this belief necessary to help them? Are they incapable of accepting death, for what it is?

I am an atheist, I fear the pain of dying, but I do not fear death.

I definitely do not create an "afterlife myth" to help me deal with the permanence of death.

Kathy E ..
The reason I asked is I had read a response from several christians, that stated Darwin had promoted no hope? you just live and die, and there's no meaning to life?

Yes I interpreted that to mean, that without an afterlife, you would be afraid to die...or death would not bring relief from this life.

Answer 1

I have often pondered this same question. I have no degree in sociology (lol) but heres what I think. I believe it is somehow based in thier own super inflated ego's. They're just too damned special and important to just die off.
I kinda look at Christianity as a marketing ploy. The old testament God was a fire and brimstone type.Lots of wars and smoting or is it smiting enemies. Believe in God or he'll punish and plague you.Period.
His religion wasnt really catching on cept with the Jews.So they came out with a kinder,gentler God.God lite.Or Jesus we'll call him.He promised rewards for converts.Heaven, where all your dreams come true.The old version was believe in me or else.The new version was IF you'll believe in me then you'll get this fantastic reward.

Answer 2

What you are saying really makes no sense. Why do you just single out Christian's, aren't other religions always talking about having an afterlife of some shape or form. For the most part what I get from Christian's, being I view myself to be one, is that they believe in following Gods plan. Just like all the other religions and when you've accomplished said plans you may be rewarded with eternal life. So if you don't follow through you may get left behind. Where in this brief synopsis do you see fear of death and no after life. Another thing most all humans fear death so why is it again Christian's that are labeled weird, are you looking to us to be all strong and mighty so that you can feel good about possible after life. I suggest you do some research and let those few christian you've come across tell you what they really think.

Answer 3

your wrong sweet heart, people who fear death are those who have not been saved from it, I used to be afraid of death, I am not afraid to die, how could it be a bad thing to die when I will go straight to a place where there is no pain or turmoil? I am not sure why I was afraid to die before ,but likely it was because of my knowing I was not going to have a pleasant experience on the other side. God has placed eternity in the hearts of man and that is why you will hear little children talking about "when I come back" we have eternity in our hearts but we do not understand it so we think we will live on earth forever (aka reincarnation) but it is eternal life in the spirit that is real. Peace to you.

Answer 4

Many peolple are afraid of death because they are afraid of what might happen afterward.

The promise of everlasting life in spirit is a priviledge. The promise does not come without a price. Sacrifice. For those who are successful in their endeavors, they will re-enter the kingdom to which we were cast away from in the beginning. By riding our bodies and souls of sin, we are able to re-enter the kingdom of heaven.

Am I afraid of death? Yes and no. As a human being, the fear of dying is alive and well in my mind because I am afraid of pain. However, I know that when I do die, I will rejoin my heavenly Father in His kingdom. I look forward to dying physically and being reborn spiritually....

Answer 5

You should fear death, because you will live forever and the place will be in hell. It won't be until then that you begin to cry and gnash your teeth as you rue your terrible decision to deny Almighty God. You will be seperated from Him and everything that is good for all eternity, but you will be alive and suffering for every sin you committed in this life.

Christians on the other hand do not fear death, but look forward to it. What is on the other side is eternal life with God, because we are forgiven and don't have to suffer the punishment that you are getting, because our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ suffered that for us. We will live forever with Him and with every thing that is good in the mansions He is preparing for us now, we will be pampered for ever and ever. From your vantage point in hell you will be able to see us being pampered, but you will not be able to span the chasm. Best to read the Holy Bible now and find out how to stay out of hell. Hurry! You are not promised another minute.

You feel the twinge in your stomach when you read this? That is because you know what I say is the truth. I hope you will find salvation, before your death, because once you take your last breath, that's it, choice is made forever.

Answer 6

Humans are the only life-form that is aware that each of us will die at some time.
It is a very nice idea that, after death, if you have been good, you will live on forever in a very well-appointed environment, with lots of cushions, angels playing wonderful music on harps, interesting conversations with those who died before you, family and friends and interesting famous people, lots of pudding ... whatever your fantasy of such an existence would be.
It is untrue.
It is merely a lie to comfort ancient man and to instill fear of a fake deity and so control behaviour. Not been entirely successful in controlling behaviour but the concept was so attractive to the people of the time AND to those who are deluded in this century, that religion persists.
An afterlife concept is such a GREAT idea that just about anyone who has not grasped the reality WANTS it to be true SO MUCH.
I want it to be true that I will regress to an age of 25 and never get any older, while retaining all the life experiences of my 65 years. I want to believe that young girls will flock to me for sexual favours 24/7. I want it to be true that I have huge wealth, perfect health and a better body/physique than before.
I want this to be true SO MUCH but I have to be realistic about it and accept the reality instead.
The reality is that god is an invention of the weak-willed. There is no heaven - or hell for that matter.
What you have now is all there is. Grim? Reality IS grim. Cope with it. Live THIS one and only life that you will get to the benefit of yourself, your family, your true friends and, if you can, to the benefit of the planet.
Good luck with that.

Answer 7

If I didn't believe in God or an afterlife I would feel free to do whatever I wanted to. I would understand that there is no ultimate right or wrong and if I wanted to kill an enemy I'd just make sure I didn't get caught. If I wanted to steal, I'd just be clever about it. If I wanted to be promiscuous, I'd just protect myself from disease. No, I don't believe in an afterlife to keep from fearing death. I would not fear death at all if I was certain it was the end of all consciousness. Because I believe in an afterlife I seek to make decisions that will assure it is a pleasant eternity, and not one of eternal regret.

Answer 8

According to John 14:1-3 Jesus has a place for believers, So there's nothing to be afraid of.

Answer 9

fear of death is natural its kind of like birth in a ways cause the reason a child is crying is because they dont want to leave their home and there afraid. i know that while i have nothing to fear in death i still cant really say i wont be afraid but perhaps i should cherish it as my last moment of fear before i enter everlasting joy.

Answer 10

I think all of us are a bit scared about what happens to us after we die. The fear is because we don't know and can't know, and when people are brought up in a religion that tells them otherwise, like Christianity, they would rather stick with the idea that they will ALWAYS EXIST as long as they believe. It is the notion that they will stop existing that keeps them clinging to that cross. The cross tells them they will live forever,and although preposterous, illogical, and totally unsupportable, this notion is far more comforting to live out one's life with than the truth is.

They are incapable of accepting death for what it is bc they weren't brought up to think that they HAD to. In truth, as long as they cling to their goofy beliefs, they can and do go on merrily through their whole lives believing that their consciousness floats out of their deceased body and straight up to the bosom of Jesus or something like that.

So, as long as they don't harm anyone with their beliefs and they don't try to get ME to believe it, let them go happily along, sInging "Bringing In the Sheaves. " They will anyhow.....